5 Things You Need to Know About Liposuction Risks

1. Scar Tissue is Unavoidable

As with any surgical procedure, liposuction will cause permanent scarring. While the severity of scarring will depend on your skin type, the area where fat is being removed and your success in healing, at the very least, minor scarring is expected. Incisions are often placed in inconspicuous areas, for example, in the belly button, along the bikini line, under the breasts, behind the ears or in the skin folds of the knees and thighs.

2. Too Much, Too Fast

The results of liposuction are exciting and you want results fast. Besides, why pay for more than one procedure if the doctor is already in there? Right? Wrong. One of the most common dangers of liposuction is taking too much fat too fast, either from one area or various areas of the body. Excessive fat removal can lead to permanent lumps, skin dents or drooping skin as well as dangerous fluid loss. To avoid complications when removing large stores of fat or working on multiple areas, schedule various liposuction procedures several days or even weeks apart.

3. Possible Complications

While bruising and scarring are expected side effects of liposuction, other more serious complications can also occur. Uneven removal of fat deposits can lead to lumpy skin. Liposuction can cause permanent discolored or sagging skin that may require further plastic surgery to correct. Additionally, the invasive technique of fat removal can severely damage superficial nerves, causing permanent numbness.

4. Severe Complications Are Rare But Possible

Abdominal perforation is one of the most severe liposuction complications and, while rare, does happen. As the surgeon is working, it can be extremely difficult to judge the depth available to work within, which can lead to perforation of the bowels or abdominal wall. Make sure that you choose a physician with lots of experience and a good track record.

5. When Looking Good Costs You Your Life

Unfortunately, 1 in every 10,000 people who undergo liposuction surgery die either during surgery or because of complications in healing. While this is an extremely small percentage, it is important that you discuss all of the risk factors of surgery with your doctor before going under the knife. Make sure that your doctor is aware of your diet and exercise patterns, former surgeries, medications including herbal supplements and any history of complications with blood pressure. Always hire the best surgeon you can find, research her background and weigh the risks and benefits before making your decision.