Is Liposuction Safe?

85% of dieters experience a weight loss plateau, even when they’re diligent with a diet and exercise regimen. While there are ways to get over this frustrating period, it’s still very likely that you’ll end up with little pockets of fat that refuse to go away.

It’s alright to get extra help, especially if all that stands between you and your perfect body is stubborn extra fat. This is why many people turn to liposuction, which targets this fat and eliminates it.

Is liposuction safe though? And what else should you know about the risks of liposuction? We’ll provide all the relevant information you’ll need in this article.

Is Liposuction Safe?

In 2024, the top cosmetic surgery performed was liposuction, making it one of the most popular cosmetic procedures around. But is liposuction dangerous, despite these high numbers?

In general, it’s considered safe when you have a qualified, board-certified surgeon perform the surgery in a properly equipped medical facility. In addition, there are advances in technology that have improved both safety and recovery times, such as:

• Tumescent liposuction
• Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL)
• Laser-assisted liposuction

However, you have to be realistic: no surgery is completely risk-free. There’s always the very real possibility of complications, such as:

• Infections
• Excessive bleeding
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia
• Irregular body contouring or asymmetry
• Fluid accumulation (seromas)
• Fat embolism (rare, but serious condition)

Factors Affecting Liposuction Safety

How safe is liposuction exactly? Well, that depends on several factors. We’ll explore them below.

Patient Health

Your own health will be a key factor since your body’s ability to heal and tolerate anesthesia can make or break things. For example, if you’re a smoker, then it can delay healing and increase the risk of infection and necrosis (tissue death).

Also, if you have chronic conditions (like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease), then these should be well-managed before surgery; otherwise, they may cause issues. Obesity can increase risks too, like blood clots and poor healing outcomes.

Ideally, good candidates should be at or near their ideal weight. You should only have localized fat pockets.

Many surgeons will require a pre-op clearance from your primary doctor. That way, they’ll ensure that your heart, lungs, and bloodwork are in good shape beforehand.

The Amount of Fat Removed

There are safe limits on how much fat can be safely removed in one session. If you exceed these limits, then it increases surgical risks.

In general, most surgeons cap fat removal at 3-5 liters per session (roughly 6-11 pounds), although they can also remove 8-10+ liters for “mega liposuction.” However, this procedure increases the likelihood of fluid imbalance, shock, or life-threatening complications.

This means that smaller, more targeted procedures are safer, especially when done in outpatient settings. If you want multiple areas addressed, then we’d suggest having several smaller sessions spaced out over months. This is safer than one overly aggressive session.

Type of Liposuction Used

Obviously, different techniques will result in varying levels of safety, risk, and effectiveness. For example, UAL helps with fibrous areas, but there’s a risk of burns if not properly used. And power-assisted liposuction (PAL) has less fatigue for surgeons and smoother results, although the vibrations may cause soreness.

The Surgeon’s Qualifications

The most important thing regarding liposuction safety is your plastic surgeon’s skills and credentials. Someone who regularly performs liposuction will have more refined techniques and better complication management skills.

You should look for board certification by legitimate medical boards, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery in the US and CMCPER in Mexico. They should also be a member in recognized organizations, like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) or International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).

If the surgeon offers “too-good-to-be-true” prices or is operating out of poorly reviewed clinics, then those are red flags.

Facility Accreditation

The surgical environment plays a huge role in infection control, as well as emergency preparedness and your overall safety. When looking at potential facilities, check for:

• Accreditation and emergency protocols
• Availability of resuscitation equipment and trained staff
• Inspections by national or international health authorities
• Licensed anesthesiologists

Post-Operative Care

The better you take care of yourself after surgery, the lower your risks. This is because if you neglect aftercare, the following post-op complications may happen:

• Infection
• Poor healing
• Contour irregularities

In general, you should do the following to minimize risks:

• Wear compression garments
• Attend all scheduled follow-up visits
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
• Recognize early signs of infection or complications

If you’re traveling to another country to get liposuction, then account for aftercare. Don’t travel too soon after your surgery.

Is it Safe to Get Liposuction in Mexico?

On that note, you may be wondering if it’s safe to get liposuction in Mexico. You’ve heard that the cost of plastic surgery is significantly cheaper, and saving money is always a good idea.

But is it safe? It definitely is, if you do your due diligence. Make sure to:

• Verify board certification
• Check for international accreditation
• Read patient reviews

If possible, have an initial consultation online to get a feel for the surgeon. Always go with your gut feeling.

Liposuction Is a Safe Procedure

The answer to the question, “Is liposuction safe?” is that generally speaking, it is. However, you have to be patient and responsible by researching your options and choosing a plastic surgeon who’s both board-certified and experienced.

And if you want to save significantly, you can always have your procedure done in Mexico. While you have to travel, you’ll still pay less. In addition, you’ll get quality work done in a beautiful country, so you can explore your local surroundings on your trip too.

Get in touch with us today to learn more about liposuction and what we can do for you. Dr. Valdez has over 16 years of experience and is a renowned specialist in cosmetic and plastic surgery.