What Happens to the Lymph System After Liposuction? Is It Sucked Out?

Question

I am actually scheduled to have power assisted liposuction on the abdomen thighs and chin. My doctor explained to me that some of the lymph may be sucked out but it will likely grow back? I would like to find out more detailed information about exactly what happens to the lymph system after having liposuction. Does it still function 100% normally? Will lymph nodes or vessels get damaged and sucked out? Is there any impact on one's health by disruption in the lymph? Thank you!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If you have preexisting lymphedema or venous return issues or dependent edema due to any number of health factors, you will be at higher risk for problems afterwards.   Good judgment on the part of the surgeon is a factor here as well as location of liposuction and nature of liposuction.  I have never had an issue arise after liposuction with lymphatic impedement.    Liposuction results are highly surgeon dependent.  Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of liposuction procedures each year.  Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results.

	 

	Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

David Marcus, MD (retired) · Answer

You should feel good that your surgeon is very honest and thorough. However, permanent damage to the lymphatic system, which is massive to start with, is not a reasonable concern with liposuction. We just don't see it. Open procedures such as tummy tuck may increase the risk as actual lymph nodes can be damaged, but even that is universally temporary in nature. You are going to do great.

LIPOSUCTION PROVIDERS NEAR YOU

What Happens to the Lymph System After Liposuction? Is It Sucked Out?

Answers (2)

LIPOSUCTION PROVIDERS NEAR YOU