Liposuction

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Liposuction: Risks

Certain pre-existing conditions should be thoroughly checked and brought under control before any surgery, including liposuction:

• History of cardiac problems (heart attack)
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Reactions to medications (allergies)
• Pulmonary problems (shortness of breath, air pockets in blood stream)
• Allergies (antibiotics, asthma, surgical prep)
• Smoking, alcohol, or drug use

There are also inherent risks associated with receiving liposuction and these include:

• Shock (usually from inadequate fluid replacement during the surgery)
• Fluid overload -- usually from the procedure
• Infections (strep, staph)
• Bleeding, blood clot (thrombus)
• Fat embolism (tiny globules of fat in the blood stream that block blood flow to tissue)
• Nerve, skin, tissue, or organ damage or burns from the heat or instruments associated with liposuction
• Asymmetry (uneven fat removal)
• Drug reactions or overdose from the lidocaine used in the procedure
• Scarring (skin surface may be irregular, asymmetric, or even "baggy," especially in the older patient)

Finally, make sure to review and sign any informed consent (legal) and permission for photographs.