General Surgical Risks
Certain general risks associated with all surgical procedures apply to liposuction as well. These include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Anesthesia risks
- Scarring
- Bruising
Specific Liposuction Risks
There are certain risks that are unique to liposuction procedures. While rare, these risks vary according to the technique used as well as the skill level and experience of your plastic surgeon. Risks specifically associated with liposuction include:
- Skin irregularities – Your skin may look bumpy or wavy as a result of poor skin elasticity or uneven fat removal. Post-operative massage is an effective way to smooth the treatment region and reduce your risk of this complication.
- Altered skin sensitivity – This complication is common and often occurs as part of the healing process. However, it is usually temporary. You may experience either numbness or increased tenderness in the treatment region following surgery which will gradually subside in two to four months. Massaging the region will improve blood circulation and facilitate a quicker recovery of normal skin sensation.
- Loose skin – Patients with poor skin elasticity may develop loose skin following their liposuction procedure. Dr. Harrell can easily address this issue by performing a procedure to tighten the loose skin.
- Fat embolism – This rare but serious complication can occur if a piece of loose fat gets trapped in a blood vessel and becomes lodged in the lungs or brain. Symptoms include shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. If you notice these symptoms after your procedure, seek medical treatment immediately.
For additional information, please read our Questions about Liposuction page.
Minimizing Liposuction Complications
Liposuction complications can be minimized by disclosing your full medical history to your plastic surgeon before your procedure, discussing any medications you regularly take, quitting smoking, and diligently following all aftercare instructions. However, the best way to minimize complications is to work with a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing liposuction procedures.
Miami plastic surgeon Dr. Jon Harrell has more than 25 years of experience performing liposuction procedures. He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and has performed over 2,000 liposuction procedures throughout his career. Dr. Harrell uses the most advanced liposuction techniques available, including tumescent liposuction, ultrasonic liposuction, and SmartLipo to ensure your procedure is performed safely and achieves beautiful results.
Please contact The Weston Center for Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery today to schedule your initial liposuction consultation. Dr. Jon Harrell serves patients in Miami, Weston, Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, and Davie, Florida.
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