Key takeaways

  • Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure to remove fat deposits and improve body shape, not a method for weight loss.
  • The procedure carries significant risks during and after surgery, including potential long-term side effects such as nerve damage.
  • Candidacy for liposuction depends on individual health factors, and a thorough discussion with a board certified plastic surgeon is essential to understand all potential complications.

Liposuction is a plastic surgery procedure that removes extra fat from the body. It’s also called lipo, lipoplasty, or body contouring. It’s considered a popular cosmetic surgery option.

People get liposuction to improve the shape or contours of their bodies. They want to remove excess fat from areas such as the thighs, hips, buttocks, abdomen, arms, neck, or back. Usually, they’ve tried diet and exercise and can’t get rid of these fat deposits.

Liposuction isn’t a weight loss treatment. It has serious risks and possible complications, so it’s important to talk with your doctor before considering it. A plastic surgeon can provide more information about the procedure and its risks. It is not safe for everybody.

Liposuction is a serious surgery with multiple risks. It’s important to discuss all the risks of liposuction with your doctor before having the procedure.

Risks during surgery

The risks during surgery include:

  • puncture wounds or injuries to other organs
  • anesthesia complications
  • burns from equipment, such as ultrasound probes
  • nerve damage
  • shock
  • death

Risks immediately after the procedure

The risks after the procedure include:

  • blood clot in the lungs
  • too much fluid in the lungs
  • fat embolism
  • infections
  • hematoma (bleeding under the skin)
  • seroma (fluid leaking under the skin)
  • edema (swelling)
  • skin necrosis (the death of skin cells)
  • reactions to anesthesia and other medications
  • heart problems
  • death

Risks during recovery

The risks during recovery include:

  • problems with the shape or contours of the body
  • wavy, dimpled, or bumpy skin
  • numbness, bruising, pain, swelling, and soreness
  • infections
  • fluid imbalances
  • scars
  • changes in skin sensation and feeling
  • skin color changes
  • problems with healing

The long-term side effects of liposuction can vary. .

Some people experience permanent nerve damage and changes to skin sensation. Others may develop depressions or indentations in the areas that were suctioned, or may have bumpy or wavy skin that doesn’t go away.

Depending on the area of the body and how much fat will be removed, liposuction may require going under anesthesia for the procedure. This means you won’t feel any pain during the liposuction surgery. However, you’ll feel pain after the procedure. Recovery can also be painful.

Depending on what parts of the body require liposuction, you may have a shorter or longer hospital stay. Some procedures can be done in an outpatient center. It’s common to have pain, swelling, bruising, soreness, and numbness after liposuction.

To minimize pain before the procedure, you can:

  • talk with your doctor about pain concerns
  • discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used
  • ask about any medications you can take before the procedure

To minimize pain after the procedure:

  • take any pain relief medication your surgeon recommends
  • wear the recommended compression garments
  • keep the drains after surgery in place based on your doctor’s recommendations
  • rest and try to relax
  • drink fluids
  • avoid salt, which can increase swelling (edema)

Some people are good candidates for liposuction, and others should avoid it. Talk with your doctor to determine if liposuction is the right option for you. Discuss your concerns with them.

Good candidates for liposuction include people who:

  • don’t have a lot of excess skin
  • have good skin elasticity
  • have good muscle tone
  • have fat deposits that won’t go away with diet or exercise
  • are in good physical shape and overall health
  • don’t smoke

You should avoid liposuction if you:

Liposuction is an elective cosmetic procedure that has major risks. It’s not a substitute for weight loss, and not everyone is a good candidate for it.

Some possible risks during and after the procedure include nerve damage, bleeding, infections, heart problems, and reactions to anesthetic. In serious cases, as with any procedure, it can lead to death.

Make sure you meet with a board certified plastic surgeon and discuss the potential complications and risks before the surgery. They can also advise on ways to help minimize pain and complications during recovery.