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What are the Dangers of Liposuction?
Liposuction is a form of cosmetic surgery used to remove fat and contour specific areas of the body using a suction technique. As with any surgery, there are dangers of liposuction, ranging from common side effects to rare and life threatening risks. Understanding these dangers and the likelihood of their occurrence is an important part of making an informed medical decision about getting liposuction. Dangers of liposuction include shock, infection, fat embolism, and blood clots, among others. Soft tissue, nerve, or organ damage can also occur.
The most common liposuction side effects are swelling and mild bruising. Irregularities in healing, uneven fat removal, and skin with poor elasticity can result in asymmetry, however. Asymmetry is the appearance of lumpy or wavy areas in or around the treatment site. During the healing process, uneven swelling can give the appearance of asymmetry but is not permanent. True asymmetry is permanent, and while it is one of the dangers of liposuction, it is only cosmetic and does not affect physical health.
Fluid levels in the body have a tremendous impact on the outcome of liposuction. In terms of the dangers of liposuction, a drop in fluid levels can cause shock, while increases cause fluid overload. Drastic changes in fluid levels create strain on vital organs such as the kidneys and heart. As such, shock and overload can lead to life threatening dangers. The larger the area or the more numerous the injection points, the higher the chance of liposuction risks to vital organs due to fluid level shifts.
The human body responds to invasive procedures in a variety of ways. Any time the internal workings of the body are invaded, the risk of unforeseen damage increases. Fat embolisms and seromas are examples of such dangers of liposuction. Seromas are small pockets of fluid that develop under the skin and require draining. Fat embolisms are bits of loose fat that break away after surgery and float through the body. Seromas are a mild side effect while fat embolisms can be life threatening if they travel to the lungs or brain.
Infections are an inherent risk of any surgical procedure. Strep and staph infections are not uncommon, especially since liposuction involves opening the skin and exposing it to germs. Likewise, internal bleeding, blood clots, and the risk of nerve damage are also inherent risks to any surgery. In preparing for liposuction, patients should understand the risks of these complications, how to avoid them, and what signs to watch for should they occur.
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![Dangers of liposuction to remove excess fat include shock, infection and embolisms.]()
By: ohmega1982Dangers of liposuction to remove excess fat include shock, infection and embolisms. -
![Certain types of undergarments can be worn to lend a sleek appearance to a flabby stomach in lieu of liposuction.]()
By: photo25thCertain types of undergarments can be worn to lend a sleek appearance to a flabby stomach in lieu of liposuction. -
![Doctors should create a sterile field before liposuction, in order to reduce the risk of infection.]()
By: Tyler OlsonDoctors should create a sterile field before liposuction, in order to reduce the risk of infection.
Discussion Comments
I have heard from people who have liposuction that following surgery the pain is considerable, much greater than they expected. Recovery can be a relatively long process with considerable discomfort.
I have a neighbor who says that while the pain was intense, she would go through it again if she could be guaranteed that the weight issues would be taken care of once and for all.
Unfortunately for her, she has had a particularly bothersome side effect from the surgery. She says fat has begun to come back in unusual places, so that she has pockets of fat where you would not expect to have pockets of fat.
The dangers of liposuction are scary; so scary that I wouldn't advise anyone to have the procedure simply for cosmetic reasons. However, for people who are dangerously overweight, and who have tried many ways to lose weight without success, liposuction might be worth considering.
After liposuction, individuals may find that they are better able to exercise because of the reduction in weight, and this can promote better health habits and better physical and mental health. After a liposuction procedure a person's body may be better able to control cholesterol levels.
The cost of liposuction and the perception that it is a procedure for the vain and wealthy have led to the procedure being cast in a negative light. I know liposuction is not for everyone, and, as the article points out, there are plenty of risks associated with the procedure, but these risks should be weighed against the positive aspects of the procedure.
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