With liposuction, are tunnels created under the skin from the cannula?

Question

Really want liposuction I even have a date and I am truly excited but am I hurting my body? Making it worse down the road and giving it problems?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello kaylarose324  Liposuction involves the removal of fat through a narrow tube (cannula) which is placed through a small incision. Fat deposits are flattened and reshaped by permanently removing fat cells. #liposuction #cannula

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

When liposuction is performed a cannula is inserted beneath the skin to aspirate or suction the subcutaneous fat targeted for removal. The cannula as it moves through the tissue creates a pathway which we typically refer to as "tunneling." In reality, it leaves a loose meshwork of connective tissue behind after fat removal rather than discrete "tunnels."The risks of liposuction, when performed appropriately are fairly low and include bleeding, infection, and fluid collections. Other more rare complications include emboli and lidocaine toxicity. The most common complaint following the procedure relates to contour irregularities (wishing more or less had been removed).As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Farhad Rafizadeh, MD · Answer

This is an interesting question. The term tunnel is used to explain how liposuction works, but in fact there are not tonnels. When we do liposuction in the hips Follwed by a tummy tuck, one can see the liposuctioned area from inside. It looks like a web of connective tissue that may contain unaffected nerves or blood vessels. If liposuction is done properly and for the right indication there is no harm done and will not affect you negatively in the future. You need to be carefully evaluated to see if you are a good candidate for the procedure.

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

Liposuction is done by placing a suction tube under the skin, into the fat, and moving it back and forth through tunnels gently while a suction vacuum is applied that will help remove the fat.  The space then collapses with the use of compression garments.  So, yes tunnels are made, but no tunnels don't remain.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I have performed probably over a 1000 or more liposuction procedures over the years with very few if any issues. Tunnels are made, and fat is suctioned out to provide a better contour.  Liposuction patients often have the easiest and quickest recovery of all my surgery patients too!

Paul C. Dillon, MD · Answer

Great question.  Here is how I would consider it.  You can't drive a car without wheels.  In a similar fashion you can't do liposuction without creating (or opening) tunnels.  The fat is packed in connective tissue that connects your skin to deeper structures.  Very similar to those big columns in caves.  These are normal events after liposuction.  I looked for a picture that may help:  In the picture you can see fat imbeded into the columns.  Once the fat is sucked out, the columns remain.  With good garments these "tunnels" collapse.  In fact, when you follow up with a tummy tuck down the road all of these "tunnels" are collapsed

With liposuction, are tunnels created under the skin from the cannula?

Answers (6)

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