Is Liposuction Dangerous for Athletes?

Liposuction ideally treats focal, localized areas of fat which are resistant to diet and exercise.  Therefore athletes should be the ideal candidates.   There is no greater risk for athletes vs normal people.  As well trained athletes should only have small areas which need treating,  use of a small, thin cannula would be prudent, as minimal amounts of fat would need to be removed and a thin cannula would be best used to "sculpt" the areas and avoid contour defects. Any on-line search for "Liposuction" will turn up a variety of different types being done, Laser, Laser assisted, Ultrasonic, Tumescent, etc, etc.  I know of no study which proves the superiority or benefit of any type over standard liposuction, in spite of heavy marketing by the companies suggesting otherwise.

Laser liposuction is a new technology that utilizes a laser probe introduced through a small incision under the skin and then pulsed to heat water in the fat cells. The technology is truly in its primitive stages, yet it is marketed heavily and has catchy names. After the laser part of the liposuction, the area is treated with standard suction assisted liposuction which likely contributes heavily to the end results. Unfortunately, the technology is being utilized frequently by non-plastic surgeons who have limited to no training in body contouring which can lead to compromised results and safety. Liposuction, no matter what technology is considered safe if applied in the proper area, under the right conditions and in the right patients. Typically in thin patients, ie athletes, this would be safe if applied to focal areas of fat accumulation, however thin patients are very unforgiving in that if not performed carefully, liposuction could lead to contour irregularities such as depressions. If you do have focal fat deposits that you would like contoured, consider consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon and maybe consider utilizing ultrasound assisted liposuction. Laser liposuction is just not the right medium to deliver results. 

Laser liposuction is safe AND may be your best option.  The best liposuction candidates are those that are thin but have small areas of concern that they want addressed.

Those that have offered opinions that laser liposuction is not safe are from individuals that don't offer that technology and don't use it safely.  Yes, it can create burns if used improperly, just the same as ultrasound assisted liposuction can cause burns.  The real issue is find someone that is well trained with a good reputation that offers ALL of the options so that you can be given an honest answer about what the best procedure for you will be.

One of the last patients I performed laser liposculpture on was an ironman triathlete (2-3 races per year) that needed some areas addressed.  He is going to LOVE his result.  So, yes, even athletes can be excellent candidates for liposuction.