According to the annual data published by the ASPS, liposuction currently ranks as the number two procedure performed by a cosmetic surgeon in the US. Advanced techniques such as tumescent, laser, and ultrasound assisted liposuction have made the procedure safer and less invasive today. But some degree of risk will be inevitably associated with liposuction, just like any other surgery.
Patients should choose the best possible surgeon for liposuction in order to minimize risk. The surgeon will provide several pre- and post-surgical care instructions, which the patient should follow carefully. Dr. Paul McCluskey is a dedicated plastic surgeon providing liposuction and various other cosmetic and reconstructive procedures to patients in Atlanta, GA and other cities around this mighty American city.
Potential Risks
If the liposuction surgery is performed is performed by a fully trained and experienced cosmetic surgeon, the chances of occurrence of serious complications will be extremely rare. However, the patient should still be aware of the potential complications before making a decision about the surgery.
- Infection in the incision areas during or after liposuction
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Blood clot formation
- Hematoma or fluid accumulation below the skin
- Excessive blood and fluid loss during surgery
- Extended or permanent numbness in the incision sites
- Delayed recovery
- Conspicuous scarring
- Changes in pigmentation
- Damage to healthy surrounding tissue or nerves
- Damage to other organs
Severe Complications
Only in a rare case, the patient may develop severe complications during or after liposuction surgery. These may include cardiac problems, internal blood clotting, excessive bleeding, seizures, permanent nerve damage, brain damage from anesthesia, or acute drug interactions.
An experienced surgeon will carefully select the right candidate for liposuction to avoid the possibility of such extreme complications. These risks increase if the candidate has an underlying medical condition that makes them vulnerable. Hard working and successful plastic surgeon Dr. McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, GA and nearby areas for liposuction.
Dangers of Excess Fat Removal
If the surgeon performs excessive liposuction in a single day, it will put the patient at a higher risk. The surgeon should ideally not remove more than 10 pounds of fat from one area of the body for contouring. If larger amounts of fat are removed, whether from single or multiple sites, it will increase the risk of severe complications.
In cosmetic terms, poor outcomes due to excessive liposuction may include dents, lumps and sagging skin in the treated sites. If the patient needs extensive fat reduction, liposuction surgery may be performed in phases. Each phase should be scheduled sufficiently apart to ensure patient safety.
Risk Reduction
To reduce the risks, the patient should transparently disclose all relevant information about their current health, past medical issues, prescription and non-prescription drugs that they are using, and any lifestyle habits such as smoking or drinking.
This will enable the surgeon to anticipate problems and modify the surgery or make appropriate recommendations to the patient. The patient’s body weight should also be stable and moderate before liposuction surgery is performed.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit: