The Dangers of Liposuction

The dangers of liposuction are sometimes overlooked when the lure of a more shaply figure is within reach. Imagine having trimmer tummy and slimmer thighs - but without months of lettuce leaves? I have been doing heaps of research and am scared as hell... but here goes....

Some of the possible side effects of this procedure are bruising, swelling, temporary numbness and discomfort in the surgically treated area. There is a possibility of serious complications such as blood clots, infection or allergic reactions if the procedure is not performed by an experienced plastic surgeon.

The dangers of liposuction increase in proportion to the amount of fat removed. The risks and dangers of liposuction are increased if the large area is to be treated. There is also a chance that vital organs can be perforated or injured. Other dangers of liposuction can occur during the recovery process, in which the patient can incur infection or have unfavorable drug reactions.

Liposuction removes excess fat from specific areas of the body to improve its shape and contours. A blunt tube similar to a straw is inserted through tiny incisions in the skin. A suction pump is connected to the tube, which is moved in a side-to-side motion, vacuuming out the excess fat.

Large amounts of fluid containing diluted lidocaine for local anesthesia and epinephrine to reduce bleeding are gently pumped into the fatty layer through tiny needle holes in the skin until it is swollen or tumescent. As a result of the blood vessel constriction from the epinephrine in the anesthetic solution, there is very minimal bleeding during and after surgery. The average blood loss is just about a tablespoon, less than is often taken for blood tests so there is no need for blood transfusions.

The swelling of the fatty layer makes it easier to remove the unwanted fat, greatly reduces bleeding and results in numbness that lasts up to 24 hours. This numbness allows the procedure to be done without the need for general anesthesia and greatly reduces postoperative discomfort. Usually light oral sedation is used to make the injection of the fluid comfortable.

The biggest dangers of liposuction procedures have been related to three factors: the risks associated with general anesthesia and sedation, risks associated with blood loss and fluid replacement, and risks associated with excessive liposuction. These dangers of liposuction are reduced or eliminated by adhering to the tumescent technique.

The drugs used for general anesthesia are relatively more dangerous than those used for local anesthesia. The dangers of liposuction associated with these medicines, including respiratory arrest and allergic reactions, are eliminated by not using them. Local anesthesia is considerably safer, and tumescent liposuction provides better comfort requiring only Tylenol for pain relief during healing.

Using the tumescent technique eliminates the risks associated with substantial blood loss during traditional liposuction. Although the limit of fat removal for one session is ten pounds, the greater the amount of fat taken out can increase the dangers of liposuction. The less fat removed in any one surgery needs to be strictly limited for safety's sake. Liposuction is not appropriate for everyone.