What are the risks of liposuction?

The decision to have liposuction is extremely personal, and you'll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks.

Liposuction risks can include:

• Anesthesia risks
• Bruising
• Cannula breakage
• Change in skin sensation that may persist
• Damage to deeper structures such asnerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs and abdominal organs
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Fluid accumulation
• Infection
• Irregular contours or asymmetries
• Irregular pigmentation
• Need for revision surgery
• Poor wound healing
• Rippling or loose skin, worsening of cellulite
• Swelling
• Thermal burn or heat injury from ultrasound with the ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty technique

All risks will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

Secondary procedures may sometimes be recommended to reduce excess skin. Special considerations are needed when large amounts – usually more than five liters of fat – are suctioned.