Liposuction reduces body weight (usually from their back, abdomen and thighs) and helps with diet and exercise results.

To increase the chance of a successful surgery, patients must make substantial lifestyle changes, such as engaging in regular exercise and eating properly. Most surgeries can be conducted in a doctor's office and can take up to four hours to complete. After the surgery, it can usually take individuals a few weeks to become accustomed to their new body. But what are some of the risks associated with liposuction?

If the patient has loose saggy skin or stretch marks, then your skin will not tighten and may in some cases look worse after the surgery. Removing a large amount of fat may lead to excessive loose skin.

Individuals may elect to surgically remove excess skin after the surgery and deal with unwanted stretch marks, lumps, marks and scars. Bruises can occur however they usually disappear within a month.

Infections and swelling may also occur after surgery. Many doctors prescribe antibiotics to take after surgery to prevent infection before it starts.

Swelling can persist for months after liposuction, causing pressure on nerves, and resulting in numbness and tingling. Swelling can be minimized by the patient wearing a compression garment, which will minimize swelling. Significant increases in swelling can be a warning sign of other complications. Swelling in the ankles and the impacted area is common.

Blood clots can form in the veins of the pelvis and leg areas. Blood clots form because of inactivity. It is very important for patients to stand and flex their feet to make sure that the blood keeps moving. If the blood pools in one area, patients can get a blood clot.

Shock and hemodilution can occur when a patient has had excessive amounts of fluid injected and then excessive amounts of fat and body fluid removed. Because of the dangers associated with large volume liposuction, the patient should go to a person who specializes in large volume liposuction. Large volume is usually defined as removing more than more than 5 liters of fat at a single session.

Serious complications, such as burns from ultrasonic liposuction, organ damage, perforation of the abdominal walls, fluid imbalance, pulmonary embolism, or Lidocaine poisoning are extremely rare.

When properly conducted, liposuction surgery can be a fairly safe procedure, especially if the patient follows all instruction from the doctor and spends time recuperating after the surgery. Most patients are encouraged to walk and be active after the surgery also. The patient should investigate plastic surgeons carefully to ensure the doctor is skilled and experienced. Also, a patient should be in the best health possible prior to the surgery.