The total complication rate of liposuction is approximately 5%, with most complications being minor. However, studies have revealed that deaths secondary to this procedure are as high as 1 in 5,000 surgeries.
The incidence of venous thromboembolic events (deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) after liposuction is low at 0.03%. Pulmonary embolism is the most common cause of death after this procedure, which carries an overall mortality rate of 0.01%.
Liposuction is a safe, effective body sculpting procedure that can provide results that last for a lifetime. However, you must be committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle if you want to get the most out of the procedure.
You will be able to return to your normal activities as soon as you feel comfortable. This may take several days to a few weeks. Most people can return to light work within a few days. It may take longer to get back to normal if a lot of fat was removed.
You must be at least 18 years old to undergo elective plastic surgery. After that point, so long as you are physically and emotionally prepared for a procedure, there is no upper age limit for plastic surgery.
On average, it can take up to six months to heal completely. During some of this time, usually the first six weeks, you'll need to relax and reduce the number of activities you perform to let your body heal.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with aggressive liposuction. Excessive bleeding or bruising can occur due to the large volume of fat being removed. Nerve damage can also result from the manipulation of tissue during surgery.
The removal of fat cells and fat deposits can cause the skin to become bruised and tender. Bruising can also be caused by the suctioning process used during liposuction, which can damage the surrounding tissue. Swelling and bruising may last for several weeks after the procedure, depending on how much fat was removed.
Liposuction isn't particularly painful, as you'll most likely be under general anesthesia for the procedure. However, you may feel a considerable amount of discomfort after you wake up from your surgery.
Unfortunately, it is possible for fat to return after liposuction... if you allow it to come back. In general, the more weight gained by a patient after liposuction, the less dramatic their results will be.
Once fat cells have been removed through liposuction, those cells cannot grow back, and we cannot develop new fat cells. As adults, we have a fixed number of fat cells. However, our remaining fat cells can enlarge and shrink with weight gain or loss.
Approximately 1 to 2 weeks following your procedure, the swelling will change to firmness that may persist for about 3 months following your procedure. This firmness indicates that the firmer areas are healing, and your new, slim physique is on its way.
There isn't a specific weight you need to be for liposuction, but you do need to be within your goal weight. Most surgeons recommend being within at least 30 pounds of your goal weight or within 30% of your goal weight.
If you do have scarring from liposuction it will most likely appear as a small dot about the size of a freckle. In most cases, a scar this size will fade slowly over the next six months until it is no longer noticeable. In some cases, you may have hyperpigmentation at the incision site.
Liposuction is often an effective option for individuals who are at a stable and healthy body weight but are struggling with specific areas of fat or are not satisfied with the shape of their body. The treatment is not suitable as a method of weight loss, which is very important to know before undergoing treatment.
You should begin easy, brief walks as soon as you're able. For most people, this falls within 1-3 days post-surgery. Walking helps improve blood circulation for quicker healing.
When fat deposits are removed through liposuction, those fat cells are gone forever. After liposuction, the body's contour is improved, and ideally, the areas in question are now more in proportion to the rest of the body. That said, there will always be some fat cells left in the areas where liposuction was done.
“Three months after Liposuction is generally when patients begin to notice that the treated areas of their body appear tighter and smoother,” explains Dr. Philbin. “Your plastic surgeon will advise you on what level of exercise and strenuous movements are now ok at this time.
It's important to keep in mind that liposuction results are not necessarily permanent. While the fat cells are removed from your body for good, some fat cells still remain and can grow. It's up to you to take good care of yourself so that you can enjoy your slimmer look for a long time.
In general, a doctor will recommend that you lose weight prior to liposuction if you are 20 to 30 pounds overweight. Every case is different, however, which why it's so important that you sit down with a professional to discuss what's best for you.
Like other surgical procedures, liposuction causes swelling, which makes it difficult to see results. Instead of looking trim and toned, post-operative swelling may cause you to look as though you are retaining water.
During the first few days of recovery, you can expect moderate pain and soreness. Your surgeon will have given you pain medication to make this discomfort manageable, so follow your medication schedule closely. You should plan to limit your activity during this time as well.
Ultimately, there isn't an age or weight limit for liposuction. Liposuction surgery is only effective for those who cannot lose stubborn fat from a healthy diet and exercise.
The maximum amount of fat that can safely be removed with liposuction is between six to eight pounds (three to four liters). An increase in the volume of fat removal heightens the risks of complications.
Hip, flank and back liposuction may come with an increased level of discomfort for some people due to the nature of the treatment area and the healing process.