Liposuction surgery is the procedure of removing fat with the use of a suction device from certain areas of the body such as the face, chin, neck, upper arms, abdomen, buttocks, hips, waist, thighs, and legs. There are several important aspects and considerations you may want to research before getting this type of procedure.

Before The Surgery

First, the surgeon will have to determine your state of health and then identify the areas of fat to be treated. The surgeon will also have to look at your skin type or tone.

In addition, the surgeon should thoroughly discuss with you the procedure of liposuction surgery including the risks involved and other options or methods of fat removal that may work for you as well.

Be sure to relate to your surgeon any questions or concerns you might have. Be honest about your goals and expectations. Inform your surgeon of any significant detail that may affect the procedure such as any medications that you are taking. Your surgeon will instruct you on what you should or should not do before the liposuction surgery including what food, drink and medications are safe to take.

During the Surgery

Liposuction surgery starts with the surgeon cutting a small opening on the area to be treated where the cannula will be inserted. The surgeon uses this instrument to go under the layers of fat, break them down and suction them out of the body.

Usually, liposuction surgery is performed under local anesthesia to numb the area. General anesthesia is given to patients during an extensive liposuction surgery.

Liposuction surgery is performed in a hospital, surgeons office or an outpatient surgery facility. Unless the liposuction surgery is extensive, you do not have to stay at the hospital after the surgery.

After the Surgery

You will experience soreness, swelling and bruising after the liposuction surgery.

Usually, you will be asked to wear tight elastic garments for several weeks to provide compression to the area and reduce swelling. You may also have to take antibiotics as prescribed by your surgeon.

You may able to return to work in as short as 2 days or as much as a couple of weeks. Your surgeon will closely monitor your recovery and advise you when you may be able to resume other normal activities.

Understanding Liposuction Risks

Liposuction permanently removes fat in isolated areas of the body that results in a well-sculpted and improved body contour. While current liposuction techniques have greatly improved and are considered much safer, it is important to remember that liposuction is a surgical procedure and as with any type of surgery, it is not without its risks.

Consider These 4 Liposuction Risks Before You Make A Final Decision

1. Skin and tissue burns: These liposuction risks may occur during ultrasonic liposuction, as the probe that generates the ultrasound may overheat with too much ultrasonic energy.

2. Seroma or fluid buildup on the treated area may occur after liposuction as a result of the body responding to injury. Seroma creates bulges and skin irregularities. Pulmonary edema or fluid build up in the lungs, which may occur if the doctor excessively replenishes the fluid lost during liposuction.

3. Damage to internal organs: Internal organs may be accidentally punctured as the surgeon moves the cannula or the suction tube inside the treatment area.

4. Lidocaine is a local anesthesia often used in liposuction, to numb the skin over the treatment area. The most common liposuction technique, which is tumescent liposuction, involves injecting the patient with large amounts of fluid that contains Lidocaine. This may cause overdose of this drug, which can be toxic.

Other liposuction risks include swelling, scarring, sagging skin, skin discoloration, and numbness. Liposuction scars are permanent and may darken if greatly exposed to the sun.

Liposuction risks, whether common or rare, can be significantly reduced by ensuring that the procedure will be performed only by a board-certified and experienced liposuction surgeon.

After learning about liposuction risks, you will be more informed in making your decision and become better prepared should you decide to go on with a liposuction surgery.