The risks of a procedure are unique to you. We have outlined the risks in a general fashion so that you may consider them and have further detailed discussions and clarification with your anesthetist and surgeon.

Immediate Risks

The risks associated with liposuction are related to a number of critical factors

  • Your general health and the presence of co-existing medical conditions.
    • Smoking
    • Diabetes
    • BMI (body mass index)
    • Massive weight loss (>20kg)
    • Immuno-suppression
  • The volume, surface area and site of liposuction that you are considering.
  • The estimated duration of your procedure.

General Risks

  • Pain and discomfort
  • Bruising
  • Swelling
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Seroma

Anaesthetic Risks

You will have either a general anaesthetic or a neurolept sedation depending on the extent of your procedure and your general health. The approach will be carefully considered to ensure your safety.

Your anesthetist will outline the process and the risks of anaesthesia prior to your procedure.

Specific Risks

Changes in sensation

  • Temporary and permanent

Aesthetic

  • Scarring
    • Normal
    • hypertrophic or keloid
    • heat injury at cannula site
  • Asymmetry
  • Skin dimpling irregularity

Local anesthetic (tumescent fluid)

  • Neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity
  • Pulmonary oedema

Injury to internal organs/structures by accidental perforation

Fat embolism

Death 1 in 2000

Long Term Risks

Recurrence of excess d tissue associated with

  • changes in weight
  • age and laxity of skin