After the desired amount of fat is removed, the incisions are closed and dressings applied. Intravenous fluid replacement is generally not needed for tumescent liposuction surgery. The patient is usually instructed to wear a pressure garment, to reduce swelling and aid in the healing process. In spite of this, there will be some swelling and discoloration, which will subside over a period of several weeks. The swelling may take many months to completely go away.
All surgical procedures carry certain risks.
Fortunately, serious complications are very uncommon after liposuction. While there have been reported cases of perforation, skin loss, severe scarring and even death, these are extremely rare. Other complications such as infection, and blood clots in the lungs have also been reported, but again are rare. Minor problems, including serum filled pockets, or collections of blood under the skin, will resolve with time. The most common problem is a waviness or sagging in the skin, resulting from irregular fat removal or inadequate skin shrinkage over the newly contoured areas.