What are the risks associated with liposuction surgery?

There are risks, but they are pretty rare. Here is the comprehensive list I give my patients:

a. There are small scars as a result of this surgery. Every effort will be made to conceal or to make them as inconspicuous as possible. Scars may be unattractive and of a different color than the surrounding skin. Scar appearance may vary within the same scar, and may be asymmetrical from one side of the body to the other. Additional treatments, including surgery, may be required to treat abnormal scarring. Although very uncommon, skin discoloration around the scars may persist for long periods of time and may be permanent.

b. There may be bruising from blood or fluid collections that can last for up to several weeks. These may feel like soft or hard bumps under the skin. Rarely this requires drainage with a needle or more extensive reoperation.

c. It is possible, although unusual, to experience bleeding during or after surgery. Lengthening of the initial small surgical incisions may be required to control the bleeding. The development of a collection of blood under the skin (hematoma) may require reoperation and may delay healing and cause scarring. I understand that the risk of bleeding can be lessened by following instructions on the Medications to Avoid  page, which I have read.

d. Chronic pain may occur very infrequently from nerves becoming trapped in scar tissue.

e. There will be swelling after the surgery. The results of the liposuction will not be immediately evident. Although changes in body contour can usually be noticed within one or two weeks, the full result of the procedure cannot be determined for at least six months. Irregularities of the skin may be seen after liposuction, specifically bruising, rippling, or small areas where the skin appears dented inward. These often resolve with time, but may require a secondary surgery, and may not be completely correctable.

f. Deeper structures, such as the intestines, other internal organs, nerves, blood vessels, and muscles may be damaged during the course of surgery. Injury to deeper structures may be temporary or permanent.

g. Blood clots are rare, but may occur after any surgery. I understand that the risk of blood clots can be lessened by following instructions on the Risk of Blood Clots page, which I have read.

h. Rarely, there may be allergic reactions to tape, sutures, tissue glues, blood products, or injected agents that may be used during and after surgery. Serious reactions, including shock, may occur to drugs used during surgery and to the prescriptions given for after surgery.

i. The body is by nature asymmetrical, and therefore symmetrical results cannot be assured. Additional surgery may be required to improve symmetry

Who is a good candidate for liposuction?

A person in good health without too much excess, hanging skin.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a great body contouring procedure when there is not too much excess skin. I use the new Tickle Lipo tumescent technique (see the youtube video link on the homepage). This fantastic device allows me to perform the procedure in the office, without heavy sedation or anesthesia. There is less bruising and swelling than the traditional liposuction technique, and the downtime is only 1 or 2 days. I like Tickle Lipo more than the laser liposuction devices because it does not generate heat, which can damage the skin. Liposuction is not a weight reducing procedure, only gastric bypass or lap band surgeries are. Liposuction is simply a contouring procedure and the weight of the fat removed is surprisingly low for the amount of correction in volume. Liposuction does not take care of cellulite.