Liposuction is among the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures performed. About 222,051 liposuctions occurred in 2015, which was second only to breast augmentation at 279,143 procedures.

Risks and potential complications can accompany the elective procedure of liposuction. These include risks related to anesthesia and infection, as well as the risks of deep vein thrombosis and cardiac and pulmonary complications. Because of these risks and complications, injuries can result in connection with liposuction, which can include claims that a physician was negligent or failed to adequately disclose the risks to the patient. Awards to patients can be high.

Attorneys, physicians, insurers, employers, and other potential parties to litigation need to understand the types of lawsuits and other liability issues that may arise in connection with liposuction surgery.

Arbitration or mediation may be required by contract or statute, may be mandated by the court or, in some circumstances, may be the appropriate method for a negotiated resolution.

The following are reasons why the attorney, physician, insurer, or employer would want to reach settlement, and not take the action to trial.

The following are reasons why the attorney, physician, insurer, or employer would want to take the action to trial.

How much have juries awarded and what settlements have been reached recently in cases involving liposuction, liposculpture, lipoplasty, or suction-assisted lipectomy?

This section provides detailed medical information on liposuction, alternatives to liposuction, patient selection criteria, considerations for technique selection, types of liposuction, limitations of liposuction fat removal, preparation before liposuction surgery, the liposuction procedure, postoperative, and results. This section also discusses the patient’s ability to work.

Provided is a listing of law and medical resources for further information on liposuction.