How safe is liposuction?

Dear wala2_t,
liposuction is a safe procedure as long as recommendations are followed. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your question. This particular procedure is a relatively safe procedure to have done. Complications are extremely low and it's a rather quick procedure to be done. I would suggest speaking with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your options and concerns. Best of luck to you.

Hello @wala2_t, thank you for your question. A liposuction surgery is always safe when performed by an expert. Technique, experience, and technology used by the plastic surgeon determine the success of the surgery. The best course of action is to consult one or several board certified plastic surgeon for more information and options tailored specifically to your needs. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD FACS. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Hi there. I've completed over one thousand liposuction procedures and all of my patients have come out just fine. I understand your stress about developing complications but as you know, every surgery has its risks. This is why it's important to go to a board certified plastic surgeon with years of experience and lots of before and after photos to show for it. Please look into my website and reach out for a consult if you'd like to learn more.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Liposuction is considered a safe procedure when performed by a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon in an accredited facility. No procedure or surgery or anesthetic has 0% risk. While any surgery carries inherent risks, such as infection, scarring, and fat embolism, these complications are rare. Fat embolism, for instance, occurs in less than 1% of cases, often without causing noticeable symptoms. Thoroughly discuss your medical history and concerns with your provider and ensure the procedure is performed in a safe environment.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

Liposuction is a surgical procedure and as with any surgical procedure, it carries a degree of risk with it. However, this can be massively mitigated by going to a qualified provider who is experienced and skillful.
It's important to discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon before undergoing liposuction. They can provide more personalized information based on individual health profiles and the specifics of the planned procedure.

There are always risks in any surgery, but arm liposuction tends to be lower in risk compared to the fat transfer/butt lift procedures you're likely referring to.

Liposuction of arms is not very extensive procedure and as such will not create significant complications, including fat embolism or tromboembolism (fat or blood cloths). Chances for that to happen is very, very low, with arm liposuction. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with expertise in liposuction, is recommended. Good luck.

Fat embolism is a very rare complication of liposuction and liposuction is a very safe procedure if carried out by a experienced well trained surgeon. There are risks in everything we do, and the risk of fat embolism or other complication of arm liposuction is lower than the risk of many things we do every day.

I recommend you have a consultation with an experienced, well trained surgeon to talk about this and see if you are a good candidate as you seem to really want the procedure.

If you still feel very nervous, then perhaps a non-surgical option, such as Coolsculpting can help you.

Safety is the number one priority in surgery. There is no way to make any surgical procedure carry zero risk, but there are many things you can do to keep the risk profile low. Begin by selecting an experienced board certified surgeon with whom you feel comfortable. Have your procedure performed at an accredited facility. Discuss your health history and medications with your surgeon. Don't do too much at once (what you are considering is not excessive but some patients want multiple locations and large quantities of fat removed). Speak with your surgeon about your questions and concerns. Keep communication open with your surgeon and keep all follow up appointments. If after all of this is accomplished and you are still overly worried which sometimes occurs, perhaps liposuction is not a good match for you.