What are the risks of liposuction?

Complications and side effects are rare. Thousands of people each year have this surgery and do not suffer any after effects. However, there are always risks with surgery and you need to be aware of these before going ahead.

There are risks with anaesthetic, wound infection, excessive bleeding and a bad reaction to medication. Other complications include:

• Oedema (swelling)
• Dizziness – following loss of fluids during surgery.
• Embolism – this is where a fat deposit can enter the bloodstream as a result of broken blood vessels during surgery.
• Change in sensation at the liposuction sites.
• Skin dimpling, waxiness or laxity. The skin loses some elasticity as a result of the removal of large amounts of fat. This tends to be more of an issue for older patients.
• Asymmetry – uneven appearance due to the removal of fat from one side more than the other.
• Skin pigmentation
• Thrombosis – blood clotting in the lower leg.
• Nerve compression
• Haematoma

If you do experience any of these then contact your surgeon as soon as possible.

Liposuction Surgery Guide Index:

• What is liposuction?
• Who should consider liposuction?
• Who is not suitable for liposuction?
• How much does liposuction cost?
• Can I get help towards paying for my surgery?
• Can I have liposuction on the NHS?
• Can I have liposuction surgery abroad?
• I am interested in liposuction surgery what do I do next?

• How do I find a reputable surgeon?
• What questions should I ask my surgeon?
• How do I prepare for liposuction?
• What is the liposuction procedure?
• What will happen after my liposuction?
• What are the benefits of liposuction?
• What are the risks of liposuction?
• How long does liposuction surgery last?