Laser Liposuction Side Effects

Traditional liposuction is an invasive technique in which a plastic surgeon inserts a tube in a specific area of the body and suctions the fat out. Doctors use general anesthesia when performing this procedure. However, laser liposuction is a surgical technique that's not as dramatic as its predecessor. Because doctors use lasers, they can precisely pinpoint areas of the body and use a local anesthetic. While laser liposuction is considered an improvement, side effects still exist.

Contour Irregularities

• Contour irregularities occur when the skin does not appear smooth. Instead, the skin appears to have lumps in the area where the procedure was performed. This situation sometimes requires more surgery.

Seroma

• The World Journal of Surgical Oncology states that this condition occurs when fluid builds up in areas were tissue has been removed after a surgical procedure. It can occur sometimes seven to 10 days after surgery. This condition usually corrects itself within a month. If it doesn't, patients should return to their doctors.

Sagging Skin

• Another common side effect of laser liposuction is skin laxity, or sagging skin. If individuals have sagging skin, they will have to have more surgery to tighten it up.

Inadequate Fat Removal

• One of the laser liposuction side effects faced by many patients is the inadequate removal of fat, which results in lumpy skin and requires further surgery.

Burns and Blisters

• Individuals who receive laser surgical procedures are at risk for burns and blisters from the laser instruments. These burns and blisters may result in scars. For the most part, burns and blisters go away over time, but individuals should see their doctors if symptoms persist.