Liposuction Risks

Liposuction Surgery And Its Associated Complications And Risks

The results of liposuction surgeries have always been largely good. But, like all other medical procedures, some risks are involved here as well.

Post-surgery infection is one of the most common liposuction risks. Physicians may or may not prescribe antibiotics to patient after the surgery for this matter. Here, the most important thing is to maintain cleanliness around the treated area. Some of the serious infections are necrotizing fasciitis (tissue being eaten away by bacteria) and toxic shock syndrome, another bacterial infection.

Embolism occurs when loose fat enters the patient’s ruptured blood vessels after liposuction. They might also get stuck up in one’s lungs or travel till their brains. Pulmonary Emboli (fat clotting in lungs) is marked by difficulty in breathing and may cause permanent damage if not treated in time, thereby making it more serious as compared to other liposuction risks.

Some of the less harmful but common liposuction risks are swelling, burns and seroma. Burns usually occur when a hot ultrasonic probe is used for liposuction. Seroma refers to a condition in which the blood serum gets pooled up in and around the tissue-less treated areas. The skin may die out or become necrotic. This may lead to a change in the skin color and ultimately falling off. This may be followed by infection with micro-orgarnisms or bacteria.

The biggest problem for liposuction surgeons is the fact that the proble or cannula is not always visible during the procedure, which might accidentally damage or puncture the internal organs. Such visceral perforations should be immediately corrected with surgery. Nerve compression in the treated area might cause alternate sensations, increased pain or numbness in that area.

Lidocaine is the primary local anesthetic used during liposuction. Its high doses may cause light-headedness, drowsiness, restlessness, slurred speech, tinnitis (ringing sensation in ears), numbness, muscle twitching, shivering and convulsions. Heart attacks have also been reported due to overdose of lidocaine.

Liposuction surgeries involve injection of large quantities of fluid into one’s body to replace the fat tissue. This may cause fluid imbalance resulting in conditions like fluid getting collected in lungs, heart problems and kidney problems. Though the fatality rate of liposuction surgeries is quite low but some of the liposuction risks should surely be taken seriously. Liposuction risks are most when other surgeries are performed along with liposuction.

Liposuction is a cosmetic treatment and hence, is not mandatory. Do weigh out all the risks and possibilities before going for one.