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.

W. Bryant Walker, MD · Answer

There are complications associated with any procedure. The one you describe is possible but extremely rare.  Liposuction in general is a safe procedure if performed by someone with appropriate training (plastic surgery).  Do your research and find a reputable plastic surgeon in your area.  Any concerns you have should be discussed in consultation.  Ask about their experience and previous complications.  Hopefully your mind will be put at ease and you will feel good about moving forward.

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately this can happen fortunately it is extremely rarely. It is imperative you find a well respected Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who does a lot of these procedures.In todays healthcare environment with insurance reimbursements decreasing, more and more non-plastic surgery clinics are popping up. I have seen everything form Orthopaedics surgeons to E.R. doc and Ob-Gyn's now trying to become Plastic Surgeons. Training, experience and proper Board Certifications extremely important. Good LuckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic Surgery

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

This is a rare but known complication of liposuction.  The nature of the procedure - a cannula or tube is pushed through the tissue between the skin and, for example, the abdominal wall - means that it is possible for the cannula to go through the abdominal wall and into the internal organs.  Complications of this sort, including death, have been reported, and all procedures are associated with the risk of complications.While there are no guarantees it is advisable that you consult with board-certified plastic surgeons.  The level of expertise required to obtain and maintain that certification helps decrease the likelihood of complications such as these.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100

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

Answers (8)

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