Cosmetic procedures have become more popular and mainstream in recent years. However, questions about their safety and potential risks remain common. In this blog, we explore liposuction in detail along with liposuction risks, complications, and considerations so prospective patients can make an informed choice.
What Is Liposuction?
“Lipo” stands for fat cells or fats. Simply put, a liposuction procedure is the removal of the fat deposits which are stubborn under the skin by suction.
Patients usually want to have liposuction to remove localized fat deposits and improve the contours and shape of the body. Some of the common areas where people choose to have liposuction include the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, etc.
Due to the highly sought-after nature of this procedure, many people think that there are no risks or dangers of liposuction. This is not true and it is essential to understand the after effects of liposuction to make a well-informed decision.
What Are The Types of Liposuction?
There are a number of liposuction methods. However the most common methods are tumescent liposuction, ultrasound-assisted liposuction, VASER liposuction, suction-assisted liposuction. Among those methods, your experienced surgeon will determine the most suitable method for you.
What to Expect From a Liposuction Procedure?
Depending on its extent, your surgeon might either use general or local anaesthesia. Although there are many types of liposuction, the basic method and steps are usually the same.
Once the anesthesia takes effect, the doctor inserts a steel cannula under the skin by using an incision. This cannula liquefies the stubborn fat deposits, which are then sucked out with a suction pipe. When the fat is removed, the cannula is withdrawn and the incision is sutured.
Is Liposuction Safe?
Liposuction is usually considered “minimally invasive”. The frequent use of this term has led many prospective patients to believe that this procedure is risk-free and there are no post liposuction complications or side effects.
It is important to consider that regardless of how invasive it is, liposuction is still a surgical procedure. It carries some risks like the other procedures. Its safety and effectiveness are increased when conducted by an expert, in a state-of-the-art and reliable surgical facility.
What Are The Risks of Liposuction Procedure?
The dangers of liposuction procedure are as follows:
- Infection
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Pain/discomfort
- Discharge at the incision site
- Bleeding
- Skin discoloration
- Loss of sensation
- Uneven contours of the target area
- Anesthesia side effects (rare)
- Deep venous thrombosis (rare)
- Fat emboli (rare)
The incidence of these liposuction risks increases with the size and extent of the target area and the duration of the fat removal.
What Are the Complications of Liposuction?
A liposuction is a relatively safe procedure when done by an experienced surgeon and in a hygienic clinic. However, potential complications can be categorized as immediate or long term effects of liposuction, based on when they arise following the procedure. These include:
Immediate Complications
Pain
Pain or discomfort is among the most common risks of liposuction. Patients are prescribed pain medications for relief. Pain at the surgical site that lasts longer than two weeks may be a sign of infection.
Swelling/Bruising
As after effects of liposuction, bruising and swelling exist due to the manipulation of the local structures during liposuction. These are generally temporary. Resistant swelling or bruising for more than two weeks requires evaluation by your surgeon.
Infection/Discharge
Persistent pain, swelling, or wound discharge are signs of an infection. Although rare, it is among the post-liposuction complications and it requires treatment with antibiotics, etc.
Bleeding
Excessive bleeding from the surgical site is problematic and requires immediate evaluation.
Uneven Contours
This occurs due to irregular removal of fat and may lead to outcome dissatisfaction and a need for revision surgery for cosmetic corrections.
Anesthesia Complications
Reactions to anesthesia (local or general) are very rare but they are one of the possible complications for all surgical procedures.
Long Term Complications
Some complications might be long lasting compared to the immediate post liposuction complications.
Permanent Dimpling
If the removal of fat deposits is irregular, it may lead to permanent uneven contours and dimpling in the area. This adversely affects the after effects of liposuction.
Paresthesia
Paresthesia means a sensation like pins and needles or numbness. It is sometimes encountered after a liposuction. Its process depends on the cause, and might be either temporary or permanent.
Scar Formation
The occurrence of excessive scarring or keloid is among the risks of liposuction. This is a rare complication with small incision scars.
Pigmentation
Persistent bruising or scarring may happen in the surgical field and can be counted among post liposuction complications.
Increased Laxity
There is a lot of change in the skin during a liposuction. For patients with low skin elasticity, this may further exacerbate the situation and lead to an increase in laxity.
How to Avoid Post-Liposuction Complications?
The safety and effectiveness of liposuction can be significantly increased by taking several key steps. These include selecting a qualified, certified, and experienced surgeon, ensuring the use of advanced techniques with a low risk of complications, and maintaining an optimal health status before the procedure. It is also important to have realistic goals and expectations for the surgical outcome and to engage in an open, honest discussion with your surgeon to determine the most suitable cosmetic procedure based on your aesthetic goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Liposuction a painful procedure?
With proper anesthesia, a liposuction is a painless cosmetic surgery. Mild postoperative pain and discomfort may occur, which is treated with pain medications. Patients are generally pain-free after the first two weeks post-liposuction
What is the duration of a Liposuction?
The certain duration of the procedure changes from person to person. It is based on the area that will be operated. It ranges from 1 hour to 5 hours or even more.
Who can perform a Liposuction?
A plastic or cosmetic surgeon is the best candidate to perform a liposuction procedure. Although the procedure itself is fairly straightforward, it is always prudent to choose trained and certified surgeons for the best possible outcomes.
How long do the results of a Liposuction last?
The results of a liposuction procedure are fairly long-lasting. The durability of the outcome depends on pre-procedure skin elasticity, post-liposuction weight management, and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.
