Can a Doctor Accidentally Lipo out Muscle Instead of Fat?

Question

I was just wondering if it is possible for the muscle to be taken out during liposuction. I was just wondering if a doctor can go too deep and get muscle instead of fat. Should this be a concern?

Douglas L. Gervais, MD · Answer

Dear Biggeeshorty,

	   While it is possible to penetrate and damage muscle or other stuctures while performing liposuction, it is unlikely that any muscle is removed through the cannula. It is even less likely if your surgeon is properly trained and experienced. It is good to be aware of possible risks and complications with all surgical procedures, but I would not be worried if your surgeon is properly trained and experienced. Good Luck. Dr. Gervais.

Rigo J. Mendoza, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Fat is a very thick tissue compared to fat and would not be able to be suctioned out. However, when working on the abodomen, you would be concerned more with penetrating the fascia or an unrecognized hernia. Fortunately this are extremely rare events.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The muscle is invested in fascia, which is a tough tissue in most liposuction patients. Liposuctioning muscle is not the issue as much as it would be penetrating loose fascia or an unrecognized hernia. These things happen very infrequently according to the literature and reports. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Robert Brueck, MD · Answer

This has not been a problem.A doctor could go too deep and puncture the muscle which could lead to more bleeding and bruising but it would be hard to lipo out muscle.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A trained and skilled surgeon is unlikely to get into the muscle when performing liposuction. The muscle will not be easily removed with a liposuction cannula if it penetrates by accident.

Evan Sorokin, MD · Answer

While anything "could" happen this would be exceedingly rare. Surgeons have been known to get into areas that they do not intend to be in with liposuction however muscle is not typically suctioned "by accident."

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

Yes, it is very possible to injure the muscle under the fat during liposuction. This is the why you need to make sure that whomever you choose to do your liposuction is be a real surgeon and experienced in liposuction, not someone who has taken a weekend course in the procedure. The easiest way to assure this is to choose a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

It is certainly possible for a doctor to penetrate through the fat layer into a muscle and cause excessive bruising and discomfort, but not to take out the muscle. Even penetrating the muscle would be extremely unllikely if the surgeon is a board certified plastic surgeon who understands the anatomy involved. Most of the horrific complications you read about are doctors of other specialties who see the liposuction procedure as lucrative and as simple as vaccuuming the rug at home. Make sure you pick your doctor carefully.

Daniel Greenwald, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Liposuction is safe when it is performed by trained physicians. Reported complications include muscle damage, perforated abdominal organs, collapsed lungs, etc. These complications generally do not occur when the physician is properly trained and experienced. Be sure to see a doctor Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, and be sure to see a comprehensive portfolio of pre- and post-op pictures so you can see the type of results that are reasonable to expect.

Can a Doctor Accidentally Lipo out Muscle Instead of Fat?

Answers (9)

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