A 30-year-old woman had liposuction to restore her figure after giving birth, but she almost died from fat embolism! Doctors warn: Liposuction is not a panacea for weight loss

Postpartum women may think liposuction is the quickest way to lose fat and get in shape, but be careful of the health risks! Bariatric physician Dr. Chen Weilong recalled that he had dealt with a thrilling case of a female patient in her 30s while serving in the emergency department. In order to quickly restore her pre-pregnancy figure, the patient chose to undergo liposuction surgery. Unexpectedly, three days after returning home, she began to suffer from asthma and shortness of breath. She was already unconscious when she was sent to the emergency room. A CT scan showed fat embolism, and she was gradually out of danger after a week of hospitalization.

Dr. Chen Wei-long pointed out that when the patient was sent to the emergency room, there were multiple "holes" due to liposuction on his abdomen, thighs, back and buttocks, and his blood oxygen concentration was low. A CT scan confirmed that the patient had fat embolism, which obstructed pulmonary gas exchange, and eventually led to respiratory failure and coma.

Dr. Chen Weilong explained that the risks of liposuction are not limited to anesthesia issues. During the operation, fat cells will be shattered, emulsified and then sucked out. If blood vessels are accidentally injured, fat particles may enter the blood circulation and cause venous thrombosis. If it further causes pulmonary embolism combined with shock symptoms, the mortality rate can be as high as 50%. Even though surgical techniques and related medical equipment have been continuously improved and the risk of pulmonary embolism has been greatly reduced, it still cannot be ignored.

For people who hope to lose weight and reshape their bodies through liposuction, Dr. Chen Weilong recommends that they carefully assess their own health conditions. Not everyone is suitable for liposuction, especially those who are severely obese, who themselves have a high risk of anesthesia.

Dr. Chen Wei-Long further explained that for those with moderate to severe obesity or those seeking local weight loss, although liposuction surgery is quick and effective, it only removes subcutaneous fat and is of little help for the visceral fat that causes metabolic syndrome. (Photo provided by Hatsuhi Clinic)

Dr. Chen Wei-Long further explained that for those with moderate to severe obesity or those seeking local weight loss, although liposuction surgery is quick and effective, it only removes subcutaneous fat and is of little help for the visceral fat that causes metabolic syndrome. In other words, the risk of obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, fatty liver, and hypertension will not be significantly improved by liposuction.

Studies have shown that within one year after liposuction, if it is not combined with exercise or diet control, the liposuction area may appear thinner, but fat may increase in other parts of the body, and even increase visceral fat, thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Chen Weilong shared his own and clinical experience, saying that developing good living, eating and exercise habits is the most effective way to lose weight and shape your body. In addition to improving your body shape, it can also promote overall health and prevent weight regain.