Liposuction surgery is one of the most common cosmetic procedures used to improve the overall look in specific areas of your body. It has successfully boosted patients’ self-esteem and confidence and gives their bodies a more aesthetic and pleasing appearance.
Overall, Liposuction surgery has proven to be a safe and effective surgical procedure for many patients who have had it done.
As with any type of surgery, and depending on your overall physical condition, health, and age, there is always the risk (no matter how minor) of complications. For example, if you are pregnant, have heart problems, or have blood-clotting disorders, you are not a viable candidate for liposuction.
Overall, and as time and improvements to the procedure have progressed, the safety of liposuction for people with several types of health conditions has vastly improved.
These modern technologies, and improvements to the procedure, have been able to minimize the amount of bleeding, swelling, and many other risk factors resulting from the liposuction procedure.
You must note that Liposuction performed as a singular procedure is safe and usually remarkably effective in obtaining the fresh look you expect. However, it is sometimes combined with other procedures, usually performed on more obese or older individuals, which can significantly increase Liposuction complication rates.
Recent statistics show that the approximate complication rate of liposuction is effectively 5%, with most of the complications being minor. These statistics also have revealed that deaths secondary to the Liposuction procedure may be as much as 1 in 5,000 surgeries. However, most of these severe complications involve patients with underlying conditions and other health issues that complicate the procedure.
So, Liposuction is an effective procedure that works for most patients. Also, the best way to prevent complications is to thoroughly discuss your overall health and condition with your experienced and knowledgeable Boston cosmetic surgeon. They will know what questions to ask and do all the tests (If necessary) to ensure that the Liposuction procedure is safe for you to undertake.
What Are Some Common Side Effects of Liposuction Surgery?
If you are even considering liposuction, assuredly, you want to have fat removed from specific parts of your body and expect a more appealing, youthful look. Liposuctions use suction to remove fat from parts of your body, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, or neck. The procedure also may utilize to shape or contour these specific areas.
Also, considering any cosmetic surgical procedure, you must consider the risks involved carefully. Common side effects such as bleeding and reactions to the anesthesia can occur and be controlled, but there are other risks to consider, such as:
- Contour irregularities – After the procedure, your skin may appear bumpy, wavy, or have a withered look due to uneven fat removal, poor skin elasticity, or unusual healing.
- Fluid accumulation – Temporary pockets of fluid (or seromas) may form under your skin. This fluid can be drained, and the condition corrected.
- Numbness – You may have temporary numbness at the site of the Liposuction procedure. Minor and temporary nerve irritation may also be possible.
- Infection – Infections after Liposuction is rare but possible.
- Internal puncture – This is an infrequent side effect when the cannula (or suction tube) penetrates too deeply and punctures an internal organ. Commonly this would require immediate and effective repair.
These are some side effects, and it’s important to note that their incidence is still low.
Overall, you will obtain answers to all your questions and concerns by consulting Liposuction surgery with your Boston and Wellesley plastic surgeon. Most of your concerns and fears will then be mitigated. Your surgeon will evaluate your overall health and specific underlying conditions that may contribute to side effects. If your experienced cosmetic surgeon feels you are unsuitable for the Liposuction procedure, they will tell you so.
Are There Things I Can Do To Make My Liposuction Procedure Even Safer?
Yes, there is, and the first thing to do is consult with your cosmetic surgeon and discuss your current health, medications, medical history, and more.
Some of the most important things to do are:
- Make sure you fully disclose all your medical conditions to your doctor and leave nothing out, no matter how insignificant it may seem. If you omit any medical information, you could risk your health so that you can be approved for the Liposuction procedure.
- Your surgeon will supply you with a detailed list of things to avoid in the two weeks before your procedure. Such things include avoiding aspirins, ibuprofen, other medication, specific supplements, and more.
- Try to complete any physically tasking jobs before doing your liposuction procedure. Remember, during your recovery period, you want to reduce your stress and physical activity and not be cleaning, moving things around your home, and more.
- Attempt to maintain a healthy weight, diet, and exercise regimen that you can continue after the liposuction procedure is completed.
Also, you must follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions to the letter. If you do not, you’re increasing your chance of having a complication!
How Will I Usually Feel After My Liposuction Procedure?
Most patients experience minor pain, swelling, and bruising immediately after their procedure. Your surgeon commonly will prescribe pain medication to use if needed and antibiotics to reduce any possibility of infection.
Some of your incisions may be temporarily left open, and drains may be inserted to promote fluid drainage. Also, you may temporarily wear compression garments to help reduce swelling. These temporary precautions will enhance healing but only last a few weeks or less.
Patients usually wait a few days or a week before returning to work. Commonly your exercise routine can begin within a few weeks after that.
While healing, you might notice some contour irregularities as the remaining fat settles into its final position, but this is also temporary.
I Want to Have a Liposuction Procedure; How Should I Proceed?
As stated, Liposuction is a standard procedure performed thousands of times yearly. It is a proven, safe medical tool that will help you obtain the look you desire and the self-confidence that goes with it.
Always remember, however, that all surgeries have risks. So, first, schedule a consultation exam with a local Boston or Wellesley board-certified cosmetic surgeon and determine if your current health, medical status, and expectations are sound and safe for you. Your experienced medical team will guide you with empathy and professionality and make every effort to ensure you get the results you want safely.