How do patients get burn marks on their back when they get lipo? Is the cannula hot?

Having used most modalities of liposuction I think the advantage of a laser or ultrasound is not there but potential problems, such as burns to the skin, do exist.

It is rather unusual to get a burn mark on one’s skin after
liposuction. If you are having an
additional procedure and an electrocautery device is used, this can be the
source of a burn mark if a hot Bovie is left on the patient’s skin. Alternately, there are several new
liposuction technologies, which can leave a burn mark on the skin. These burns are typically created from the
inside-out. Best of luck.

Yes, with laser assisted  liposuction (LAL) and ultrasound assisted liposuction (UAL) that is exactly what can happen. Surgeons must carefully monitor the skin temperature as a result in order to prevent burns. Some systems, such as the BodyTite have internal temperature monitors that turn off the energy before burns can happen, making for a much safer experience. Ask your prospective surgeon what system they use and how they prevent burns. Hope that helps! 

This should never happen regardless of the type of liposuction performed --- laser, ultrasound, power or water. I suggest you speak to your physician and find out the type of procedure performed and what happened.  If these are truly burns, and not just entrance sites with pigmentation, then please avoid going back and getting a second opinion elsewhere.  Best, Dr. Emer.

These are not burn injuries per se but are caused by friction of the cannula repeatedly going in and out of the skin. This is not a heat injury but from the trauma of friction. They can cause a small scab to appear at the entrance site which will take a few weeks to heal and fall off. Then it will take a few months for the redness of the scar to fade.

In Traditional liposuction the cannula does not get 'hot'.  In laser and other 'energy' lipo procedures, the energy is used to literally melt the fat.  This energy can also burn the skin if careful attention is not paid.  There are pros and cons associated with these energy lipo procedures and should be thoroughly discussed with your surgeon.  Best wishes.

Burn marks at the incision can come about from too much friction and insufficient lubrication of the cannula. Although ultrasonic liposuction is an excellent technique if the cannula is not sufficiently cooled, burns can occur at the skin.Good luck