How to avoid the main complications of liposuction

Liposuction is a plastic surgery, and like any surgery, it also presents some risks, such as bruising, infection and even organ perforation. However, they are very rare complications that usually do not happen when the surgery is performed in a reliable clinic and with an experienced surgeon.

In addition, when a small amount of fat is aspirated, the risks are further reduced, as the chance of complications arising increases when the surgery time is high or when a lot of fat is aspirated, as in the abdominal region, for example.

In any case, to avoid these complications, it is advisable to perform liposuction with a well-trained and experienced professional, in addition to complying with all the doctor's instructions after surgery. See the most important post-operative care for liposuction.

1. Bruises

Bruises are one of the most common complications of this type of surgery and are characterized by the appearance of purple spots on the skin. Although they are not very aesthetic, the bruises are not serious and happen as a natural response of the body to injuries caused by surgery on fat cells.

In most cases, the bruises start to disappear, naturally, about 1 week after liposuction, but there are some precautions that help speed up recovery, such as drinking, applying a hot compress, avoiding intense activities and applying an ointment with anticoagulant effect, like Hirudoid or Arnica ointment, for example. See other important precautions.

2. Seroma

The seroma consists of the accumulation of liquids under the skin, usually in the places where the fat was removed. In these cases, it is possible to feel a swelling in the region and pain and release of a clear liquid through the scars.

To avoid the appearance of this complication, you should use the brace indicated by the doctor after the surgery, do manual lymphatic drainage sessions and avoid performing intense physical activities or taking objects with more than 2 kg, for example.

3. Sagging

This complication is more frequent in people who remove a large amount of fat, which usually happens in the abdominal region, flanks or thighs, for example. In these situations, the skin, which was very stretched due to the presence of excess fat, becomes more flaccid after liposuction and, therefore, it may be necessary to have another surgery to remove the excess skin.

In the milder cases, other less invasive treatments, such as mesotherapy or radiofrequency, can be used to make the skin less flabby.

4. Change in sensitivity

Although it is more rare, the appearance of tingling in the skin can indicate a change in sensitivity caused by small lesions in the nerves of the aspirated region. These injuries happen due to the passage of the cannula through small, more superficial nerves.

Generally, no specific treatment is necessary, as the body naturally regenerates the nerves, however, there are cases in which the tingling can continue for more than 1 year.

5. Infection

Infection is a risk that is present in all types of surgery, since, when the skin is cut, there is a new entry for viruses and bacteria to reach the inside of the body. When this happens, symptoms appear at the scar site, such as swelling, intense redness, pain, a foul smell and even the release of pus.

However, infections can be prevented in the vast majority of cases, with the use of antibiotics prescribed by the doctor and with appropriate care for the scar at the clinic or at a health center. Here's how to care for the scar to prevent infections.

6. Thrombosis

This is another of the rarest complications of liposuction and happens when the person is lying down for many days without taking short walks in the room or at home. This is because, without the movement of the body, blood has a greater tendency to accumulate in the legs, which facilitates the formation of clots that can clog veins and cause a deep venous thrombosis.

In addition, as it is forbidden to get out of bed in the first 24 hours after liposuction, the doctor may also prescribe injections of heparin, which are a type of anticoagulant that helps to reduce the risk of clot formation, even if the person cannot walk. However, it is advisable to walk as soon as possible.

If thrombosis symptoms appear during recovery, such as swollen, red and painful legs, it is very important to go immediately to the emergency room to start the appropriate treatment and avoid more serious complications, such as death of the leg tissues, stroke or infarction, for example..

7. Organ piercing

Perforation is the most serious complication of liposuction, but it is also the rarest. It happens, mainly, when the surgery is done in unqualified clinics, because it is necessary that the liposuction is poorly performed so that there is perforation of the organs that are under the fat layer.

However, when this happens, there is a high risk of death, as a serious infection can happen and, therefore, it is necessary to start another surgery quickly to close the perforated site.

Who is at higher risk of complications

The risk of complications is higher in smokers, chronic patients or with weak immune systems. Thus, these individuals must carefully weigh the advantage and risks of undergoing cosmetic surgery. Read more at: Who can do liposuction ?.

Currently the liposuction described as being the safest is tumescent liposuction, as it uses local anesthesia and the amount of aspirated fat is relatively small, reducing the time of surgery.