With any type of surgical procedure, risks are involved. Although liposuction is considered one of the safest cosmetic surgeries, patients should be aware of the dangers. Some risk factors include scarring, drug reactions or overdose from the lidocaine used in the procedure, shock, infections, nerve damage, bleeding and blood clots, and asymmetry (uneven removal of fat deposits). Those with a history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood-pressure, allergies and smoking should discuss their medical history thoroughly with the cosmetic surgeon to determine their risk of complications with this surgery.
Although liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries in the U.S., prospective patients need to be aware that their individual results may vary. Many who are considering the surgery begin with false hopes that the surgery can transform their bodies into the firm images portrayed through the media. Although most patients are happy and/or satisfied with the end results of the procedure, it needs to be understood that with any surgery, there is a risk of infection, swelling, bruising as well as other more serious side-effects. Liposuction usually gives the best results to healthy normal-weight people with firm, elastic skin. Those who are overweight or who have skin that is not as firm may not achieve the results they hope for. Liposuction can be a risky and potentially significant financial investment; a prospective patient should cover all of his or her bases when researching the facts.