Is Liposuction Safe? What you Need to Know

Medically Reviewed April 2023, by Claire Clarke - Head of Surgical Services for The Harley Medical Group

Are you considering liposuction? Do you need more information about the safety of the procedure to make your decision? Look no further, here we will be covering all things liposuction safety, including side effects, risks and compatibility with pregnancy.

Is liposuction dangerous?

As with any aesthetic procedure, there is a range of liposuction techniques that can be used to achieve specific, individualised results. This is important because safety statistics and information on side effects will vary depending on the technique used.

Generally, liposuction is considered to be safe, with major complications occurring in less than 1% of cases. However, the experience of the surgeon and the quality of the hospital facilities and aftercare service are critical factors influencing safety. Our surgeons have extensive experience and have undergone the highest-quality training, and this is reflected in the investment that clients make with The Harley Medical Group.

Given the invasive nature of the procedure, there are a number of liposuction side effects that are expected following surgery, these include:

• Bruising – this may take several weeks to resolve completely
• Contour irregularities – as a consequence of inflammation and swelling in the treated areas
• Tingling and numbness in the skin – temporary side effects caused by disruption to the nerves in the skin during surgery

Liposuction risks

Although it is rare for any serious or life-threatening complications to occur during or after liposuction surgery, it is important to be aware of the risks. In around 1 in every 2500 cases, a blood clot can form in the veins of the leg or in the lungs. This can be severe and requires experienced emergency medical management.

How can I reduce the likelihood of complications occurring?

When it comes to liposuction, there is a delicate balance between the amount of fat removed and the chance of complications. Choosing to undergo surgery with an experienced, skilled and appropriately regulated surgeon is the easiest way to ensure that your procedure is carried out in the safest way possible and that a suitable amount of fat is removed. If too much fat is removed or it is removed unevenly, contour deformities and skin irregularities become more likely.

Is liposuction safe before pregnancy?

Undergoing liposuction before pregnancy is a perfectly safe way to remove those areas of stubborn fat deposition. Throughout pregnancy, the body undergoes an impressive range of changes, one of which involves skin elasticity. Before pregnancy, it is often the case that skin elasticity is optimal and that this may be the most appropriate time to undergo liposuction. However, many women feel that delaying liposuction until after pregnancy is a better option. This is in an effort to minimise any significant changes to the contours of the body after liposuction and to maximise the longevity of results.

If you would like to explore how liposuction can help you to restore confidence in your appearance, you can read more about the procedure, the associated costs, our expert surgeons, or book a no-obligation consultation with one of The Harley Medical Group Patient Advisors here.