Lipo 360 (circumferential liposuction of the midsection) is a safe and effective body contouring procedure when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited facility. However, as with any surgery, there are risks patients must be fully informed about before proceeding.
Common Short-Term Side Effects
These are expected as part of the normal healing process and are not considered complications:
- Swelling and bruising (may persist for 6–12 weeks)
- Soreness and tenderness at treatment sites
- Numbness or altered sensation in treated areas (usually temporary)
- Drainage of tumescent fluid from incision sites in the first 24–48 hours
- Temporary contour irregularities as swelling resolves unevenly
Potential Complications
More serious complications are uncommon but can occur, particularly when procedures are performed outside accredited facilities or without board-certified surgeons:
- Seroma: Fluid accumulation under the skin requiring drainage; most common complication of liposuction
- Hematoma: Pooling of blood under the skin, possibly requiring surgical drainage
- Infection: Rare but serious; requires antibiotic treatment and sometimes reoperation
- Skin necrosis: Death of skin tissue due to compromised blood flow, especially in smokers
- Contour irregularities: Lumpy, wavy, or uneven skin surface that may require revision
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism: Blood clot risk elevated with longer procedures
- Perforation of internal organs: Extremely rare but serious; associated with inexperienced surgeons or off-label cannula use
- Lidocaine toxicity: Possible with excessive tumescent fluid; properly trained surgeons adhere to safe dosing limits
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Certain patient factors increase the likelihood of complications:
- Smokers or recent smokers
- Patients with diabetes or vascular disease
- High BMI (above 35)
- History of blood clotting disorders
- Patients combining Lipo 360 with other lengthy procedures in a single session
How to Minimize Your Risk
The best ways to reduce Lipo 360 risk include choosing an ABPS board-certified surgeon, verifying the facility is accredited (AAAASF or JCAHO), quitting smoking at least 6 weeks before surgery, being at a stable healthy weight, and following all pre- and post-operative instructions diligently. At Svelta Plastic Surgery in Miami, patient safety is our first priority at every step.