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

     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

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.