Liposuction for males and females is one of the most consistently sought-after cosmetic procedures every year, as it offers numerous benefits [1]. The growing demand for flaunting a perfectly contoured body and acceptance for body shaping procedures like liposuction for aesthetic reasons have fuelled its popularity [2]. Liposuction procedure is an effective and safe method of body contouring and eliminates excess fat stored in the body, which is resistant to workouts and a healthy diet. However, being a cosmetic surgery, liposuction also has some side effects [3]. If you are considering liposuction, it is essential to understand the common downsides to make a well-informed decision. Keep reading to learn more about the different rare and common side effects of the liposuction procedure.
Common Side Effects After Liposuction
Some of you might face two or more of these common side effects resulting from liposuction. It is essential to understand that such common side effects are temporary, expected, and can be easily managed.
- Temporary Skin Numbness: You might feel that the skin in the treatment is numb or lacks sensation when you touch it. This common side effect occurs as a result of a reaction from nerve endings after the surgical procedure. Your skin will regain its sensation within a couple of weeks to a couple of months, as soon as it recovers.
- Bruising: This is a common side effect of liposuction, resulting from the damage to blood vessels in the treatment area during incision. Although the bruises may cause an unsightly appearance, they will typically fade away within a few weeks.
- Inflammation / Swelling: Soon after your liposuction procedure, you will notice swelling in the site of treatment. Plus, the results of the procedure will also be obscured due to inflammation. It is common to experience fluid accumulation and swelling during the initial weeks after liposuction. Over time, this will subside naturally, revealing beautiful contours.
- Tenderness/Soreness: It is natural to experience pain and discomfort in the tissues and muscles surrounding the treatment site due to the incisions made to break down excess fat. It will reduce within the first week after liposuction.
- Uneven Skin Texture and Lumps: Some of you might have uneven skin texture and firm lumps during the recovery period. It might be caused by retention of fluid, formation of scar tissue, swelling, and uneven fat removal. These common side effects can be eliminated by using compression garments properly. Ensure the compression garment is well-fitted to prevent swelling and skin laxity to quicken healing and surgical outcomes.
- Bumpy Skin: This side effect occurs when the fat is eliminated aggressively during liposuction or if your body has low skin elasticity. It is essential to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon to avoid such side effects after surgery.
- Skin Necrosis: If you are a smoker, it is natural for you to experience side effects like skin necrosis after liposuction.
- Seroma: It is caused by the accumulation of clear fluid in the skin of the treatment area. It will resolve in a few days while your body recovers.
- Loose or Saggy Skin: It is essential to understand that the skin of the treatment site will need time to tighten once the fat cells are completely removed. So, your skin will be loose or saggy, especially among the elderly and people with poor elasticity issues. You might need a tummy tuck procedure to rectify it.
Related Article: Liposuction Surgery Cost
Serious Risks of Liposuction
Even though liposuction, when handled by a board-certified, expert, and skilled surgeon, is safe for people of different age groups, some individuals may experience rare, serious risks [4]. Although serious risks related to liposuction are rare, understanding them can be beneficial.
- Skin Infection: This rare liposuction infection might occur with signs like pus accumulation around incision spots, redness, and pain with fever. Such diseases can be easily treated with prescription medicines.
- Blood Clots: It is natural for some people to develop blood clots, which might lead to PE or pulmonary embolism and DVT or deep vein thrombosis. This risk can be prevented by walking slowly in your home to enhance circulation.
- Fat Embolism: This is a highly rare side effect that develops when fat mixes into the bloodstream to reach the brain and lungs. It would require immediate medical treatment.
- Internal Damage: This risk is associated with damage caused to nerves, muscles, and abdominal organs. Such side effects might also cause DVT or deep vein thrombosis and internal bleeding when not treated.
How to Manage and Reduce Side Effects
Liposuction can help you achieve a body transformation within a few weeks, but you must manage the side effects properly for a hassle-free recovery and long-term results [5]. Here’s how you can manage and minimize the common and serious side effects of liposuction.
- Do Not Take Post-surgery Instruction Lightly: Stick to your surgeon’s guidance and advice regarding taking care of incision wounds, medications, and restricting activities to quicken the healing process.
- Use Compression Garments Properly: The compression garment that you use on the treatment area must fit correctly. It will help with the reduction of swelling, enhance skin traction, and promote blood circulation.
- Hydration and Diet: Keep your body hydrated by including fluids such as juice and water. Have a balanced diet to help your body heal quickly and avoid fatigue.
- Perform Light Activity: Take a gentle stroll across the lawn in your home to promote blood flow for quick healing. However, do not perform strenuous workouts to avoid unfavorable outcomes.
- Track Unusual Signs: Contact your surgeon as soon as you notice symptoms like pus discharge, redness, or extreme pain to avoid serious risks.
