Possible Complications of Thigh Liposuction
Liposuction is a medical procedure designed to remove stubborn fat deposits. And still remains to be the most effective method of removing large volumes of fat in a single treatment. Liposuction has become so common that reports of liposuction treatments going horribly wrong are rare. But this does not entirely eliminate the possibility of producing risks and medical complications.
Liposuction is commonly performed in fat problem areas such as the abdomen, thighs, legs and arms. And the dangers posed by liposuction remains the same for each area. Complications such as hemorrhage and infection are just some of the possible complications of liposuction.
Fat Embolism
A serious complication of liposuction is the development of fat embolisms. Fat cells are broken down during liposuction and an open wound could be an unwilling entry point of free fat cells. Fat could travel through the blood stream reaching the brains and lungs. Serious damage could result from this fat cells reaching small blood vessels in the brain. Blood flow is blocked depriving brain cells of oxygen. Although cases of fat embolism is rare, this is a life threatening condition.
Infection
Great care is taken to ensure that the area for thigh liposuction is kept sterile or free from infection. A surgical incision is required during liposuction. Open wounds are created making it easier for infection to spread internally. Our body’s natural defense against infection, the skin is compromised. But this is not only limited during liposuction.
Infection could also occur after liposuction. This happens without proper wound care. Bandages should always be changed to prevent infection from setting in. Refrain from putting too much stress or pressure on the wounds to prevent them from opening.
Venous Thromboembolism
Blood clots are part of our body’s natural defense mechanism against wounds. Its aim is to stop bleeding by blocking further blood flow from the wound. Just like fat embolism, blood clots could travel to the lungs through circulation. It is a life threatening condition and should be considered serious.
Studies show that large volume liposuction has a 1.5 percent chance of developing a clot. One out of ten cases of pulmonary embolism is fatal within the first hour of the first signs of its symptoms. Patients are at greatest risk for pulmonary embolism from three to seven days after surgery.
Reaction to Anesthesia
Surgery requires some amount of anesthesia to desensitize the patient during the procedure. General anesthesia is required for major surgeries that require a large area to be desensitized. Because it affects a larger area, complications are magnified. Symptoms of toxicity from anesthesia include drowsiness, convulsion, slurred speech, muscle twitching and numbness to name a few.
Hemorrhage
Uncontrolled bleeding due to improper wound closure. Patients who have undergone surgery are discouraged from performing strenuous or weight bearing activities. The real danger are wounds that are not visible to the naked eye. Bleeding wound from an open wound could easily be identified but those located deep within the skin is dangerous.
Skin discoloration, swelling and tenderness in the general area of liposuction could be an indication of internal bleeding. Severe blood loss is life threatening and should be consulted with your surgeon immediately.
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