Can a Doctor Accidentally Lipo out Muscle Instead of Fat?

  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.

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.

     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