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

Hello and thanks for your question!Of the many complications that can arise during any cosmetic operation, death is always a possibility. It is an extremely uncommon complication but to say that death after liposuction is not a possibility would not be true. Whether or not the surgery involves adding or aspirating fat alone does not mean that death in either situation is not possible.Therefore, you must find a fully trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon who has experience doing a high-volume of liposuction cases to ensure you are in the right hands. It is not only about the surgeon but also about the team that surrounds him or her and the center at which they perform their surgeries. I personally prefer a small, private surgery center as opposed to a large hospital because the surgeon tends to have more control if he/she is in their own private office setting.All the best!Dr. Zuriarrain, Plastic Surgeon

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

There are well research guidelines for liposuction to prevent complications:  less than 5 liters and DVT prophylaxis.  Having your surgery done in a fully accredited facility by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and a Board Certified Anesthesiologist will also minimze your risk.

If liposuction is performed by an experienced and expert board certified plastic surgeon, liposuction is an extremely safe procedure. However, in South Florida, there are a number of less reputable facilities which may risk your safety. Consult in person with an experienced and expert board certified plastic surgeon to understand your options.

Thank you for your question, death from liposuction or any other surgical procedures, can occur, but it is not usual.  First make sure to choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who performs the procedure often, share all your medical history with him or her, consult with your primary physician who knows your health well and ask if your are a good candidate to undergo general anesthesia.  Request to speak to the anesthesiologist who would be performing your anesthesia, and most of all feel comfortable once you make your decision.  

Yes that can happen. That is why it is very important to pick a high quality board certified plastic surgeon who performs the surgery in a certified operating room that is nationally recognized. I have lectured nationally and internationally on different types of liposuction. I am very excited about a new technology that became available earlier this year. It's called the Vibrastat. I incorporate the SAFE technique that Dr.Wall developed. I hope you find this information useful. For more information please watch the enclosed video.

Yu can have any unforeseen event in ANY type of surgery... Liposuction has had reported deaths as also facelifts. So best you understand this concept before booking surgery. There are ALWAYS risks..