Can you die from liposuction if you're only removing fat not adding it?

Thank you for your question. All surgical procedures involve some level of risks including death. Liposuction is one of the less invasive procedures and complications during this procedure tend to happen at a very low rate. Liposuction is a very powerful technique in the right hands, and can have dramatic results in a variety of areas and a in a variety of patients.That said, you definitely have to choose your surgeon correctly and make sure that he/she has the training and experience to meet your goals with absolute safety.  A key quality indicator is Board Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Don’t settle for less than a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with specialized expertise in this procedure.

All surgical procedures involve some level of risk not only from surgery but also from anesthesia.  This is why you should only go to board certified plastic surgeons that will provide you with safe care.  Liposuction is a very safe procedure as long as it is performed within the accepted standards of practice. 

Deep venous thrombosis (blood clot in the legs) with possible pulmonary embolus (clot migrating to the lungs) and fat embolus represent possible risks of liposuction.  Pulmonary embolus or fat embolus may occur at a rate less than 0.1%.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA