Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes unwanted fat. Liposuction is the most common cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States, according to MayoClinic.com. It is most commonly performed on the thighs, abdomen, hips and flanks. Incisions are made and a thin, hollow rod called a cannula is inserted. The cannula creates tunnels through the fat, which is then suctioned out. The dangers of liposuction of the thighs is similar to its dangers elsewhere on the body. People seeking liposuction should always choose a board certified plastic surgeon.
Venous Thromboembolism
One of the dangers of liposuction is the development of a venous thromboembolism, or blood clot. A thromboembolism that that travels to the lung is the leading cause of death after liposuction, according to an article by Mitchel Seruya, M.D. and Stephen B. Baker, D.D.S., M.D. in and article titled "Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Plastic
Surgery Patients" in the September 2008 issue of the journal "Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons." Patients undergoing large-volume liposuction surgeries face a 1.7 percent chance of developing a clot. The highest risk period for death is from three to seven days after surgery, resulting from pulmonary embolism, or a clot that travels to the lung. Approximately 10 percent of pulmonary embolisms are fatal within one hour of the first symptoms. The authors recommend that plastic surgeons institute preventive measures prior to surgery.
Fat Embolism
During liposuction, fat is broken up with the cannula and then removed with suction. Blood vessels may also be broken during this procedure. A piece of fat can enter the bloodstream through one of the broken vessels and travel to the lungs or brain, possibly resulting in serious disability or death, according to Dr. Michael A. Pasquale D.O., a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Fat embolism is extremely rare, Dr. Pasquale notes.
Anesthesia Reactions
Prior to liposuction surgery, the surgeon may inject the area to be treated with lidocaine, a local anesthetic, and epinephrine, a vasoconstrictor, to reduce pain, bleeding and bruising. Toxicity can result, causing symptoms such as numbness of the lips, drowsiness, slurred speech, restlessness, muscle twitching, shivering, convulsions and even death from cardiac arrest, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. General anesthesia also carries risks for liposuction patients, just as with other types of surgery.
References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: The Skinny on Liposuction
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: MOC-PSSM CME Article: Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Plastic Surgery Patients
- MayoClinic.com: Body Fat Removal (Liposuction) at Mayo Clinic
- Dr. Michael A. Pasquale, D.O.: Liposuction Complications
- Law.com: Jury Awards $20.5 Million for Fatal Liposuction
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