Question: My wife is 45 years old and carries some weight. She is beautiful to me, but she is determined to have liposuction surgery on her thighs and buttocks. What are the dangers?

Dr. Hibberd's answer:
As with any major surgery, liposuction carries risks — such as bleeding and a reaction to anesthesia. Possible complications can include contour irregularities where her skin may appear bumpy, wavy or withered due to uneven fat removal, poor skin elasticity and unusual healing. These changes may be permanent. Damage beneath the skin from the thin tube (cannula) that's used during liposuction may give the skin a permanent spotted appearance. There could be unwanted fluid accumulation which won't go away unless drained by a needle. The affected area could be temporarily or permanently numb. Skin infections are rare, but possible. A severe skin infection may be life-threatening. When not done by an experienced specialist, a cannula that penetrates too deeply may puncture an internal organ. This may require emergency surgical repair.