Possible Complications

Although most patients have very satisfactory results, as with any operation, certain problems can occur and it is important that you be aware of the risks involved.

Permanent problems rarely occur; however, potential complications with this procedure include thickened or unattractive scars at incision sites, irregularities of contour such as waviness or depressions that may require secondary fat grafting surgery or further suctioning. In the event that skin loss occurs, permanent scarring or the necessity for skin grafting may occur. Skin wrinkling or sagging, numbness or increased sensitivity in the area treated, prolonged swelling of the area treated, accumulation of blood or serum under the skin requiring removal, asymmetry between the treated sides (they will not look alike), a change in the skin color, shock requiring transfusions, clots to the lungs, severe infections or even fatalities have been reported in the literature and may occur.

There is a possibility that you may not look better from this operation and it is conceivable that you may even look worse, should your skin sag excessively or complications occur. This information is not provided to frighten or upset you, but rather to acquaint you with the rare risks associated with this procedure so that if you elect to have such an operation it is with an understanding of the benefits as well as the rare but real potential risks.

Of course, it is not possible to advise you of every conceivable complication and other problems can occur that are unexpected. It should be noted that the complications associated with this procedure are frequently related to the amount of fat, which must be removed and the age of the patient.