Liposuction or lipoplasty is among the top plastic surgery procedures performed in the U.S. The procedure can reduce unwanted fatty deposits in different areas of the body and improve body contour. However, most people are still concerned about the safety of liposuction surgery.
At the outset, it should be understood that like any other plastic surgery procedure, minor complications are common with liposuction. Rare complications that may occur include small hematomas, seromas and minor contour irregularities.
Technological advancements have made liposuction minimally invasive and safer. Plastic surgeons utilize advanced technologies such as VASER and BodyTite are to provide effective results with minimal complications. These technologies can effectively remove fat from almost all areas such as the abdomen, thighs, ankles, arms, back, breasts, chin, hips and knees. Recovery is also quicker with the use of these techniques as they involve the use of only local anesthesia.
Nevertheless, the success and safety of the procedure depends a lot on the plastic surgeon performing lipoplasty. Established plastic surgeons have the highest regard for patient safety and carefully evaluate the patient’s overall health, medical history, expectations and the volume of fat to be removed, while determining the patient’s candidacy for the procedure. The right plastic surgeon would also go by the evidence-based advisory issued by the ASPS Patient Safety Committee to ensure and enhance patient safety. This advisory has recommendations on the type of anesthesia, cannula designs, and post operative care that can ensure safety of patients undertaking liposuction.
Liposuction can be performed in hospital-based ambulatory surgical units, independent ambulatory surgery centers, or in a surgical facility attached to a plastic surgeon’s office. Reliable plastic surgeons perform outpatient liposuction procedures in an American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) accredited surgical suite.
AAAASF’s accrediting program helps assure patients of safety and quality in every aspect of their outpatient surgery experience. An AAAASF-accredited ambulatory surgery facility has to meet strict national standards for equipment and operating room safety as well as personnel and surgeon credentials. AAAASF experts monitor the surgical facility on a continuous basis to make sure that current standards are adhered to when delivering outpatient care, with focus on patient safety.