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Risks And Side Effects

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While liposuction is safer than ever before, it does carry some risk which can be minimized by choosing a qualified provider and fulfilling your obligations as a patient. Liposuction can result in skin injury, fluid retention, blood loss and infection. The risk increases with the number of sites treated and the amount of fat removed. The potential for significant fluid and electrolyte imbalances that could result in arrhythmia or shock is rare, but possible with tumescence. Such risks are increased with large-volume liposuction. Internal UAL carries the added risk of seroma, which is excess fluid collected around the site treated. In addition, incorrect use of the ultrasonic cannula can cause burns.

Common Side Effects of Liposuction

Swelling and bruising: The lower extremities are more susceptible to fluid retention. Swelling decreases rapidly, however bruising may persist for up to three weeks after liposuction.

Hypersensitivity: Expect to feel slight discomfort for a few weeks. Severe pain is reason to call your doctor.

Uneven appearance: Contour irregularities can occur as remaining fat settles into its final position. Massage, topical creams and external ultrasound may help. Any extreme lumpiness that persists may need to be corrected with a secondary procedure.

Numbness: This temporary side effect is normal after liposuction and results from traumatizing the small nerve fibers below the skin. Light massage can help. Only in very rare instances is nerve damage permanent.

Scars: Because liposuction incisions are so small and well-hidden, they are rarely visible to anyone other than the patient.

Hyperpigmentation: Uneven pigmentation can result in any case. It usually fades and may be improved by bleaching creams such as those containing hydroquinone. The best way to avoid hyperpigmentation is to stay out of the sun until all bruising is gone.

Your overall appearance will refine and skin will conform to new body contours over the next four to six weeks after liposuction. Your shape may, however, continue to improve over the next six months to a year. During that time, safeguard your results with a healthy, active lifestyle. Proper weight maintenance will keep your new shape in top shape for years to come.

When To Worry

Contour irregularities: Dimpling and lumpiness after swelling subsides can be easily treated with massage, topical creams and external ultrasound. If the unevenness persists after trying these non-invasive attempts, fat injections may be necessary to remedy the problem.

Loss of sensation: Though extremely rare, permanent numbness can result from nerves damaged during liposuction surgery.

Asymmetry: Since the two sides of the body can differ in shape and size, sometimes the results of liposuction appear imbalanced. The only way to alleviate this problem is for the doctor to remove or add more fat in a follow-up procedure.