The Side Effects of Liposuction

By Dennis Hurwitz on January 31, 2014

Sometimes people have pockets of fat in different parts of their bodies that just don't respond to a healthy diet and regular exercise. This can be problematic, but there is a solution out there that has helped countless people the world over: liposuction. By meeting with a skilled plastic surgeon, those little pockets of fat in different parts of the body can be addressed.

Our team would like to take a few moments right now to consider the side effects of liposuction. By understanding these, patients are more likely to have a positive experience overall with regard to their surgical treatment.

About Liposuction

Liposuction is a fat reduction surgery that involves the careful suctioning of fat from various parts of the body. Liposuction on the abdominal area is probably the most well-known, though liposuction can also be performed on the buttocks, thighs, chest, upper arms, neck, and parts of the face.

Are side effects likely after liposuction?

Side effects are common after any surgery and are in fact part of the natural healing process and a sign that your body is recovering properly. Many of the side effects that are experienced are manageable and they will only last a few days. Let's consider some of the most common side effects right now.

Soreness After Liposuction

Soreness after liposuction is a given in the treatment area. This will abate after a few days and can be addressed using recommended pain medications.

Bruising and Swelling After Liposuction

Another common side effect following liposuction is bruising and swelling. Both of these are generally manageable and, like soreness, will subside as the patient continues to heal.

Numbness In the Treatment Area After Liposuction

One symptom that some patients find troubling is numbing in the treatment area. This is generally temporary and, again, simply a natural part of having various tissues in the area adjusted.

Sagging or Loose Skin

After any sort of weight loss, loose skin is going to be somewhat common. If a patient has a relatively large volume of fat removed from an area of the body, the skin in that area will likely be a little loose or may sag. Skin does shrink back around a slimmer frame, so this sagging will be temporary. Over the next weeks and months, patients should notice an improvement in overall skin laxity and tightness.

Addressing and Minimizing Liposuction Side Effects

One of the best ways to minimize the severity of liposuction side effects is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions to the letter. Following these instructions will ensure optimal healing will occur as they set ideal conditions for wellness prior to surgery and good conditions to get the most out of rest after the surgery is completed.

We also want to note that patients should feel free to contact us with any urgent questions or concerns with regard to their recovery. This will allow us to address any potential complications as soon as possible, which is ideal.

Learn More About Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

If you would like to learn more about liposuction and your many other options for advanced body contouring, be sure to contact our plastic surgeons in Pittsburgh, Beverly Hills, Chadds Ford, and Sau Paulo today. Our entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you look your very best.

“I honestly never thought of myself as a serious candidate for elective surgery ... but I’m already feeling and looking so much better.*” Jill's Story