Is liposuction in the stomach dangerous due to the proximity of the intestines and colon?

Question

I’m interested in fast transfer to the breast, and I noticed I have most fat in my stomach area. Is liposuction at the stomach quite dangerous due to the intestines and colon are nearby? Thanks

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The liposuction cannula used by almost all surgeons is blunt and by its very nature is made to not cause damage to the underlying fascial and muscle layers and the internal organs. The most important point is to keep the tip of the cannula away from larger vessels. This can only be assured by injecting under the skin so that the tip can be visualized at all times. Abdomen and thighs are best areas for harvesting fat for breast fat transfer. Consult with a board certified PS via email or Skype to discuss your candidacy for the procedure.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

we do this all the time and its very safe, you need to go to someone experienced.

my whole practice is doing lipoabdominoplasty, or at least liposuction with internal heating (which is not the gold standard for skin tightening with body contouring).

the smaller you are before liposuction the more contouring you can get from the procedure. most of my liposuction patients get pre and post surgical optimization with hormonal therapy (see link to help boost their weight loss before surgery and help them heal after).

You need a formal evaluation by an expert in body shaping and contouring to determine what is best.  Traditional liposuction awake and smart liposuction are old methods and do very poorly for tightening skin or significant skin tightening or contouring.  Small problem areas can be improved slightly by these methods.  The best in body contouring not only removes fat with energy devices like VASER ultrasound but also internally heat the skin with radio-frequency devices such as J PLASMA/RENUVION, InMode BodyTite, ThermiRF to heat the under surface of the skin and tighten it at the same time as fat removal. These combinations are called 4D HIDEF VASER contouring and can only be done by a well . trained body contouring specialist. At the same time fat should be harvested, PRP and stem cells added and injected into muscles or indentations/cellulite to get body shaping and contouring.  This is known as a Brazilian butt lift when you inject the fat to the buttock for contouring and lifting, but fat can also be used in areas such as the chest/breast, arms/shoulders, calves and face.  Cellulite should also be treated with cellfina, sculptra, subcision and/or fillers such as bellafill, renuva synthetic fat, or sculptra.  If skin is very loose before surgery then it will need to be removed such as lower abdominal skin (tummy tuck/abdominoplasty), breast skin (breast lift), arm skin (brachioplasty).  Overall you need a full assessment, but simple liposuction alone will not tighten skin and needs a combination of various methods -- fat removal, skin tightening, defining, fat grafting, skin removal -- to get the best in body contouring and body sculpting.  Dr. Emer.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear hi42105,
liposuction removes the fat tissue above the muscles so it is not near the intestines. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

This is a good question. Liposuction is done in the layer of fat above the muscle. When the surgeon is performing the surgery he is always aware of his exact location. Please only go to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to insure you are getting the best physician with the best training.

Garrett Jones, DO · Answer

Liposuction is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified and experienced medical professional in an appropriate medical setting. However, like any surgical procedure, it does carry some risks. The proximity of the intestines and colon to the stomach area can be a concern, but skilled surgeons take precautions to minimize these risks.
Here are a few points to consider:
1.) Qualified Surgeons: It's crucial to have the procedure performed by an experienced plastic surgeon or a qualified medical professional with experience in liposuction. A skilled surgeon is more likely to understand the anatomy and potential risks involved.
2.) Preoperative Assessment: Before undergoing liposuction, patients typically undergo a thorough preoperative assessment, including medical history, physical examination, and possibly imaging to evaluate the proximity of important structures like the intestines and colon.
3.) Safety Precautions: Surgeons use techniques such as tumescent anesthesia and small cannulas to minimize damage to surrounding tissues. Tumescent anesthesia involves injecting a fluid into the target area to numb it and shrink blood vessels, which helps reduce bleeding and trauma during the procedure.
4.) Monitoring: During the procedure, patients are closely monitored to ensure their safety. Modern liposuction techniques are often less invasive and have reduced risks compared to older methods.
5.) Infection Prevention: Infections are a potential risk with any surgical procedure. Surgeons take precautions to prevent infections by using sterile equipment and following proper hygiene protocols.
6.) Recovery and Follow-Up: Proper post-operative care is important to ensure a smooth recovery. Following the surgeon's instructions, attending follow-up appointments, and reporting any unusual symptoms promptly can help detect and address potential complications.
Remember that individual experiences and outcomes can vary, and the best way to ensure a safe and successful liposuction procedure is to consult with a qualified surgeon who can assess your specific situation and provide personalized recommendations. If you're considering liposuction, discuss your concerns and questions thoroughly with a medical professional before making a decision.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

The simple answer is NO!  Liposuction is performed under the skin and above the abdominal muscles so one is not near the internal abdominal cavity where the intestines are.

Dr Corbin

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

The word stomach is sometimes used interchangeably with the word abdomen.

To use correct terminology the stomach is part of your gastrointestinal system and it’s the first part of digestion before the small intestine.

The stomach is never treated with Liposuction because it’s an internal organ.

The abdomen is the front part of the torso.

Inside the abdomen are the internal organs like colon, small intestine, liver spleen etc.

It’s possible to perforate the abdominal wall with Liposuction Equipment but this is fairly unusual.

Colon perforation is one of the risks of abdominal Liposuction. It should be exceedingly unlikely in the hands of an experienced competent board-certified plastic surgeon.

That said, patients have had this complication and have died from this complication.

I suggest discussing all possible risks and benefits of any cosmetic surgery procedure during in person consultations with local board-certified plastic surgeons in your area.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

The fat that you can identify in the "stomach area" is actually superficial just under the skin and above the muscles that in case the stomach itself and the intestines and colon.  It is possible to penetrate the muscular layer and injure the intra-abdominal organs.  This has, in fact, happened to 2 non-plastic surgeon physicians I have known during my career who were doing liposuction without proper training.  When patient, the physician's wife, even died from the incident.  This is why it is exceptionally important that you check the credentials of anyone you are considering using for this surgery.  They should be board certified in plastic surgery and have many years experience with the procedure.

Is liposuction in the stomach dangerous due to the proximity of the intestines and colon?

Answers (8)

More Liposuction Questions

How long after getting liposuction to the abdomen would you need to wait to get a navel piercing?

Is this a dog ear? What are my revision options? (Photo)

Can lipo cavitation tighten loose belly skin? (Photo)

How many weeks after a Myomectomy do I have to wait to get 360 liposuction? (Photo)

What are my options to fix CoolSculpting dents? (Photo)

Is there a limit to how many times you can get lipo on an area?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS