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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Suction Lipectomy - Liposuction

Home Care and Complications

What happens later at home?

The person is asked to walk shortly after surgery to decrease the risk of blood clots in the legs, known as deep venous thrombosis, and to speed healing. Most people are able to go back to work a few days after liposuction, depending on how extensive it was. Any stitches are removed in 7 to 10 days. In most cases, moderate exercise can resume within a few days after surgery, but strenuous activity may need to be avoided for up to a month after the procedure. The doctor can advise on any limits needed. It may take 3 to 6 weeks for bruising and swelling to subside.

What are the potential complications after the procedure?

Liposuction is usually a very safe procedure when done by a skilled, experienced, and specially licensed surgeon. Any surgery carries a risk, though. Risks increase as more fat is removed, the area of fat is larger, or if the procedure takes a long time. Risks include:

infection

blood clots or fat clots, which can travel to the lungs. Known as a pulmonary embolus, a clot in the lungs can cause death

puncture wounds of organs from the movement of the tube

seroma, which is a pooling of serum in the area where the fat was removed

damage to the skin and nerves from the movement of the tube under the skin

swelling of the surgical area, which can sometimes last for several weeks or months

burns from the ultrasound probe, if UAL is used

shock from loss of fluid that was not replaced

allergic reaction to the medicines used for anesthesia or to break up the fat

death, although this is not common

Any increase in pain, bleeding, fever, weakness, or other symptoms should be reported to the doctor as soon as they are noticed.

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