- Do Not Miss Follow-up Appointments: Your liposuction progress can be monitored properly only through regular checkups. These follow-up appointments will also help to address concerns and prevent complications.
Stay vigilant and take care of your body after liposuction to manage side effects effectively and to get satisfying results after a smooth recovery.
Long-Term Considerations
While liposuction can be beneficial in contouring the body by removing stubborn fat pockets, it is essential to consider its long-term implications. The results can be maintained permanently after eliminating unwanted fat if you follow these considerations.
- Redistribution of Fat: This procedure is safe for removing unwanted fat accumulated in various parts of the body. However, if you gain excess weight in the future, the contoured outcome will not remain intact, as fat will accumulate in other areas, such as the back, thighs, or arms.
- Skin Elasticity Matters: Having good skin with excellent elasticity can lead to better long-term results. However, lower skin elasticity indicates loose and saggy skin in the long run.
- Lifestyle Changes: Switching to a healthy lifestyle with regular workouts and nutritious meal plans will help preserve the liposuction outcome for a lifetime.
Importance of Choosing an Experienced Surgeon for Liposuction
- A skilled and expert surgeon would help lower side effects and prevent serious risks like irregularities in contours, infection, or blood loss by using the right technique [6].
- An experienced surgeon will be able to improve and define your body’s natural contours after considering your body proportions to ensure a symmetrical look.
- An expert plastic surgeon will follow an individualized approach based on your skin elasticity, goals, and overall health.
Conclusion
To avoid side effects and serious risks after liposuction, ensure that your cosmetic or plastic surgeon is board-certified and has several years of experience in handling liposuction procedures. Schedule an appointment with Akruti today to discuss the right liposuction technique to fulfill your aesthetic body goals.
FAQs on Liposuction Cost
1. How long does it usually take to return to work after liposuction?
Most people get back to light work within 3–5 days, depending on the procedure’s extent. A 2018 study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery noted that 82% of patients resumed normal office jobs within a week. That said, if your work involves heavy lifting, you may need 2–3 weeks. Remember, recovery isn’t a race-listen to your body before jumping back in.
2. Can liposuction help with weight loss?
No, liposuction isn’t a weight-loss tool, it’s a body-contouring procedure. Research shows the average fat removal during safe liposuction is 2–5 liters (around 4–11 pounds). That may sound like a lot, but it won’t move the scale drastically. Think of it as sculpting stubborn fat areas rather than shrinking overall body weight. Lifestyle changes remain the key to sustainable weight loss.
3. What areas of the body respond best to liposuction?
Liposuction works best on areas with localized fat pockets that resist diet and exercise. Common “hot spots” include the abdomen, thighs, flanks (love handles), arms, and under the chin. A survey in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal showed 85% of patients treated in these zones reported high satisfaction. The takeaway: smaller, stubborn fat deposits respond far better than areas tied to overall obesity.
4. Is liposuction equally effective for men and women?
Yes, though goals often differ. Men usually target the abdomen, chest, or flanks, while women opt for thighs, hips, or arms. As per a 2020 clinical study, there is no gender difference in safety or effectiveness. What matters more is skin elasticity and overall health.
References
- Ahmad J, Eaves FF 3rd, Rohrich RJ, Kenkel JM. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) survey: current trends in liposuction. Aesthet Surg J. 2011 Feb;31(2):214-24. doi: 10.1177/1090820X10395508. PMID: 21317119. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21317119/
- Methil B. Current trends of liposuction in India: Survey and Analysis. Indian J Plast Surg. 2015 Sep-Dec;48(3):249-62. doi: 10.4103/0970-0358.173122. PMID: 26933278; PMCID: PMC4750257. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26933278/
- Montrief T, Bornstein K, Ramzy M, Koyfman A, Long BJ. Plastic Surgery Complications: A Review for Emergency Clinicians. West J Emerg Med. 2020 Sep 25;21(6):179-189. doi: 10.5811/westjem.2020.6.46415. PMID: 33207164; PMCID: PMC7673892. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33207164/
- Montrief T, Bornstein K, Ramzy M, Koyfman A, Long BJ. Plastic Surgery Complications: A Review for Emergency Clinicians. West J Emerg Med. 2020 Sep 25;21(6):179-189. doi: 10.5811/westjem.2020.6.46415. PMID: 33207164; PMCID: PMC7673892. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33207164/
- Dixit VV, Wagh MS. Unfavourable outcomes of liposuction and their management. Indian J Plast Surg. 2013 May;46(2):377-92. doi: 10.4103/0970-0358.118617. PMID: 24501474; PMCID: PMC3901919. – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3901919/
- Blum CA, Sasser CG, Kaplan JL. Complications from laser-assisted liposuction performed by noncore practitioners. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2013 Oct;37(5):869-75. doi: 10.1007/s00266-013-0153-x. Epub 2013 Jul 17. PMID: 23860813. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23860813/
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