Is Liposuction safe? Facts to consider
The question, “is liposuction safe?” Consistently runs through the minds of intending patients and interested persons alike. This article sheds light on some facts you should know about liposuction. It would help inform you on its safety and other need-to-know items. Many cosmetic or plastic surgery procedures exist to help you achieve your goals of feeling better in your skin. Liposuction is one popular procedure frequently done for body contouring purposes.
During liposuction, the fat is removed by suction from specific areas of the body. The general goal is to redefine body contours that are not responding to diet and exercise. Although you may lose some pounds after, liposuction should not be considered a weight loss procedure.
The most common areas of liposuction are the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs.
Liposuction cannot do the following
It cannot remove extreme amounts of weight. Generally, the amount of fat removed during a normal lipo surgery ranges from one to 10 pounds.
Secondly, liposuction will usually not reduce the appearance of cellulite.
The typical candidates for liposuction
- Patients who are at or near their ideal weight and aren’t obese are the best candidates for liposuction.
- They should have areas of fat that haven’t improved despite weight loss attempts.
- It’s also recommended they have a stable weight for at least six months before the procedure.
- Non-smokers in good health with realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcome.
- An ideal liposuction candidate will also have good skin elasticity and muscle tone. If a patient has plenty of loose skin hanging from a recent weight loss, liposuction may only worsen the problem.
The following conditions may hinder a patient’s chances of getting the procedure:
- Morbid obesity
- Current smoker
- Advanced age
- Medical conditions that make surgery riskier
- Use of blood thinning medications that have to be continued
Potential complications of the procedure
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and possible complications. For liposuction, these include:
- Excessive bleeding or hematoma
- Necrosis (death of the tissue)
- Fat clots (when fat goes into the bloodstream and lodges in blood vessels)
- Anesthesia risks
- Persistent swelling or pain
- Asymmetry
- Changes in skin sensation
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and organs
- Unfavorable scarring, skin discoloration, contour irregularities, sagging of the skin, or other unsatisfactory aesthetic results
- Need for more surgery
Complementary procedures
Since many women look to liposuction as a way to balance out the proportions of the body, it is often done together with a breast augmentation or breast lift.
Furthermore, for patients who also have loose skin in addition to excess fat in some areas, a tummy tuck or body lift procedure may be performed to improve overall results. Discuss with your health provider via your health concierge what is possible according to your case.
Recovery from liposuction surgery
After the procedure, you will likely receive a compression garment. This is to control swelling in the treated areas and help your skin conform to your new body shape.
You will also likely be discharged after a few hours. Unless your surgeon determines the need for an overnight stay. Your health concierge will arrange for transportation. And ensure you’re not alone for at least 24 hours after.
Most patients can return to non-strenuous work, such as a desk job, after just two to three days. However, strenuous work or exercise should not be resumed for at least two to three weeks. Depending on the extent of your procedure and which areas were operated on.
