In the desire to shed the extra body fat and obtain a shapely figure, the dangers of liposuction are sometimes overlooked. The lure of gaining a trimmer tummy and slimmer thighs sans dieting and exercise seems an attractive proposition. Possible side effects of this procedure are bruising, swelling, temporary numbness and discomfort in the surgically treated area. There is a possibility of serious complications such as blood clots, infection or allergic reactions if the procedure is not performed by an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon.

The dangers of liposuction increase in proportion to the amount of fat removed. The risks and dangers of liposuction are increased if the large area is to be treated. There is also a chance that vital organs can be perforated or injured. Other dangers of liposuction can occur during the recovery process, in which the patient can incur infection or have unfavorable drug reactions.

Limiting the dangers of liposuction means being an ideal liposuction candidate. An ideal candidate is close to their target body weight, within 10% to15%, exercises regularly, maintains a healthy diet, and has fairly elastic skin with either one or a few stubborn fat deposits. By removing fat cells, you will have less bulk, be slimmer, and have fewer tendencies for fat to accumulate in that area in the future.

If you have a chronic medical condition such as heart or kidney disease, you should avoid liposuction. During your consultation with the doctor, he or she should examine you thoroughly, especially in the areas to be treated. Tell your doctor if you have a hernia as it may be punctured during the operation.

Liposuction by the tumescent technique gives the safety and comfort of local anesthesia while microcannulas provide smooth, precise results. Facial and body sculpting by small volume tumescent liposuction is a dream come true for many of our patients. Localized accumulations of fat, which are often genetically determined, can be resistant to exercise and dieting. Liposuction surgery can remove these problem areas permanently. Pioneered in 1985, the tumescent technique performed with microcannulas can bypass the dangers of liposuction by avoiding general anesthesia. It is believed that the tumescent technique provides an unparalleled level of safety and precision, reducing the dangers of liposuction.

Liposuction removes excess fat from specific areas of the body to improve its shape and contours. A blunt tube similar to a straw is inserted through tiny incisions in the skin. A suction pump is connected to the tube, which is moved in a side-to-side motion, vacuuming out the excess fat.

Large amounts of fluid containing diluted lidocaine for local anesthesia and epinephrine to reduce bleeding are gently pumped into the fatty layer through tiny needle holes in the skin until it is swollen or tumescent. As a result of the blood vessel constriction from the epinephrine in the anesthetic solution, there is very minimal bleeding during and after surgery. The average blood loss is just about a tablespoon, less than is often taken for blood tests so there is no need for blood transfusions.

The swelling of the fatty layer makes it easier to remove the unwanted fat, greatly reduces bleeding and results in numbness that lasts up to 24 hours. This numbness allows the procedure to be done without the need for general anesthesia and greatly reduces postoperative discomfort. Usually light oral sedation is used to make the injection of the fluid comfortable.

The biggest dangers of liposuction procedures have been related to three factors: the risks associated with general anesthesia and sedation, risks associated with blood loss and fluid replacement, and risks associated with excessive liposuction. These dangers of liposuction are reduced or eliminated by adhering to the tumescent technique.

The drugs used for general anesthesia are relatively more dangerous than those used for local anesthesia. The dangers of liposuction associated with these medicines, including respiratory arrest and allergic reactions, are eliminated by not using them. Local anesthesia is considerably safer, and tumescent liposuction provides better comfort requiring only Tylenol for pain relief during healing.

Using the tumescent technique eliminates the risks associated with substantial blood loss during traditional liposuction. Although the limit of fat removal for one session is ten pounds, the greater the amount of fat taken out can increase the dangers of liposuction. The less fat removed in any one surgery needs to be strictly limited for safety's sake. Liposuction is not appropriate for everyone. You will receive full information about tumescent liposuction, including possible risks and limitations, and how it might help you, at your consultation before scheduling any treatment.