Liposuction - Side Effects

Side Effects

A side effect, as opposed to a complication, is medically minor, although it can be uncomfortable, annoying, and even painful.

• Bruising: can be painful in the short term, and should fade after a few weeks.
• Swelling: should subside gradually over a month or two.
• Scars: will vary in size depending on the particular procedure, and should fade over the weeks. Scarring is an individual thing, partly dependent on heredity. For some, scar healing may take as long as a year.
• Pain: should be temporary and controlled by either over-the-counter medication, or by a prescription.
• Numbness: sometimes persists for a few weeks.
• Post-operative weight gain
• Limited mobility: will depend on the exact procedure.

There could be various factors limiting movement for a short while, such as:

• Wearing a compression garment
• Keeping the head elevated
• Temporary swelling or pain

The surgeon should advise on how soon the patient can resume normal activity.