Liposuction

As with any surgical intervention, liposuction carries certain risks. The main factor when a person considers a surgical intervention is based on the comparison of risk and benefit. Although most patients do not experience these complications, you should discuss each with your plastic surgeon to understand the risks, complications, and outcomes. In fact, liposuction is an intervention that does not lead to many complications.

What may happen in the early stages

Bleeding: It gradually decreases due to the medication given in the tumescent technique and the use of a thin cannula. Natural leaks seen in the first 24 hours should not be confused with bleeding.

Infection: Extremely rare. The use of antibiotics and following hygiene rules after the procedure reduce this risk. Antibiotics are prescribed for prophylactic purposes. Increased sensitivity in a certain area, warmth and a rise in temperature may be signs of infection. In this case, you should call your doctor.

Excessive bleeding and swelling: It is natural to have bruising and swelling in the treated area.

Excessive bruising: This may occur due to laxity of the skin structure, lack of corset use, taking certain medications and the tendency of the face to bleed. The swelling that occurs after liposuction decreases significantly within 1-3 months, and the final result is achieved at the end of 6-12 months. Although the bruising that occurs varies from person to person, it disappears in almost all patients within a few weeks.

Seroma: Extra fluid may accumulate in the areas where liposuction was performed. Additional treatment may be required to drain this fluid.

Numbness in the application area: There may be a temporary loss of sensation in the skin after liposuction. Decreased or complete loss of sensation may be very rare and may not fully recover.

Allergic reaction: Rarely, local reactions to patches, sutures and topical preparations have been reported. Systemic reactions to drugs used during surgery are more serious. Allergic reactions require additional treatment.

What may happen in the later period

Bumps: These are random depressions and bumps that can appear especially in cases where the elasticity of the skin is not good or when too much is removed from one place. They are more common in the early postoperative period and decrease as the swelling subsides, but they can be permanent and must wait until the 6th month after the first surgery to correct them.

Sagging skin: If the skin is already loose before the intervention, then vacuum fat removal will not be sufficient. Surgical procedures that tighten the skin, such as tummy tucks and arm lifts, may need to be performed. If the person does not accept additional surgical intervention despite this recommendation, there may be problems caused by loose and excess skin in the areas where fat is removed by liposuction. In this case, not only fat removal should be performed, but lifting operations should be added simultaneously with or after liposuction.

Anesthesia: Both local and general anesthesia carry their own risks. Closure may occur in small areas of the lungs. This increases the risk of lung infection. Antibiotics and respiratory physiotherapy may be required.

Fat embolism: Swelling and pain can occur as a result of blood clots in the legs. These clots can rarely leave their location and travel to your lungs through the bloodstream, causing consequences up to death. Fat embolism syndrome occurs when fat droplets escape into the lungs. This is a very rare but life-threatening complication. In this case, the patient should be hospitalized and additional treatment administered.

Unsatisfactory result: In fact, the most likely complication is that you may not be satisfied with the result of liposuction. Additional liposuction may be required to improve the result.