Imaging Findings of Liposuction with an Emphasis on Postsurgical Complications

Korean J Radiol. 2015 Nov-Dec;16(6):1197-206. doi: 10.3348/kjr.2015.16.6.1197. Epub 2015 Oct 26.

Abstract

Liposuction is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgeries worldwide for reshaping the body contour. Although liposuction is minimally invasive and relatively safe, it is a surgical procedure, and it carries the risk of major and minor complications. These complications vary from postoperative nausea to life-threatening events. Common complications include infection, abdominal wall injury, bowel herniation, bleeding, haematoma, seroma, and lymphoedema. Life-threatening complications such as necrotizing fasciitis, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism have also been reported. In this paper, we provide a brief introduction to liposuction with the related anatomy and present computed tomography and ultrasonography findings of a wide spectrum of postoperative complications associated with liposuction.

Keywords: Complication; Computed tomography; Lipoplasty; Liposuction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abdomen / diagnostic imaging
  • Fasciitis, Necrotizing / etiology
  • Hematoma / etiology
  • Humans
  • Lipectomy / adverse effects*
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / etiology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography
  • Venous Thrombosis / etiology