As with all surgical procedures, when you have liposuction, there are possible side effects and the risk of complications.
Side effects
Side effects of liposuction can include:
- bad bruising, especially in patients who have a tendency to bleed or who have been taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs
- swelling, which may not settle for up to six months
- inflammation of the treated areas
- fluid coming from the cuts (incisions)
- scars from the cuts (incisions)
- thrombophlebitis (an inflammation of the veins), which is common inside the knee and on the inside of the upper thigh when these areas are treated
- swollen ankles
Complications
Any major operation runs the risk of infection and excessive bleeding. Antibiotics may be needed to help prevent infection.
Other complications specific to liposuction include:
- thrombosis - the clotting of blood within a blood vessel, which can obstruct or stop the flow of blood
- lumpy and uneven results after the fat has been removed
- bleeding under the skin - known as haematoma
- pulmonary embolism - a potentially fatal blockage in the lungs caused by a blood clot
- numbness in the treated area that may last for months
- damage to the internal organs from the procedure
- a build-up of fluid in the lungs - known as pulmonary oedema, which can occur as a result of the fluid injected into the body
- changes in skin colour and a loss of normal feeling in the area treated if the ultrasound method is used
