Looking to get liposuction done? Here are a few complications you need to be awa

1. Looking to get liposuction done? Here are a few complications you need to be aware of Peri-operative complications ⁃ Anaesthetic complications The patient should follow his/her doctor's instructions on avoiding food and drink before surgery to prevent food from entering his/her respiratory tract when he/she is under anaesthesia. Side effects of anesthesia include: • Allergic reactions to drugs used in surgery. • Nausea, Vomiting, Dry mouth, Sore throat, Muscle aches, Itching, Shivering, Sleepiness and Mild hoarseness • Chest infection- The risk is higher if you smoke. • Blood clots can form in the leg (called a deep vein thrombosis or ‘DVT’). These cause pain and swelling and need to be treated with blood-thinning medication. In rare cases, part of the clot breaks off and goes to the lungs (called a pulmonary embolus or ‘PE’).

2. • Heart attack or stroke can be caused by the strain surgery places on your heart. The anaesthetist and the surgeon will evaluate if the patient can be given general anaesthesia and in the case of previously existing cardio-pulmonary disease, a medical review is warranted. ⁃ Low body temperature In large volume liposuctions, the large volume of cold fluids used may cause body’s temperature to fall. ⁃ Decreased fluid volume in body Wet procedures of liposuction can lead to fluid deficit in circulation which is managed by using intravenous fluids. ⁃ Perforation of organs Perforation of organs in the belly region is an exceptional complication which usually occurs when liposuction is combined with other abdominal procedures. ⁃ Bleeding Minute bleeding at the site of liposuction or beneath is a minor side effect. Serious complication such as life-threatening bleeding are rare and treated with IV fluids or blood transfusion. ⁃ Fat embolism syndrome Fat embolism syndrome is a rare, life threatening condition where particles of fat get into your bloodstream and block blood flow. Early complications ⁃ Venous thromboembolism Venous thromboembolism (VTE) refers to a blood clot that starts in a vein. The incidence of venous thromboembolism in liposuction is thought to be relatively low, with a risk of <1%. The use of elastic compression stockings, pneumatic devices and medications is recommended when necessary ⁃ Infection and skin necrosis Skin necrosis (death of skin cells due to disease or injury) is reported more in superficial liposuction while infections are more common in diabetics and immunocompromised patients. Smokers are predisposed to both. It’s common practice for surgeons to prescribe antibiotics pre- operatively and look for any signs of infection in the post-operative period and treat accordingly. Late Complications ⁃ Late seroma Seromas are fluid accumulations under the skin and they appear most commonly in lower abdominal liposuctions, more likely to occur in high BMI patients and with inadequate usage of pressure garments. They regress themselves or can be aspirated by a needle or surgical removal can be done for large seromas.

3. ⁃ Swelling, bruising and Pain Swelling and bruising are reduced with the use of compression garments for 4–6 weeks. Swelling is more with Ultrasound techniques. Bruising is more frequently present in smokers or in patients on anticoagulants medications. ⁃ Decreased sensation Post-operative decreased sensation usually regresses within 10 weeks, but may infrequently last up to a year. ⁃ Hyperpigmentation Avoid sun to prevent hyperpigmentation and use protective filters for at least 2 months. ⁃ Contour irregularities Contour irregularities is the most common late complication. Surgical treatment consists of corrective liposuction or lipofilling. Post-Operative Care • Time of discharge Most patients should be able to go home within 4–6 hours, depending on the extent of the areas involved and their general fitness. Large volume liposuction patients may need to stay in hospital overnight. • Time taken for visible results? Your improved body contour will be apparent when the swelling and fluid retention commonly experienced after liposuction surgery subsides and this may take a few months. • Why are drains placed at the site of incision? Small temporary drains may be placed in existing incisions beneath the skin to remove any excess blood or fluid. • Why are compression stockings used? Compression stockings should be worn on the legs while in hospital to reduce the risk of thromboembolic events. Wearing compression garments is standard in post-liposuction. • Why are compression bandages used? Compression assists in contouring and decreases bruising and swelling. Recommended length of time for garment use-varies among surgeons, but is usually a minimum of 6 weeks.

4. Questions to ask your surgeon • How to care for the surgical site and drains • Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection • Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health • When to follow up with your operating surgeon? • Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete? • What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery? • Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery? • How long will I wear the compression garment? • Are stitches removed? When? • When can I resume normal activity and exercise? • When do I return for follow-up care? What to do for a satisfactory outcome? Maintenance of a healthy diet and exercise in conjunction with liposuction can enable patients to achieve their desired body shape and contour. If you still have more queries, feel free to reach out to our Liposuction experts at Manchester Private Hospital. Ask as many as questions as possible until you are satisfied.