WHAT IS LIPOSUCTION?

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that is utilised to remove unwanted body fat. This popular cosmetic procedure involves sucking out areas of fat that are typically difficult to shed through regular methods, such as exercise and eating a healthy diet. Generally, liposuction is carried out on parts of the body where deposits of fat tend to collect, such as the hips, stomach, thighs and buttocks.

HOW DOES LIPOSUCTION WORK?

The main aim of liposuction is to alter body shape, with long-lasting results for patients who maintain a healthy weight. The best results are usually seen in patients who are a normal weight, and where the procedure is carried out in areas where the skin is tight.

The procedure is usually carried out under general anaesthetic. During the procedure, the surgeon would put a mark on the body where the fat is to be removed, then they will:

• Inject the area with a solution containing anaesthetic and medicine, which will reduce blood loss, bruising and swelling
• Break up the fat cells using high-frequency vibrations, a weak laser pulse or a high-pressure water jet
• Make a small cut before inserting a tube attached to a vacuum machine (several cuts may need to be made if the area is large)
• Move the suction tube back and forth to loosen the fat and suck it out
• Drain any excess fluid and blood
• Stitch up and bandage the treated area

The procedure can take anywhere between one and three hours. In the majority of cases, the patient will need to stay in hospital overnight.

Here, we have detailed what you can expect from the three most popular methods:

IS LIPOSUCTION SAFE?

As with any invasive cosmetic treatment, liposuction has serious risks and possible complications. It is vital that those considering undergoing the surgery should be aware of these potential risk factors, enabling them to make an informed decision about going ahead with the procedure.

Risks during surgery include:

• Lumpy and uneven results
• Bleeding under the skin (haematoma)
• Persistent numbness, which can last for many months
• Changes in skin colour in the treated area
• A blood clot in the lungs, also known as a pulmonary embolism
• A build-up of fluid in the lungs from the fluid injected into the body
• Damage to internal organs during the procedure

In addition, any type of operation carries a risk of the following:

• Excessive bleeding
• Developing a blood clot in a vein
• Infection
• An allergic reaction to the anaesthetic

The surgeon should explain how likely these risks and complications are, as well as provide information on how they would be treated if they occurred.

At Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, we have helped hundreds of clients who believe the desired effect was not achieved by their liposuction procedure. If you have endured substandard treatment by a cosmetic practitioner, you could be entitled to compensation. Speaking to a solicitor will help you to gain a good understanding of your legal rights.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF LIPOSUCTION?

It is common after undergoing liposuction to experience:

• Bruising and swelling, which can last up to six months after the procedure
• Numbness, which should go away within six to eight weeks
• Scarring
• Inflammation of the treated area
• Swollen ankles (if the legs or ankles are treated)
• Fluid coming from the cuts

If a cosmetic surgeon or clinic was negligent during your liposuction procedure, you may be able to make a claim for financial award. You can find out more about liposuction compensation claims here.

Contact us

Are you concerned about the success of your liposuction procedure? If so, contact Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors today by calling 0800 634 0285 or request a call back by filling in your details in the form on this page.