How safe is liposuction?

Dear Jubilant thank you for asking such an important question!

Liposuction is generally a very safe procedure when performed by a qualified and board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited surgical facility. Your decision to consult with a double board-certified surgeon is an excellent first step toward minimizing risks.

Complications during liposuction are rare, especially for patients like you who are at their ideal weight and require small-volume fat removal. Preoperative evaluations and adherence to your surgeon’s guidelines further reduce risks.

Express your concerns openly during consultations—your surgeon can explain their safety protocols, the anesthesia plan, and how they handle emergencies. This transparency often eases anxiety and builds confidence in your decision.

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Liposuction is a safe procedure. Your concerns about your health and safety are understandable for anyone who is planning for surgery. It is extremely rare for patients to have major negative effects from this procedure unless the procedure is done carelessly or too aggressively. I would recommend that you discuss your specific concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon and the circumstances surrounding the procedure and recovery.

Thank you for you inquiry! The safest way possible to get a Liposuction procedure done is to schedule your procedure with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon like myself. I always recommend doing your research on each surgeon and scheduling multiple consultations so you can choose who you best align with. We would love to help reach your goals!

Liposuction is a surgical procedure and carries risk like any surgical procedure does, however, if you go to a provider who is highly qualified, this should not be a large concern. Measures are taken throughout the procedure to ensure patient safety is the absolute priority.
Factors such as the patient's overall health, the skill and experience of the surgeon, and the specifics of the procedure can all influence the risk associated with liposuction.
It's important to discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified and experienced provider before undergoing liposuction. They can provide more personalized information based on individual health profiles and the specifics of the planned procedure.

Hello, my name is Dr. Igor Burko, and I am a Plastic Surgeon at SY Aesthetics in NYC. The most important thing in my opinion is to seek a trained plastic surgeon who performs these procedures very commonly. All procedures come with risk, however, seeking a trained medical professional who performs surgery in a safe environment helps to minimize risk as much as possible. Ask questions during your consultations and make sure you feel comfortable with the provider prior to scheduling any surgery.

Hello and thank you for your question! Liposuction, in general, is a very safe surgery. However, any surgery has important risks to consider, such as bleeding, infection, scarring, wound healing issues. These issues are typically very small (less than 1% with lipo) and one question you can ask at your consult is what steps/actions are taken to prevent/minimize these risks? The type of anesthesia used is another important question to ask. Some liposuction cases can be done very easily and efficiently under local anesthesia which in general carries less risks than general anesthesia. You should also ask the type of facility that your case will be performed at (office setting, surgery center, hospital, etc). Patient specific factors, such as medical history/conditions, age, medications, etc all come into play when calculating risk. It is normal to feel anxious/nervous but it is important to get the answers to the questions that you have and feel comfortable with the surgeon/facility and team taking care of you when moving forward. Good luck on your journey!

Thank you for your question. Not just liposuction, but any surgical operation has a mortality risk. However, liposuction-related deaths are uncommon when carried out by board-certified plastic surgeons at accredited surgical facilities. Following medical school, these surgeons have substantial training in plastic surgery. It is comforting to select a skilled surgeon who understands how to avoid risks and puts safety first. It is not wise to look for cheap deals in the field of surgery.

Thanks so much for your inquire,

Liposuction is generally considered a safe cosmetic surgery procedure when performed by a qualified and experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. However, like any surgical procedure, it carries inherent risks and potential complications. It's important for individuals considering liposuction to be aware of both the benefits and the risks associated with the procedure.

To enhance the safety of liposuction, it is crucial to choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who follows established safety protocols. Additionally, patients should be candid about their medical history, follow preoperative and postoperative instructions diligently, and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments.

Sincerely,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol

Liposuction is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon in an accredited surgical facility. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. Some potential risks and complications of liposuction include:

Infection: Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection, although this is relatively rare with liposuction.
Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after the procedure is possible.
Fluid imbalance: Fluid shifts can occur, leading to potential dehydration or other imbalances.
Numbness: Temporary or permanent numbness in the treated area can occur due to nerve damage.
Contour irregularities: Uneven fat removal or skin surface irregularities may result in a less-than-desirable cosmetic outcome.
Seroma or hematoma: Collections of fluid (seroma) or blood (hematoma) can develop under the skin in the treated area.
Lidocaine toxicity: Lidocaine, a local anesthetic used during the procedure, can lead to toxicity if too much is administered.
Organ perforation: Although rare, liposuction can potentially puncture or damage internal organs.
Pulmonary embolism: Fat or other materials dislodged during the procedure can enter the bloodstream and cause a blockage in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), which can be life-threatening.
To minimize risks, it's essential to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in performing liposuction and who operates in a certified surgical facility. Additionally, following all pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon is crucial for a safe and successful outcome. It's also essential to have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure.

Hello,
Thank you for your question about the safety of liposuction. You are absolutely correct in prioritizing the selection of a qualified and experienced surgeon, as this significantly impacts the safety and success of the procedure.
Liposuction, like any surgical procedure, carries certain risks and potential complications. However, it is considered relatively safe, especially when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. The American Board of Plastic Surgery certification is a key indicator of a surgeon's training and expertise in this field.
Experience is crucial. A surgeon who can provide a portfolio of before and after photos of patients with body types similar to yours will give you a clearer understanding of their expertise and the potential outcomes you can expect. If a surgeon cannot provide such examples, it is advisable to seek consultations with other experienced plastic surgeons.
Preoperative evaluation, including comprehensive blood work, an electrocardiogram (EKG), chest X-ray, cardiac stress test, and carotid duplex test (to assess neck artery plaque), are standard in assessing a patient's suitability for the procedure and mitigating potential risks. Such thorough medical evaluation is particularly emphasized in high-standard practices, such as those in Beverly Hills, California.
It's also important to adhere to safety guidelines, such as limiting the volume of fat removed in a single session. The generally accepted safe limit is 5 liters of fat per session. Overextending this limit can increase the risk of complications.
In summary, while liposuction is a widely performed and generally safe procedure, its safety is highly contingent on the qualifications and experience of the surgeon, thorough preoperative evaluation, and adherence to established safety protocols.
Good luck with your decision, and make sure to discuss all your concerns and questions with your chosen plastic surgeon.
Sincerely,