Liposuction (Lipoplasty) Part. 2

Understanding Risks of Liposuction (lipoplasty).

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 between you and your plastic surgeon, or with a staff member in your surgeon's office. 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 of your plastic surgeon, both before and after your liposuction surgery.

Your Liposuction Surgical Experience (Preoperative Preparation and Recovery) Pre-Operative.

The goal of your plastic surgeon and the entire staff is to make your surgical experience as easy and comfortable for you as possible.

If you are a smoker, it is recommended to stop smoking well in advance of surgery since smoking can impair the healing process. Certain medications that increase the risk of bleeding such as Aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and some vitamins/homeopathic regimens should be discontinued before undergoing liposuction surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with additional preoperative instructions.

Liposuction surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis. If this is the case, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you for the next 24 hours. If you are undergoing large volume of liposuction, it may be suggested that you be hospitalized even for one night.

The Day of Liposuction Surgery

Your liposuction surgery may be performed in an accredited hospital, free-standing ambulatory facility or office-based surgical suite.

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. Frequently, local anesthesia and intravenous sedation are used for patients undergoing liposuction surgery, although general anesthesia may be desirable in some instances. For your safety during the operation, various monitors are used to check your heart, blood pressure, pulse and the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood.

When surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. You will most likely be wearing a compression garment, usually used to help “shrink” the skin. Concerning postoperative pain, many patients state that the area feels sore, as if they underwent a vigorous work out.

You probably will be permitted to go home after a short period of observation, although some patients may stay overnight in the hospital or surgical facility.

Source: http://www.safecosmeticsurgery.net