Do you have stubborn pockets of fat that will not go away no matter how well you stick to a diet and exercise routine? If so, you might be thinking about talking to a plastic surgeon about liposuction. This targeted surgical approach to fat removal has already helped millions of people to feel more confident in their bodies, and it might be able to help you as well! Still, you might hesitate due to concerns about potential complications. Just how safe is liposuction? This blog post explains what you should know.

Potential Risks of Liposuction

A percentage of patients experience complications or unwanted effects either during or after their liposuction surgery. Most of these issues are minor and pose no risk to a patient’s long-term health. For example, there may be some unwanted skin contours, changes in skin color, changes in skin sensation, and minor scarring.

Of course, there is also the very small chance that something could go seriously wrong. Infections, nerve damage, blood clots, and even death have all occurred as a result of liposuction surgery.

Reducing Your Risk

Before your surgery, you should have a frank discussion with your doctor about the potential downsides of liposuction and the steps you can take to keep your risk to a bare minimum. They might advise that you:

• Stop smoking. Smoking can increase the risks associated with virtually any medical procedure, including liposuction.
• Care for your overall health. The healthier you are before you go into surgery, the lower the chances that you will face serious complications.
• Carefully follow post-op instructions. You may need to get extra rest, take certain medications, and take other steps to promote healing.

Of course, you should also be careful about whom you choose to perform your procedure. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor how much experience and training they have when it comes to carrying out liposuction and other cosmetic surgeries. You can also inquire about the technology and instruments they use to help them perform liposuction.

Is Liposuction Worth It?

Whether or not liposuction is worth it is a personal decision in most cases. Here are a few facts that might help you make your choice:

• Successful liposuction could provide you with years of increased confidence.
• In some cases, surgery is the only way to get rid of stubborn areas of fat.
• The vast majority of liposuction procedures are successful.
• If you experience complications, they are likely to be minor.

Like any medical procedure, liposuction comes with a degree of risk. Talk to your surgeon to learn more about this surgery and how it may affect you.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Irvin M. Wiesman is a board-certified plastic surgeon with a sterling reputation for providing careful, safety-conscious care to patients. Liposuction is one of the many procedures that he offers. If you have questions about how he and our team may be able to help you find fresh confidence in your body, contact our Highland Park office at 847-266-0684.