SculpSure/truSculpting and compromised lymph system: can lipo damage the lymph nodes?

Question

I had smartlipo 8 ago on my lower abs. I’m worried the treatment may have accidentally removed or destroyed the lymph nodes in the area. Not thinking, I recently did a treatment similar to SculpSure on the same area to remove the remaining fat, however those treatments require the lymph system to remove the destroyed fat cells. 1. Can lipo damage the lymph nodes? 2. How will the body remove the fat cells recently destroyed by the SculpSure if the lymph system is compromised? Please help!

W. John Bullis, MD · Answer

I perform liposuction at least 4 days per week and I also have both the SculpSure and truSculpt 3D devices at my office.  While of all of these treatments damage the fat cells and surrounding tissues to some degree, luckily for us, the body does an amazing job at healing itself.  I have no doubt that lymphatics and small blood vessels are routinely damaged during liposuction, for example, but over time, they reform and heal, thanks to the millions of stem cells that live within the subcutaneous fat layer, between the skin and underlying muscle.  Although I am unaware of any studies specifically looking at permanent lymphatic damage from non-surgical energy-based treatments, I believe it to be negligible and not something one should worry about.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is highly unlikely for SculpSure to damage the lymph nodes. Always work with a board certified facial plastic surgeon.
Best wishes,

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

It is highly unlikely that liposuction destroyed lymph nodes or permanently compromised the lymphatic drainage system in the treated areas. There is always a localized and mild compromise of lymphatics in treated areas (in all liposuction) which is what makes compression so important in aiding the resolution of swelling (while the lymphatics recover). As you heal, your system will regenerate the necessary lymphatic channels.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).Donovan Rosas MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This is very rare and unlikely. Consult with a board certified physician who can inform you in depth of possible risks which are minimal when seeing a board certified physician who specializes in lipo. See an expert to review your options. Best, Dr. Emer.

Joseph W. Sharlow, MD, FACS · Answer

Lymphatic channels are interrupted by liposuction of the abdomen, but lymph nodes are not. These channels regenerate with time, usually a few weeks,  and if done by a qualified physician, you should not have any concerns. I would recommend that you proceed with your Sculpture procedure and follow the recommendations given by your provider of this procedure. You body will do the rest.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

The abdomen is not rich in lymph nodes.The lymph drains away from the abdomen to the groin and axillary nodesSmartLipo of the abdomen would not affect groin or axilalry nodes. And the lymph will continue to drain after SmartLipo and SculpSure treatments.Best wishes.Dr Denkler

Peter Chien, MD, PhD, FAAD · Answer

The advantage of SculpSure is that unlike liposuction it is non-invasive and non-surgical.  It heats up the fat cells beyond viability and those fat cells then die and get cleared by the body's lymphatic system.  If you have concerns about a prior liposuction then you should consult the surgeon who had performed the procedure for followup, as each case would vary.

David Chappell, MD · Answer

Cynosure doesn’t know&hellip;
I appreciate your concerns. I doubt they are legitimate.  (Meaning, don’t worry too much.) 
However, you should direct your questions to the manufacturers of these machines.  Though not obligated to do so by the FDA, they should be doing clinical research to determine the answer to your questions. It really is NOT up to individual practitioners such as myself to answer questions without scientific data. That seems to be the purview of certain aesthetic’s companies.  Aesthetics companies such as Cynosure provide all kinds of explanations and promises that have no scientific merit. Not to say that real self is any better.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

i have done over 900 Smartlipo cases with no problems. it is extremely unlikely that you have any damage to your lymph nodes, from Smartlipo or any other type of liposuction. i am sure that you will do fine with your sculpsure treatment. Make sure that you do at least 2 sessions, spaced about 6 weeks apart for each area. if you go to a plastic surgeon's office, then they will be able to answer questions that you just asked, instead of just going to any medispa that has a machine.david berman md

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SculpSure/truSculpting and compromised lymph system: can lipo damage the lymph nodes?

Answers (9)

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