Can your internal organs get punctured by the cannula during lipo?

Question

I heard about a lady whose liver and colon got punctured by the cannula during lipo, which led to internal bleeding that killed her less than 24 hours after the procedure. The story is confirmed and the doctor got his license seized for one year but is now back in practice. what is the likelihood that this can happen? how can it be avoided?

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

Injury to intra-abdominal organs is a
serious, lethal complication from abdominal liposuction. It is rare, but every
plastic surgeon has heard of cases that appear in the ER . . . some patients
make it, some don't. It can happen to the best of us but the key is to
recognize and treat the problem expediently. Make sure you do your homework and
choose a conscientious, careful plastic surgeon.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Injury to internal organs during Liposuction is extremely rare. The best way to avoid it would be to choose an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for the procedure. All The Best !

William Andrade, MD · Answer

This complication can occur with liposuction.  It is very uncommon but it can occur even in the hands of an experienced plastic surgeon - some leaders in the field have been brave enough to report their own cases during conferences.  However, using good surgical technique this risk can be minimized.  Many surgeons will have never seen this complication during their entire career.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

The events you describe are extremely rare and that's why there is a news story about it.. There are many hundreds of thousands of liposuction cases done yearly with no issues.  Find a well respected, board certified plastic surgeon.  This is your best avenue to getting a safe surgery with good results.  Good Luck.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Anything is possible even puncturing delivered during liposuction. This is an unacceptable consequence and occurs quite rarely.

Can your internal organs get punctured by the cannula during lipo?

Answers (8)

Answer: Injury to internal organs is extremely rare.

Answer: Injury to internal organs is extremely rare.

Answer: Puncturing the internal organs should not occur with liposuction.

Answer: Puncturing the internal organs should not occur with liposuction.

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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Can your internal organs get punctured by the cannula during lipo?

Answers (8)

Answer: Injury to internal organs is extremely rare.

Answer: Injury to internal organs is extremely rare.

Answer: Puncturing the internal organs should not occur with liposuction.

Answer: Puncturing the internal organs should not occur with liposuction.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.