Should I Be Worried About the Risks of Inner, Outer Thigh Liposuction and Above the Knee?

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

   The risks of liposuction you mentioned are less than 1 in a 1000, and the risk of anesthetic complication is about 1:100,000.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Liposuction is in general a very low-risk procedure provided that it is done by an experienced surgeon in an accredited facility. Anesthesia can be done with tumescent (with or without intravenous sedation,) or general anesthesia, but for low-volume fat removal there is no real difference in terms of safety. Complications such as the ones you mention are more associated with high-volume fat removal.