Liposuction

 

Making an Informed Decision about Liposuction

 
All cosmetic procedures require careful consideration and it is sensible to discuss the options with your GP who may be able to recommend reputable surgeons. Side-effects are the unwanted but mostly temporary effects of a successful procedure, for example, feeling sick as a result of the general anaesthetic. 

 

Anyone having liposuction can expect:

 

  • Bruising, which can be painful and usually takes about a month to disappear.
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  • Lumpiness or swelling, which may not completely settle for up to six months.
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  • Scars, typically 1cm long, pink and noticeable at first, which should usually become finer after a few weeks.
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  • Thrombophlebitis (inflammation of the veins - not the same as thrombosis) around the inside of your knees and inner part of your upper thighs if these areas are treated, which should settle after a few weeks.
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  • Swollen ankles.
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Following surgery, it is important to remain adequately hydrated by the intake of fluids like fruit juices and water.
If you have large areas treated or are prone to anaemia, you may need to take iron tablets for about a month after the operation.

Risks

Complications are unexpected problems that can occur during or after the liposuction procedure, and most people are not affected by them.  The main complications of any operation are bleeding during or soon after the procedure, infection and an abnormal reaction to the anaesthetic.  It is also possible for a blood clot to develop in a vein in the legs - a deep vein thrombosis or DVT.  Specific complications of liposuction are rare but can include:

 

  • Seromas: the development of fluid-filled areas under the skin, which may need to be drained with a needle.
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  • Fat embolism: fat getting into one of the blood vessels, which could travel in the veins and cause a blockage in the lungs.
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  • Altered sensation: numbness or abnormal sensation in the treated area that can last for several months, but can be permanent.
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  • Damage to internal organs, which may require surgery to repair and can have serious consequences.
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  • Major disruption of the fluid balance of the body due to fluid being injected and sucked out, which in very rare cases can cause breathing problems and have serious consequences.
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  • Keloids: unusually red or raised scars (called keloid scars) which some people have an genetic tendency to form.
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  • An unexpected allergic reaction to the fluid used for wet liposuction.
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  • Uneven surface of skin or lumps.
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  • Asymmetrical results.
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  • Loose skin (empty bag appearance).
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The chance of complications depends on the type of Liposuction procedure that is being performed.   Your surgeon will explain how the risks apply to you.

 

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