Liposuction, or lipo, is a body contouring, cosmetic procedure. A suction technique removes fat deposits in localized areas such as the stomach, hips, neck and buttocks. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the ideal patient has excess fat in specific areas, yet her overall weight is stable. An obese, or overweight, person should not receive liposuction. A person with good skin tone and elasticity are ideal candidates for lipo, notes the Mayo Clinic. The results of liposuction are long term, if a person’s weight remains about the same. As with most surgical procedures, there are risks and complications when liposuction is performed.
Irregularities and Imperfections
The liposuction site may look bumpy or wavy after the liposuction procedure, reports the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Additional surgery may be required to adjust irregularities and unevenness of the skin’s shape, yet results are sometimes permanent. Fluid pockets, or seromas, occasionally form under the skin after liposuction and create an uneven appearance. The temporary pockets are drained with a needle.
A person may have expected a different outcome for the procedure. The FDA reminds patients to have reasonable expectations for the procedure and that perfection is not possible. The final results of surgery are not visible for several months; patients should not expect to see immediate results, points out the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery.
Infection
Infections are possible but rare with liposuction. Some surgeons prescribe antibiotic therapy to all patients after lipo to reduce the risk of an infection. Regular wound care prevents bacteria and debris from entering the surgical site. Rare skin infections do occur after liposuction and may become life-threatening. Necrotizing fasciitis occurs when bacteria enters the surgical wound and eats away at the tissue. Toxic shock syndrome, commonly associated with using tampons, is also caused by bacteria entering a wound site after surgery.
Internal Skin Punctures and Fat Embolisms
Punctures occur when the liposuction cannula penetrates deeply into the body and creates a hole in a nearby organ or blood vessel; perforations can be fatal. Though rare, additional surgery is required.
Embolisms that occur when loose fat enters the bloodstream through punctured blood vessels are called fat emboli. The FDA reports pieces of fat may move into the lungs or brain. Permanent disability is possible as well as death.
Sensation Changes
The surgical site may have increased or decreased sensation, or parasthesias, after liposuction. Increased sensitivity or pain may occurr, or the area may have no sensation and feel numb. The FDA reports sensation changes may be irreversible.
