Risks With Liposuction Share
May 28th, 2009 by Barry Leotard
The greatest danger in any form of surgery can be the patient’s misuse of the privilege as well as a doctor’s disregard for professional judgment and allowing the patient to decide what they want. Liposuction is not a weight loss solution and should not be treated as such. Medical advancements have limited much of the risks of surgical complications but it cannot eliminate the chance of human error.
Skin irregularities, hematomas and seromas, hyper-pigmentation are some minor complications most commonly experiences. Patients need to be aware of the possible consequences of liposuction surgery.
Skin irregularities are the resulting loss of smoothness in the skin due to excessive amounts of fat cells removed. The body naturally has fat stores that help give the area its form and removing too many fat cells from one area leaves visible dimples and grooves in the skin. It’s always better for the surgeon to remove too few fat cells and do follow up sessions to remove more since the removal is permanent.
Hematomas and seromas occur when red blood cells leak from damaged blood vessels and pool under the skin. This can be prevented through adequate drainage of the region around the incision. Others may experience hyper-pigmentation around the areas of incision. It can last for up to several years in severe cases or in patients who naturally have more pigment to their skin. Patients with fair skin can also experience this though it usually lasts less than four to six months.
More serious but temporary complications also include swelling of the legs and ankles when major areas are treated as well as bruising of genitals after major liposuction procedures to the abdomen. Blood tinged drainage is a common occurrence and should not be of concern to the patient although it is scary to some. Proper ‘clean up’ procedures such as adequate drainage will help to speed recovery.
The chemical epinephrine contained in some anesthetic solutions is known to cause an elevation in heart rate after the surgery. To safe guard against unecessary heart rate problems, patients are advised against the use of cold medication or any other epinephrine-like drug or caffeine in preparation days leading up to the surgery.
Major complications, though rare, are very real possibilities. Allergic reactions, cardiac arrhythmias, and brain damage from lack of oxygen during general anesthesia are drug related complications that can arise. Surgical risks include blood clots, injury to internal organs, and excessive blood loss.
Potential patients considering liposuction or any cosmetic surgery should learn the risks involved and find a surgeon with adequate recommendations. It’s never a good idea to let yourself get sold to some cheap gimmicky surgeon whose priority is anything but his patient.
