Liposuction risks are generally the same as the risks for any surgical procedure, although some of the liposuction risks are more likely in a liposuction procedure. Regardless, in the hands of a skilled physician liposuction risks are usually quite low, but all prospective patients should educate themselves about liposuction risks and associated injuries.

Liposuction risks including infection, allergic reaction to anesthesia, blood clots, and nerve damage are all liposuction risks that are risks in any surgery, due to the invasive nature of these procedures. Other liposuction risks, such as friction burns, fluid accumulation, and excessive fluid loss are specifically related to liposuction.

Liposuction risks that are surgical in nature (such as infection) are greatly reduced by modern procedures. These liposuction risks are often directly related to incision size and the use of general anesthesia. Such liposuction risks decrease markedly when tumescent liposuction procedures are used. The tumescent procedure involves tiny incisions, so liposuction risks such as infection are decreased, and the lack of need for general anesthesia eliminates the liposuction risks associated with its use. Other, more specific liposuction risks like friction burns and fluid accumulation or loss, can often be lessened by skilled surgeons. Liposuction risks can also be reduced by patients who carefully follow doctor's orders after surgery; liposuction risks such as clots can be prevented with the use of pressure bandages, and some liposuction risks relate to the patient's prior medical history, so it is crucial for patients to discuss liposuction risks with their physicians and fully disclose any risk factors they know of.

While the liposuction risks are very real, they represent a small minority of cases, and many liposuction risks are preventable with the right doctor and procedure. Due to the serious nature of liposuction risks, patients should be certain that they have full faith in their physician, and all liposuction risks should be fully discussed. A qualified liposuction physician may be able to answer questions regarding liposuction risks and may help you determine if these risks outweigh the benefits for you.