Liposuction with water-jet assistance is considered to be less invasive and safer compared to traditional weight loss surgeries. However, it still carries risks such as infection, nerve and blood vessel damage, and the possibility of uneven skin texture after the procedure. Let's take a closer look at the potential risks of water-jet assisted liposuction.
Wound Infection
Occasionally, localized infections may occur at the incision site after water-jet assisted liposuction. This can be attributed to the failure to block negative pressure during the insertion and removal of the suction tube, which worsens the damage to the incision area. If an infection is detected, the stitches can be removed, the wound can be drained of pus, and dressings can be changed. Generally, extensive infections are rare.
Bleeding and Pain
Prolonged use of the water-jet probe may result in surface irregularities and roughness, causing greater tissue damage, bleeding, and intense pain.
Uneven Skin Texture
Uneven skin texture occurs due to uneven thickness of the retained fat layer under the skin during the water-jet assisted liposuction procedure. Improvement can be expected within three months after the surgery. If the unevenness is too pronounced, a secondary procedure can be performed for correction.
Numbness
Water-jet assisted liposuction can cause some damage to blood vessels and nerves, resulting in temporary numbness of the skin. This condition typically resolves on its own within a short period of time.
Skin Folds
Patients with poor skin elasticity may experience skin folds or excessive sagging after water-jet assisted liposuction, as the sudden loss of support in the epidermis occurs. Severe cases can be addressed through surgical removal.
Other Complications
In addition to the aforementioned side effects, water-jet assisted liposuction may also lead to complications such as pigmentation changes and skin hardening.
In extremely rare cases, obese individuals with a large volume of fat being suctioned out may have an increased risk of vascular damage, which can result in serious complications like venous thrombosis, fat embolism, and pulmonary embolism. However, such occurrences are uncommon.
