Unfortunately, all surgeries have risks and complications. Complications with thigh liposuction are rare, but can happen. These complications can include medical complications or dissatisfaction with the results of the procedure. Some liposuction techniques carry specific risks. These can be seen here.
Anesthesia
The risk of a bad reaction to anesthesia exists during a thigh liposuction procedure.
General Risks and Complications
Excessive operative or postoperative bleeding can occur with thigh liposuction surgery. There is also the risk of developing a large blood clot or pocket of fluid in the areas treated.
Tissue Necrosis
Liposuction can inadvertently cut off the blood supply to a piece of tissue or fat, causing it to die, which is called necrosis. When necrosis occurs in fat cells, the fat turns an orangish color and drains from the incision sites. Necrosis in tissue is significantly more serious and must be treated immediately.
Emboli
An embolus (plural: emboli) is a blood clot or a bit of any material that travels through the bloodstream and causes a blockage. A blood clot is called a thromboembolus and one that lodges in the lungs is called a pulmonary thromboembolus. A fat embolus is a globule of fat that gets into the bloodstream. Liposuction can cause emboli that travel to the heart, lungs or brain, where they can cause serious health problems, such as a heart attack, breathing difficulties or stroke.
Pulmonary Thromboemboli
Pulmonary thromboemboli are a serious risk associated with thigh liposuction, and they can lead to difficulty in breathing, cardiac arrest or coma. Symptoms include labored breathing within 72 hours after the surgery. A pulmonary embolism usually occurs within 3 weeks after the surgery, but may occur suddenly at any time after the procedure.
Pulmonary Edema
Pulmonary edema, or fluid in the lungs, can occur during or after thigh liposuction. In most cases, this occurs with overhydration, or the administration of too much fluid, and is more likely to occur with wet and super-wet liposuction techniques.
Fluid Shifts and Blood Loss
In addition to too much fluid being administered, there is also the risk of dehydration and excessive blood loss. Both are more likely to happen with high-volume thigh liposuctions, where very large amounts of fat are being removed. Excessive blood loss may also occur in high-volume liposuction cases if the surgeon is not cautious.
Irregular Contour Deformities
Although not physically harmful, one of the major risks associated with thigh liposuction are contour irregularities or deformities. These are visible dents, bumps and waves and can be unattractive. These conditions are usually the result of the procedure itself, but may also result when a person does not strictly follow postoperative protocols. In many cases, additional procedures will be necessary to correct contour irregularities.
General Dissatisfaction
General dissatisfaction can happen if you have failed to convey your expectations and desired appearance to your surgeon. You must be as clear and detailed as possible when describing how you want to look to avoid being disappointed after the thigh liposuction surgery. Being extremely clear about what you want before your surgery can help keep your expectations realistic, since your surgeon will be able to discuss what thigh liposuction can do for you and what it cannot do.
