Understanding Liposuction Risks

     Liposuction permanently removes fat in isolated areas of the body that results in a well-sculpted and improved body contour. While current liposuction techniques have greatly improved and are considered much safer, it is important to remember that liposuction is a surgical procedure and as with any type of surgery, it is not without its risks. Those who are interested in getting a liposuction should be fully aware of liposuction risks and be completely willing to deal with them should they happen.

Consider the following liposuction risks before making a final decision:
The risk of infections is present after a surgical procedure since bacteria can enter surgical wounds and incisions in the body. This is why doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to liposuction patients.

Skin and tissue burns: These liposuction risks may occur during ultrasonic liposuction, as the probe that generates the ultrasound may overheat with too much ultrasonic energy.

Seroma or fluid buildup on the treated area may occur after liposuction as a result of the body responding to injury. Seroma creates bulges and skin irregularities. It is removed by draining the fluid with a needle and may take several visits to the doctor.

Necrosis or death of skin or tissue may happen when blood vessels become injured stopping the supply of oxygen to the affected area. Necrotic skin changes in color and usually turns black and then it peels off, which may lead to bacterial infections. The affected tissues will have to be removed.

Pulmonary or fat embolism, which occurs when bits of fat come loose, enter the bloodstream, find its way to the lungs, or sometimes the brain. Symptoms may be difficulty or shortness of breathing.
Pulmonary edema or fluid build up in the lungs, which may occur if the doctor excessively replenishes the fluid lost during liposuction.
Damage to internal organs: Internal organs may be accidentally punctured as the surgeon moves the cannula or the suction tube inside the treatment area.
Overdose from Lidocaine. Lidocaine is a local anesthesia often used in liposuction, to numb the skin over the treatment area. The most common liposuction technique, which is tumescent liposuction, involves injecting the patient with large amounts of fluid that contains Lidocaine. This may cause overdose of this drug, which can be toxic.
Death: Different studies have been done to investigate how high the risk of fatality from liposuction is and the results differ greatly from estimates of as few as 3 up to 100 incidences of death out of every 100,000 liposuction surgeries done. While there may be no exact figure to indicate the number of actual deaths resulting from liposuction, the fact that it happens should make interested individuals give liposuction a serious consideration.

Other liposuction risks include swelling, scarring, sagging skin, skin discoloration, and numbness. Liposuction scars are permanent and may darken if greatly exposed to the sun. Swelling and numbness should be gone within a few weeks. Significant swelling and numbing that continues for several weeks or months should be checked by a doctor.

Liposuction risks, whether common or rare, can be significantly reduced by ensuring that the procedure will be performed only by a board-certified and experienced liposuction surgeon. Liposuction should also be done in a certified surgical center or hospital that is properly equipped to handle any possible complications.

After learning about liposuction risks, you will be more informed in making your decision and become better prepared should you decide to go on with a liposuction surgery.

1. Prev:How Appetite Suppressant Reviews Help Your Weight Loss Campaign
2. Next:Concealing the Age and the Years with Cosmetic Face Lift Surgery