Liposuction
Alternate Names : Suction Lipectomy, Lipoplasty
What happens later at home?
The person is asked to walk shortly after surgery to decrease
the risk of blood clots in the legs, known as
deep venous thrombosis,
and to speed healing.
Most people are able to go back to work a few days after liposuction,
depending on how extensive it was. Any stitches are removed
in 7 to 10 days. In most cases, moderate exercise can resume within a few days
after surgery, but strenuous activity may need to be avoided
for up to a month after the procedure. The doctor can advise on any limits needed.
It may take 3 to 6 weeks for bruising and swelling to subside.
What are the potential complications after the procedure?
Liposuction is usually a very safe procedure when done by a
skilled, experienced, and specially licensed surgeon. Any surgery carries a risk,
though. Risks increase as more fat is removed, the area of fat is larger,
or if the procedure takes a long time. Risks include:
infection
blood clots or fat clots, which can travel to the lungs. Known as a
pulmonary embolus,
a clot in the lungs can cause death
puncture wounds of organs from the movement of the tube
seroma, which is a pooling of serum in the area where the fat was
removed
damage to the skin and nerves from the movement of the tube under
the skin
swelling of the surgical area, which can sometimes last for several
weeks or months
burns from the ultrasound probe, if UAL is used
shock from loss of fluid that was not replaced
allergic reaction to the medicines
used for anesthesia or to break up the fat
death, although this is not common
Any increase in pain, bleeding, fever,
weakness,
or other symptoms should be reported to the doctor as soon as they are
noticed.
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