Liposuction admin on 16 Jul 2006 12:04 pm
What are Liposuction Complications and How They Can Be Checked
As with every surgical procedure, liposuction can result in complications before and after the procedure unless the right precautions are taken. Liposuction as a procedure has the least complications. Although, instances exist when the following types of complications would occur as a single complications, or in combination:
- Swelling: The liposuction site may get swollen due to retention of fluid. In order to prevent this the liposuction garment is used which drains the fluid by applying pressure on the area
- Infection: May occur after any surgery including liposuction. Some physicians prescribe antibiotics to all patients undergoing liposuction but other physicians do not. It is very important to keep the area(s) clean but even if you do, infections may sometimes occur from the surgery.
- Numbness: The skin in liposuction area looses feeling. It usually returns after a few weeks, but in some instances may take months for feeling to return.
- Lumps: It is possible for the skin to become lumpy after surgery. This happens in particular when fat is left between the tissues. This complication may be addressed conducting liposuction on the remaining fat. There are also liposuction garments designed especially for this purpose.
- Bruising: Skin bruising occurs in most cases because of the blood and fluid that accumulates under the skin. This is also helped by wearing the liposuction garment
Rare Complications
Blood clots are rare liposuction complication. They usually form when blood accumulates where the cannula is inserted for an extended period of time. Perforations are also a potential liposuction complication, particularly in the abdominal and bowel areas. To prevent this danger, one should be very careful in selecting an experienced surgeon.
In cases some where large amounts of fat are removed via a single liposuction procedure, shock is possible. Because of this potential, it is advised to have a series of liposuction procedure rather than having it all removed at one time.
Lidocaine which is used as an anesthetic introduces another type of liposuction complication. Lidocaine is very hazardous for the liver, especially in people who drink alcohol regularly. Death has been linked to the use of lidocaine.