Many women and men view liposuction as a quick and easy way to eliminate excess fat and reshape their bodies. But it’s far more involved and serious than most people assume.
Despite its elective nature, lipo is still surgery and carries a number of risks that can affect appearance and health. In rare cases, liposuction may even result in death.
If you are considering liposuction, continue reading to learn about possible lipo complications and how patients can minimize their risk.
Possible Lipo Complications
While lipo has become an extremely popular cosmetic treatment, it is important for patients to remember that it’s a surgical procedure, with associated risks. Complications can range from mild and temporary to severe and even fatal.
Here are several lipo complications that you should consider prior to undergoing surgery.
- Hematoma or seroma, which occurs when blood or serum leak into a closed space
- Skin necrosis, also known as tissue death
- Adverse drug reactions to general or local anesthesia
- Nerve damage
- Pulmonary edema, which is accumulation of fluid in the lungs. It is more likely when patients are given excessive IV fluids during and after liposuction.
- Pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot that travels to the lungs
- Death
What Factors Contribute to Lipo Complications?
Aesthetic experts have determined four factors that can increase the chance of lipo complications.
Poor patient health is one issue that can result in intra- or post-operative difficulties. Accordingly, individuals contemplating liposuction should be healthy adults with reasonable expectations.
Excessive fat removal as well as too much fluid and local anesthesia in one procedure can also contribute to lipo complications.
Finally, combining lipo with other procedures in one surgical session can put patients at risk for a variety of problems and should be avoided.
How to Minimize Lipo Risks and Adverse Effects?
Fortunately, there are precautions that patients can take to limit lipo complications:
- Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing liposuction.
- Have reasonable expectations for the treatment and ensure that you are a good candidate. This includes understanding that lipo is not a cure for obesity.
Additionally, women and men seeking a slimmer and more defined physique can avoid lipo complications entirely by undergoing a nonsurgical fat removal procedure like CoolSculpting.
CoolSculpting is performed in an office setting and can permanently eliminate up to 24% of fat without incisions, anesthesia, or downtime.
Learn More About Nonsurgical Fat Removal with CoolSculpting
If you are interested in a noninvasive alternative to liposuction, please call our office today to schedule a CoolSculpting consultation with one of our highly skilled and experienced providers.
