Normal, expected side effects

These are considered a routine part of healing and typically resolve on their own within days to a few weeks:

• Swelling — peaks around day 2–3, gradually subsides over weeks to months
• Bruising — ranges from mild to fairly extensive, usually fades within 2–3 weeks
• Soreness and tenderness — like a deep muscle ache, manageable with prescribed pain medication
• Temporary numbness — sensation usually returns over weeks to a few months
• Fluid drainage — from small incision sites in the first day or two
• Skin firmness or lumpiness — can feel uneven before settling into final contour over 3–6 months

For fat grafting specifically, expect swelling at both the donor and recipient site, and be aware the treated area may initially look “overfilled” — intentional, since some transferred fat will be reabsorbed.

Less common but recognized risks

• Infection — increasing redness, warmth, pus, or fever
• Seroma — a fluid pocket under the skin, sometimes requiring drainage
• Contour irregularities — asymmetry, rippling, or dents
• Skin discoloration — usually temporary
• Delayed wound healing — more likely in smokers
• Prolonged numbness — can last beyond a few months in a small percentage of cases

Serious (rare) complications

• Fat embolism — rare but potentially life-threatening; risk minimized by proper technique
• Fluid imbalance — relevant in large-volume liposuction
• Blood clots (DVT) — risk reduced by compression garments and early gentle movement
• Anesthesia-related complications — reduced with a qualified anesthesiologist
• Perforation injury — very rare, technique- and experience-dependent
• Excessive fat reabsorption (fat grafting) — may require a touch-up session

Factors that increase risk

• Treating multiple large areas in a single session
• Combination surgery with other major procedures
• Smoking before or after surgery
• Uncontrolled diabetes, clotting disorders, or cardiovascular disease
• An unaccredited facility without proper anesthesia monitoring
• A surgeon with limited experience in the specific technique

How to reduce your risk

1. Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon registered with PMDC, with documented experience.
2. Have surgery performed at an accredited hospital or surgical facility.
3. Disclose your full medical history, including medications and supplements.
4. Stop smoking well before and after surgery, as advised.
5. Avoid treating too many areas in one session if you have underlying health risk factors.
6. Follow post-operative instructions precisely, including compression garments.
7. Watch for warning signs and contact your surgeon promptly.

When to contact your surgeon immediately

• Fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
• Increasing redness, warmth, or pus at incision sites
• Severe or worsening pain not controlled by medication
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
• Excessive swelling on one side only (possible clot warning sign)
• Signs of an allergic reaction to medication