As with any surgical procedure, body feminisation contouring carries certain risks. While modern surgical techniques and careful planning significantly reduce the likelihood of complications, it is essential to be aware of potential risks before undergoing surgery. At Centre for Surgery, patient safety is our top priority, and our expert surgeons take every precaution to ensure the safest possible experience. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss these risks in detail and outline the measures taken to minimise them.
Common Risks Associated with Surgery
One of the most common side effects following body feminisation surgery is temporary swelling and bruising, which typically subsides within a few weeks. Some patients may also experience mild discomfort and soreness, which can be managed with prescribed pain relief. While these are normal parts of the healing process, they should gradually improve as recovery progresses.
Infection is a potential risk after any surgery, but this is rare when post-operative care guidelines are followed correctly. Your surgeon will provide detailed wound care instructions, and in some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. Keeping the surgical areas clean and avoiding unnecessary strain during the healing period will help reduce this risk.
Another consideration is fluid accumulation (seroma), where fluid may collect under the skin at the treatment site. If this occurs, it can usually be managed with drainage or compression garments. Haematoma (blood pooling under the skin) is also a possible risk, though uncommon. Your surgeon will monitor you closely after surgery to ensure early detection of any such issues.
Risks Specific to Liposuction and Fat Transfer
Since liposuction involves removing fat from specific areas, irregular contours or asymmetry may occur if healing is uneven or if too much fat is removed from one side. However, choosing an experienced surgeon significantly reduces this risk. Wearing compression garments as instructed can also help the skin retract evenly and create a smooth result.
With fat transfer, not all of the transferred fat will survive. Some fat cells are naturally reabsorbed by the body, meaning that a percentage of the volume added may be lost in the first few months. To counter this, surgeons often transfer slightly more fat than needed. In rare cases, fat necrosis (fat cell death) can occur, leading to firmness or small lumps in the treated area. Massaging the area as advised and maintaining a stable weight post-surgery can improve fat survival.
One of the more serious but rare complications of liposuction is fat embolism, which occurs when fat enters the bloodstream and blocks blood vessels. This is extremely uncommon when the procedure is performed correctly, and at Centre for Surgery, we follow strict safety protocols to prevent this risk.
Skin and Sensory Changes
After body feminisation surgery, temporary numbness or altered skin sensation may occur in the treated areas. This is due to nerve irritation during liposuction or fat transfer and usually resolves within a few months. In rare cases, some areas may take longer to regain full sensation.
Skin looseness or sagging can sometimes occur, especially if a large amount of fat is removed. Good skin elasticity helps the skin retract smoothly, but if elasticity is poor, additional procedures such as skin tightening treatments may be recommended to achieve the best results.
Minimising Risks and Ensuring a Safe Recovery
At Centre for Surgery, our highly skilled surgeons take all necessary precautions to reduce the risks associated with body feminisation surgery. This includes using advanced techniques, providing comprehensive pre-operative assessments, and offering personalised post-surgical care. Following your surgeon’s instructions closely—especially regarding compression garments, activity restrictions, and post-operative care—plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth recovery and minimising complications.
While risks exist with any medical procedure, the vast majority of patients who undergo body feminisation contouring at Centre for Surgery achieve beautiful, natural-looking results with no serious complications. You can confidently take this transformative step towards a more feminine silhouette by carefully selecting a qualified surgeon and committing to proper aftercare.