Liposuction and Blood Clots: Risks, Prevention & Post-Op Care

Liposuction is a procedure that removes fat directly from specific areas of the body. One of the potential hazards of this procedure is the development of blood clots.

Blood Clots

• While blood clotting is a natural process of the body and prevents excessive bleeding, it can be hazardous, even fatal. Blood clots are made up of red blood cells, fibrin protein and platelets.

Importance Post-Op

• After liposuction, begin walking around as soon as possible in order to prevent blood clots. The patient should attempt to walk the same night as the procedure.

Excessive Surgery

• Blood clots usually form when there has been excessive trauma to the body caused by liposuction. If a patient is unable to walk around the day after surgery, too much may have been done in one session. It is then important to watch for signs of clotting.

Anesthesia

• When general anesthesia is used, the percentage of blood clotting becomes higher as opposed to when only local anesthesia is used.

Symptoms

• Blood clots can be extremely dangerous and possibly fatal if they work their way to the lungs. It is important to note any pain and look for any swelling.