Liposuction is cosmetic surgery preformed by a medical doctor to remove excess fat in the body using a vacuum device. The procedure, also known as body contouring, commonly targets areas such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks and upper arms. Fat is removed from the body, and skin appears smooth and even after the surgery. Though risks and dangers of liposuction are rare, complications can happen.
Control Pre-Existing Risks
Only undergo liposuction if you are in generally good health; the procedure is not recommended if you have a variety of pre-existing conditions. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, you should avoid liposuction. If you have diabetes, you may have problems with wounds healing well. Other pre-existing conditions that should be examined include allergies, respiratory disorders and tobacco and alcohol use, according to the National Institutes of Health. Pre-existing conditions may become exacerbated after the cosmetic procedure, causing severe health problems. Reduce and eliminate pre-existing conditions prior to considering surgery.
Time Frame
Complications may occur while the procedure is taking place or afterward. A patient can suffer a heart attack or have an allergic reaction to anesthesia while the procedure is being performed. Signs of surgical infection are immediate after liposuction and include fever, yellow discharge at the incision site, swelling and redness. Having uneven fat removed, bulges in the skin, loose and excessive skin may not be noticeable until four to six weeks after the procedure.
Prevention
Understand the procedure and complications involved. Liposuction cannot make your body perfect, and is not a miracle cure for removing excessive fat. Interview several medical doctors before making a decision to have liposuction. According to MedLine Plus, a blood and urine sample is commonly taken one day prior to surgery to rule out some potential medical complications. Be prepared to have a friend or family member drive you home after the surgery. Follow post-surgery instructions such as wearing a surgical stocking and avoiding heavy lifting.
Severity of Complications
According to the Mayo Clinic, severity of complications varies depending on the area of the body receiving liposuction. Large such as the thighs, buttocks and abdomen may have an increased risk for complications. A person receiving more than one plastic surgery operation at once also increases his risks. For example, a woman who receives liposuction to her abdominal area and also receives breast implants has an increased risk for complications. Smaller areas such as the chin and cheeks are not risk-free, but chances of having complications decrease.
Fat Distribution Change
The area of the body where most of the fat was removed may no longer be bulky or large. However, another area of the body may now begin to hold fat deposits. For example, if the abdomen received liposuction, the area will remain flat after the operation. However, the buttocks may begin to hold excess fat and become a problem area.
Tags: area body, pre-existing conditions, after surgery, areas such, begin hold, increased risk