Liposuction is a major surgical procedure. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. Tumescent liposuction has made the liposuction
procedure safer. The following represent a list of the possible complications of liposuction:
EXPECTED
Bruising. Many persons will get some bruising after liposuction. For most, bruising is mild and occasionally moderate in severity.
Bruising typically lasts days to weeks. Some studies suggest that leaving the entry sites (holes through which the fat is removed
using liposuction cannulas) open to drain will result in less bruising. Of course, this may result in a more visible scar. Additionally,
recent studies have shown that power liposuction may result in less bruising for the first few days following liposuction, although
there has been no difference in final result.
Numbness. Many people will have some numbness in the treated areas that may last several months. Rarely, numbness can be long lasting
or permanent. This may occur with damage to a nerve. Numbness may be more common with internal ultrasonic liposuction.
Discomfort. Most patients will have some degree of discomfort after liposuction. This is usually mild and well-controlled using prescription
pain medication. Rarely, the discomfort can last one week or longer.
Fluid Collections beneath the skin (seroma). Occasionally fluid may collect beneath the skin following liposuction. It has been theorized
that may occur more frequently when larger diameter cannulas are used. These collections may require drainage using a needle and syringe,
which is usually painless.
Skin Breakdown. Areas of skin can open and become weepy after liposuction. Some believe that this is more likely with ultrasonic liposuction
or superficial tumescent liposuction. This is not common, and rarely heals with scarring.
Swelling. As saltwater is used with tumescent liposuction, swelling can occur after the procedure. This does not occur commonly, and
is most common in the legs. If the mons (pubic area and area just above this) is treated in women, there may be swelling of the labia
(lips of the vagina) that can be pronounced.
Infection. Following tumescent liposuction, infection is exceedingly rare. It is unknown exactly why, but some surgeons have theorized
that the ruptured fat cells that are left behind following tumescent liposuction results in inflammation that makes it difficult for
bacteria to grow. Others have theorized that the tumescent fluid used in tumescent anesthesia has antibacterial properties that inhibit
infection. Whether or not either of these is true has not been proven. Despite this, most patients receive antibiotics before or during
the liposuction procedure, that further reduces the risk of infection. Nevertheless, as with any surgical procedure it is possible
to get an infection that could result in the need for hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics and major surgery. This is exceedingly
rare!
Bleeding. With tumescent liposuction, bleeding is rarely a problem. Perforation of blood vessels or irritation of muscle is possible,
although rare, that results in bleeding. These complications may be more common with ultrasonic liposuction, power liposuction, and
the use of small diameter cannulas (2-3 mm). Bleeding may result in the need for hospitalization, blood transfusions, and surgery.
Scarring. This rarely occurs after liposuction, but has been reported. Typically scarring may result if there is skin breakdown. Patients
who are prone to keloid formation may develop keloids in the treated areas, although this is uncommon. Small scars will develop at
the entry sites and are usually small (<1/4 inch).
Perforation of an internal organ. This is rare, although has occurred. Typically this occurs due to inexperience of the surgeon. Use
of a smaller diameter cannula, ultrasonic liposuction, or power liposuction may increase the risk of this complication.
Death. There have been several deaths reported with liposuction. Most of these deaths have occurred when excessive amounts of fat
have been removed, large amounts of tumescent fluid have been used, liposuction was performed with other procedures (i.e. tummy tuck,
facelift, breast augmentation), and due to surgeon error (i.e. perforation of an internal organ. In general, tumescent liposuction
is an extremely safe procedure when performed on an appropriate patient, when a reasonable amount of fat is removed, when it is not
combined with multiple procedures, and when performed by a surgeon who is experienced.
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09/26/07
