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.

Can a Doctor Accidentally Lipo out Muscle Instead of Fat?

Answers (9)

Answer: Lipo and muscle

Answer: Lipo and muscle

Answer: Lipo muscle instead of fat

Answer: Lipo muscle instead of fat

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Can a Doctor Accidentally Lipo out Muscle Instead of Fat?

Answers (9)

Answer: Lipo and muscle

Answer: Lipo and muscle

Answer: Lipo muscle instead of fat

Answer: Lipo muscle instead of fat

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.