What are the risks from an overly aggressive liposuction procedure?

  High volume liposuction (greater than 5 liters) should only be done in an accredited hospital setting by an experienced plastic surgeon with an experienced anesthesia team and you should spend the night in the hospital. There are fluid shifts that can occur and monitoring of vital signs and urine output is necessary.

  If by "overly aggressive", you mean, too much liposuction in one area, then the main risk is contour abnormalities. You may not have a smooth appearance to the skin and it might look rippled or lumpy. The thighs are an area that is very sensitive to "overly aggressive" liposuction and caution should be used here.

  Always seek an experienced plastic surgeon when considering any type of liposuction.  Good luck!

Thank you for your question. Fortunately, significant complications from liposuction surgery are infrequent. Liposuction surgery is one of the two most common procedures performed by plastic surgeons. Most often this surgery is performed without experiencing any major problem.

The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed on a personal basis with you when you visit us during your consultation and your preoperative appointment. The risks in most surgeries are similar. Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with you include hematoma (an accumulation of blood under the skin that may require removal), infection, changes in sensation, scarring, allergic reactions, damage to underlying structures, need for revisions, unsatisfactory results possibly necessitating additional procedures and medical risks. Other risks more specific to liposuction may include indentations and irregularities.

You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and instructions we provide, both before and after your liposuction surgery. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double board certified Plastic surgeon Hoffman Estates BarringtonOakbrook Chicago

    Aggressive liposuction when done well produces the best results.  Liposuction amounts should be kept to under 5 liters in the outpatient setting.  Contour irregularities may be an issue as well.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA