Cosmetic surgery is becoming more and more common. What used to be considered a secret of celebrities is now touted as routine upkeep and accessible to everyone. One of the most common cosmetic procedures is liposuction, a minor surgery in which fat is sucked out of targeted areas of the body. But before your scramble for a referral, check out what the Office of Women's Health at the FDA has to say about liposuction.
What is Liposuction?
During a liposuction procedure, small incisions are made on the targeted areas of the body. A probe is inserted into the incision and breaks up the fat before sucking it out. Though it can be used to treat medical conditions, like removing fat tumors called lipomas, lipo is most commonly used as a cosmetic procedure. Most procedures target areas like the back, hips, breasts, thighs, stomach and face. But the FDA stresses that liposuction is not a treatment for weight-loss. People who have liposuction lose inches, not pounds, so liposuction has no effect on treating obesity or obesity-related health problems.
What are the Risks?
The FDA reports that the majority of liposuctions patients are perfectly satisfied with the results. But like any medical procedure there are risks involved. Assessing the risks is particularly important for an unnecessary medical procedure like liposuction. Among the risks are:
- Infections. Keeping your incision areas clean after your surgery is very important, but even the most diligent patient can get an infection that requires antibiotics. Extreme infections can be life-threatening.- Embolisms. If the loosened fat enters the blood stream, the clots can gather in the lungs or brain and cause disability or even death.- Swelling. Though discomfort is expected, some cases of extreme swelling that lasts for weeks or months have been reported.- Toxicity. Whether you end up using a local or general anesthesia, there is a risk of an overdose which can result in slurred speed, convulsions, and even heart failure in extreme cases.- Fatality. The FDA references several studies which report liposuction related deaths as anywhere from 3 to 100 deaths per 100,000 procedures. For comparative purposes, car accident deaths are reported as 16 per 100,000.What's the Verdict?Like any surgical procedure, liposuction involves risks. What is unique about liposuction is that, since it is a cosmetic procedure, you have other non-surgical options available. Diet, exercise, make-up and clothes can also change your feelings about your body. Of course, you also have the option of learning to love and accept your body the way it is. Remember: if you are looking for a weight-loss treatment, liposuction isn't it.However, if you are still interested in liposuction, talk to your doctor about getting a referral and shop around before you decide. Remember that it is unlikely that your insurance will cover the procedure. Be sure to talk over all the risks and benefits with your doctor before signing on the dotted line.
