"Is Facial Liposuction Considered a High-Risk Surgical Procedure?"
Liposuction as a Rapid Weight Loss Option
Many individuals opt for liposuction as a means to achieve rapid weight loss. Generally, undergoing liposuction surgery at a professional cosmetic institution poses significantly lower risks. However, facial liposuction surgeries still carry certain risks, including the potential for complications such as facial paralysis. Therefore, it is advisable to thoroughly consider all aspects before undergoing liposuction surgery.
It is essential to complete all necessary preoperative examinations and discontinue any medications unrelated to the surgery. Additionally, females should make advance work arrangements and avoid surgeries during menstruation, pregnancy, or before travel.
Preparatory Steps Before Liposuction Surgery
Prior to liposuction surgery, several preparatory steps are crucial. Firstly, the patient should ensure that they fully understand and accept the surgery. Secondly, they should thoroughly cleanse their body and maintain good sleep habits as per the doctor's instructions.
Before the official liposuction surgery, the doctor will professionally design the surgery, with the patient in an upright position to clearly expose the fat deposits and sagging areas due to gravity. The areas for suction will be carefully marked, and the extent of fat accumulation will be indicated using contour lines.
Surgical Incision Design
The surgical incision should be designed as inconspicuous as possible, often hidden in natural folds of the body. For abdominal liposuction, the incision may be made on the lateral wall of the navel, while for arm liposuction, the incision is typically placed within the axilla.
Post-Surgical Reactions
Post-surgical reactions may include:
- Pigmentation due to excessive suction leading to skin ischemia, particularly prone to occur on the calves and abdomen.
- Uneven skin texture in the surgical area as liposuction is not completely uniform.
- Wound infection if the suction cannula is not properly blocked during insertion and removal, leading to increased trauma and risk of infection.
- Skin necrosis if excessive subcutaneous fat is removed, disrupting skin circulation and potentially causing blisters, necrosis, and scarring.
- Chronic pain resulting from aggressive surgical techniques, improper incision design, or subcutaneous scar formation, manifesting as radiating pain, particularly at night.
- Complications such as pulmonary embolism and cardiac embolism if fat particles enter vital organs during liposuction, posing a direct threat to life.
- Although the number of fat cells decreases after liposuction, their volume may increase, leading to a rebound effect. Although repeat surgeries are possible, fibrosis in the surgical site makes subsequent procedures more difficult.
- Bleeding is inevitable due to trauma to capillaries and small vessels, but with the use of tumescent solution and proper technique, blood loss is minimal, usually less than 100ml, and transfusion is not required. Slight bleeding in the postoperative drainage is normal and should decrease significantly after 24 hours.
- Dizziness and nausea may occur due to anxiety, prolonged surgery, extensive suction area, high anesthetic absorption, excessive bleeding, or postural hypotension upon standing. In such cases, lying down and avoiding sudden movements can alleviate the symptoms. Severe reactions should be promptly reported to the doctor for timely management.