7 Shocking Liposuction Side Effects That No One Talks About
From flaunting perfectly flat tummies poolside to flexing flawless abs in the gym mirrors, thanks to celebrities and your favorite social media influencers, #FitnessGoals have a whole new meaning!
With the constant pressure to look your best, everyone seems to be in search of perfection. While many are willing to bust a serious sweat, others are looking for instant gratification. After all, results are better, right? Possibly, but like anything in life that comes easy, there’s a catch.
Many years ago, plastic and reconstructive surgery (which includes liposuction) was Hollywood’s best-kept secret to perfection, but in 2019, more celebrities are using social media to be open and honest about the changes that they have made to improve their bodies, and in some cases their health.
In light of this truth, we’ve decided to dive into liposuction to share what it is and how it works for weight loss along with revealing liposuction side effects that many don’t consider before getting the surgical procedure.
What is liposuction?
According to Medical News Today, “Liposuction, also called lipoplasty, liposculpture suction, lipectomy, or lipo, is a type of cosmetic surgery that breaks up and ‘sucks’ fat from the body.”
Although there are people that opt for liposuction due to health concerns, for the most part, vanity sends people to board-certified surgeons for liposuction.
Why, you may be asking? Well, simply because it is considered a quick fix to removing excess fat from areas of the body that won’t respond to diet and exercise.
FYI: These areas include the abdomen, thighs and other places that people see fat as unflattering.
How long do the effects of liposuction last?
According to Your.md, “The final results of liposuction are generally long-lasting if you maintain a healthy weight.”
The publication also notes that the results of the procedure are not always noticeable right away. In fact, you often have to wait until the swelling from the surgery has gone down, taking away from the instant gratification feeling.
“It can take up to six months for the area to settle completely. During this time you might notice some changes and subtle differences to the area.”
How much weight can you lose with liposuction?
Contrary to many people’s initial thoughts about liposuction surgery, you can’t have all the fat removed in one procedure.
According to Liposuction.com, “The maximum amount of fat that can be removed safely is probably about 6 to 8 pounds (3 to 4 liters). The greater the volume of fat removed on a single day the greater the risk of serious complications.”
It is suggested that “if a patient requires removal of more than 6 to 8 pounds of fat, it is safest to divide the liposuction into separate surgical procedures each separated by 3 to 4 weeks.”
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Typical Liposuction Recovery?
Recovery time can vary from person to person.
According to MedicineNet.com, “You might not have to stay in the hospital depending on the type of surgery you had. But you should expect bruising, swelling, and soreness for at least a few weeks.”
There is a chance that your surgeon could “require you to wear a compression garment for 1 to 2 months after surgery to control swelling,” and you will “probably also have to take some antibiotics to prevent infection.”
Most commonly, “people can return to work within a few days and get back to normal activities within 2 weeks.”
Is Liposuction Painful?
Typically, the pain felt after liposuction surgery will be the most intense two to four days after the procedure, then gradually lessens.
According to Very Well Health, that all depends on the “type of anesthesia and the amount used determine the level of pain experienced during the first few days after liposuction.”
Here’s their explanation:
“Liposuction performed with intravenous sedation (IV) will result in less post-operative pain and rarely requires medication other than acetaminophen.”
On the other hand, “Liposuction performed under general anesthesia usually results in pain that is more intense that requires prescribed pain medication.”
While the cosmetic procedure has been phenomenal for some, there are others that have experienced catastrophic results.
Many plastic surgeries can go off without a hitch, but there is always the chance that things can go awry on the operating table with life-altering complications that can possibly lead to death.
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We compiled a list of liposuction side effects you should consider before going under the knife or needle, including dangerous blood clots.
1. BODY DEFORMITY
Uneven fat removal, poor skin elasticity or unusual healing can cause the skin to look bumpy or wavy. Damage beneath the skin from the tube (cannula) used during liposuction procedures can leave the skin with a permanent spotted appearance. According to the Mayo Clinic, these results can be indefinite.
2. ACCUMULATION OF FLUIDS
Pockets of fluid (seromas) can form under the skin. Luckily, the fluid can be drained with a needle.
3. SKIN INFECTIONS
There is a possibility that while getting liposuction surgery, you can contract severe skin infection that may be life threatening.
4. PUNCTURING OF INTERNAL ORGANS
The tube (cannula) used to extract the fat from the body could penetrate too deeply and puncture an internal organ, which may require emergency surgical repair.
5. FAT OBSTRUCTING ARTERIES
Loosened pieces of fat may break away and become trapped in a blood vessel, gather in the lungs or travel to the brain. A fat embolism is a medical emergency.
6. KIDNEY, HEART AND LUNG PROBLEMS
You can risk life-threatening kidney, heart and lung problems because of the drastic change in fluid levels in the body during the surgical procedure.
7. LIDOCAINE TOXICITY
Lidocaine is an anesthetic (painkiller) administered with fluids injected during liposuction to help manage pain. Although generally safe, in rare circumstances, lidocaine toxicity can occur, causing serious heart and central nervous system problems.
Before getting surgery, be sure that you have proper consultation by visiting a therapist or your medical doctor. Always check for references, and be sure that you are willing to live with the changes you make, whether they are good or bad.
