Liposuction Risks and complications

Anaesthesia

Anaesthesia related to liposuction as well as other surgical interventions carries a small risk on its own and essentially represents the most controlled aspect of any surgical treatment.

Bleeding and bruising

Bleeding and bruising after liposuction tends to be variable and to some extent is proportionate with the volume of reduction through liposuction.

Infection

The risk of infection is relatively low with liposuction, but will be increased by smoking or some medical conditions like diabetes.

Even with the antibiotic therapy it is possible to have an infection and if you believe that the redness in the treatment area is suggesting an infection you should contact your surgeon urgently.

Deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis is the complication of clots in the leg veins that can occur after surgical treatments and the protocols to reduce it include mobilising early, wearing compression stockings and frequently medication that thins the blood.

Pain

Pain after liposuction is usually moderate but will be more significant with larger volume treatments. Some patients have a tendency to prolonged pain response or neuropathic chronic pain after surgical treatments or trauma and will require a different approach in order to improve. Pain specialists are typically involved with the management of this type of problems.

Treatment of post liposuction pain or discomfort is usually achieved with paracetamol and codeine and at discharge from hospital a stronger medication is also provided as backup. It is important to avoid aspirin as it can lead to significant bruising or bleeding.

Numbness

Numbness around the treatment area with liposuction is relatively common and most of the time is self limited.

Asymmetry

Asymmetry is an inevitable characteristic of the human body and liposuction cannot overcome this. At the time of the surgery it is possible to improve some aspects of asymmetry and this is usually covered in the preoperative consultation.

Scars

The scars following liposuction are relatively small, but on occasion may become thick and lumpy or hypertrophic/keloid. If this occurs they will require treatment to improve.

Skin irregularities

Skin irregularities are possible following liposuction and more likely to happen when the skin envelope is thin and less elastic. It represents a concern irrespective of the type of liposuction used.

Over and undercorrection

Over or undercorrection following liposuction is the situation where the contour correction is insufficient or exaggerated. Treatment of undercorrection is typically a repeat liposuction, after a period of time to allow for appropriate settling in the treatment zones; overcorrection may require fat transfer to restore volume and smoothness to the area.

Discolouration

Discolouration is the risk of slight pigmentation over the liposuction treated areas, more likely to be associated with energy assisted techniques in particular in darker skin types.