Reduce the Risk of Liposuction Side Effects By Vishnu Rumalla on March 25, 2014

Though liposuction is not major surgery, there are some risks associated with this procedure. Liposuction is a plastic surgery treatment that can improve the appearance of trouble areas like the inner thighs and upper arms. However, it is important to understand the full implications of this treatment, including possible side effects. Fort Worth liposuction patients can help reduce their risk of complication by understanding the side effects of liposuction.

Liposuction Risks and Side Effects

Though when it comes to plastic surgery, liposuction is one of the less invasive procedures, it does come with potential risks and side effects. Some of these include:

Tissue swelling: Swelling is to be expected following liposuction treatment but should reduce within the first week of treatment. Swelling that worsens or does not resolve should be brought to your doctor's immediate attention as it could be a sign of infection or other complication.
Bruising: Bruising should also be expected immediately following liposuction treatment. Like swelling, bruising should resolve throughout the recovery process. Some may not see bruising fully resolve until a few weeks after surgery.
Scarring: As with all procedures requiring an incision, liposuction may result in some scarring.
Temporary skin numbness: Temporary skin numbness is another potential side effect of liposuction. For most, skin numbness will wear off as the body recovers.
Lumpy, uneven appearance: In rare cases, liposuction can lead to uneven pockets of fat beneath the skin, resulting in a lumpy, dimpled look.
Nerve damage: Nerve damage is a rare risk of liposuction and in some cases the damage is permanent.
Infection: Infection can occur if incisions are not cared for properly and cleaned as directed.
Blood clots: Developing blood clots after liposuction can occur as a result of extended bed rest. If blood clots develop in the legs, they can travel up the veins and potentially to the lungs, resulting in a pulmonary embolism.
Cardiac problems: Though extremely rare, cardiac problems can occur following liposuction.

Reducing the Risks and Side Effects of Liposuction

Reducing the risks and side effects of liposuction begins with choosing an experienced surgeon as well as disclosing your medical history and any medications you take to your surgeon. Here are some tips to help reduce the likelihood of risks and side effects:

Follow Instructions: Following all pre- and post-surgical instructions can greatly reduce your risk of developing side effects like infection as well as help reduce recovery time.
Choose an experienced surgeon: Though liposuction seems minor, it is still a surgical procedure best performed by a surgeon who has extensive experience in the field.
Disclose your medical history: Be sure to disclose your medical history to your surgeon along with any medications you may be on. Certain health issues or medication interactions can result in major complications following liposuction.
Stop smoking before surgery and during recovery: Smoking can lead to complications, as it greatly inhibits the body's ability to heal. If you are a smoker, be sure to stop smoking at least two weeks before surgery and throughout your recovery.