The risks of suction lipectomy. Their prevention and treatment.

All surgical procedures are associated with risks. They may be divided into undesired sequelae, which are normal and expected, and complications, which are not normal or expected. The undesired sequelae of suction lipectomy are contour irregularities, hypesthesia, edema, ecchymosis, and pigmentary deposits. The potential complications are blood loss, hematoma, seroma, infection, greater saphenous vein thrombosis, fat emboli, and skin slough. These are discussed in detail.