Many people who struggle with weight believe that going under the knife is the only solution to their weight problems. That’s how liposuction and other weight loss procedures have become commonplace. Still, the procedure carries with it serious complications. These need to be considered carefully before liposuction is done, since some complications could lead to fatality.
Organ Puncture
Liposuction is done by inserting a small metal tube (cannula) into the patient’s tissue through incisions in the skin. The tube then is moved around inside the area of the body targeted for the procedure. If the physician doing the procedure is careful, then the cannula normally does not puncture any surrounding tissue or organs. Sometimes, however, the cannula does do damage Liposuction.com, an online liposuction resource. This is more common in abdominal liposuction, especially if previous abdominal surgeries or conditions (such as a cesarean section, hernia) may have shifted the positioning of the other organs/tissues.
Numbness
According to Liposuction.com, traditional liposuction is done via a vacuum extraction method where fat literally is sucked out of the tissue through the cannula. As the fat is removed, the vacuum also pulls on surrounding tissue and nerves. The motion of the cannula itself also can affect nerves as it is moved throughout the tissue. Lastly, swelling occurs as a result of the procedure, which can put pressure on nerves. All these factors can result in numbness in the area of the body on which the surgeon concentrated, as well as other areas of the body connected to the damaged/pinched nerves. Most of the time, if numbness is due to swelling, it will go away as the patient heals. Sometimes, however, the nerve damage from the vacuum and cannula is permanent.
Embolism
Embolism is a rare but potentially fatal risk associated with liposuction. Embolisms, which are blockages in blood vessels, are life-threatening when they occur because they stop blood flow, which can result in heart attack, stroke, or hemorrhage. According to Liposuction-Procedure, an online liposuction resource, an embolism can occur if fat cells form clots after entering the blood tream through damaged blood vessels. Blood clots also can occur.
Infection
One of the most common problems with liposuction is infection. Although the procedure is done routinely, it still is surgery, which means that it requires incisions into the body. Bacteria and viruses can get into the incisions if they are not clean and disinfected. Bacteria and viruses also can enter the body during the procedure on the cannula itself, although a good liposuction surgeon will have taken precautions against this. The most common symptoms of mild infection are redness and pain, but some more serious infections also may result in pus coming from the incision site. Infections need to be treated immediately, as they can travel to surrounding tissue or even throughout the entire body.
Allergic Reaction
Depending on the type of liposuction being performed, a liposuction surgeon will choose to use either a local or general anesthetic. There is a risk of developing an allergic reaction to these medications during the procedure, says Ygog, an online health and lifestyle site. People who know they are allergic to a certain type of anesthetic can discuss this with their doctor before the procedure to avoid a reaction. But people who never have had surgery may have no way of knowing whether or not they will react to the type of anesthetic selected.
Increased Body Dissatisfaction
In some cases, liposuction can cause asymmetry of the body, sagging skin, or scarring at the incision sites. These complications, although certainly not life-threatening dangers, can make a patient feel as though their body is less attractive. This can lead to increased body dissatisfaction that can lead to depression or even additional cosmetic procedures such as tummy tucks and lifts. This can be emotionally and physically exhausting to the individual.
Considerations
In most cases, in the hands of a skilled surgeon, liposuction is an effective way to shape the body and to lose excess body fat. Not everyone who undergoes the procedure will experience complications, and overall physical health and attitude greatly impacts outcome. Consult with a physician to see if liposuction still can be right for you.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
