Risks of Lipo on the Calves

Liposuction is a procedure used to remove fat from under the skin via suction. Liposuction may be used to remove unwanted fat from most parts of the body, including the calves. Depending on the complexity of the surgery and the overall health of the patient, liposuction may be performed in a doctor's office, outpatient center or hospital setting. Speak with your doctor about the risks associated with liposuction on the calves and follow your doctor's orders during recovery to reduce complications.

Visible Problems

• Like most cosmetic surgeries, liposuction results differ from person to person. Some common visible risks associated with lipo on the calves include asymmetrical removal of fatty deposits, which results in uneven contouring on one or both legs. Additionally, when a large amount of fat is removed, sagging or lose skin may occur. As with all invasive surgeries, there will be scarring, but cosmetic surgeons use techniques to minimize the appearance of scars.

Infection

• Anytime your body is opened during surgery, there is the risk of infection at the site of the wound. Proper treatment and cleaning of the wound will help prevent most infections, but if an infection sets in, you will likely be prescribed antibiotics. Additionally, rare but serious infections such as staphylococcus (staph), streptococcus (strep), necrotizing fasciitis or toxic shock syndrome may occur.

Clotting

• Rarely, blood or fat clots occur with liposuction. The risk of developing clots after surgery increases with the length and complexity of the procedure and with the use of general anesthesia. If the clot travels to the lungs, it may result in a life threatening pulmonary embolism. Any shortness of breath during recovery, either in the hospital or at home should be reported to your doctor immediately.

Anesthesia

• Though rare, there are always risks involved with anesthesia. If you have an existing heart condition, are obese or smoke, risks associated with general anesthesia such as heart attack, stroke or breathing difficulties increase. If regional or local anesthesia is used, only a portion of your body is numbed and rare risks such as nerve-damage or localized paralysis may occur. Additionally, if a person has an unknown allergy to anesthesia, they may have a potentially life-threatening reaction.

Fluid Imbalance

• During liposuction, fluids are removed in addition to fat. Doctors carefully monitor your fluid balance during surgery and recovery, but in rare circumstances, a fluid imbalance may cause shock or even death when too much fluid is removed too quickly, or if a severe electrolyte imbalance occurs.