Safety of Liposuction

Liposuction, indeed, in one study had a mortality of 1 in 5000. This caused a moratorium on liposuction in Florida several years ago. After significant studies confirming the safety of Liposuction when done properly, it was again allowed with certain restrictions. These restrictions included careful patient monitoring during the procedure and limitation of how much fat is suctioned and what other procedures are done at the same time as an outpatient. With these precautions, Liposuction has the same risk of mortality as a hernia repair, very low. Unfortunately, we are now seeing many untrained physicians doing Liposuction with little realization of the potential problems that can occur. My advice is to pick a surgeon who has significant experience and operates only in a certified facility. The easiest way to start this search is with a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons ( www.PlasticSurgery.org ) or the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery ( www.surgery.org ). Both organizations require their members to operate in a certified facility for this type of surgery.