When Getting Lipo on the Stomach Area What Are the Chances of the Cannula Puncturing an Organ?

   The risk of perforation with liposuction is extremely small, and some plastic surgeons have never experienced this after hundreds or thousands of liposuction procedures.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

The risk of piercing an organ when doing liposuction of the abdomen is very low.  The examination prior to surgery should note any potential hernias or old abdominal scars.  These can be areas of greater concern that there may be weak areas of the fascia.

Dear needtoknow123,

As noted by all of the earlier physician responders, the risks of organ puncture or injury is low in abdominal liposuction however it is not unheard of.  This is why anyone who is performing a liposuction procedure must be constantly aware of the position of the cannula tip.  Not as simple as it sounds but something that all board certified plastic surgeons are trained in during their years of residency.

Just to reassure you, liposuction when performed correctly is a very safe procedure and one with a degree of patient satisfaction.  Best of luck with your surgery.

While theroetically possible, intraperitoneal penetration by a liposuction cannula is a very rare occurrence. It is not a problem that I have seen or have heard of a specfic case but it undoubtably has happened somewhere. In experienced and qualified hands, this is a vert remote possibilily.

Then chances are low but disastrous if the cannula were to puncture any abdominal organs. This is why you always have your cosmetic procedures performed by an experienced board certified plastic surgeon!

The risk of puncturing a vital organ is very rare. It is probably slightly higher in patients with previous abdominal scars and hernias that are not appreciated priopr to liposucition. It has been reported as a complication.

Risks are low for canula puncture...all surgeons are aware of this issue.  Choose your surgeon carefully.

It is very rare that a surgeon would puncture an organ with liposuction.  Risks increase if there is a hernia and most surgeons will not do liposuction on a patient with a hernia.  Unfortunately more and more "doctors" are doing liposuction that are not trained in plastic surgery but rather take weekend courses.  These complication have and can happen even in the hands of a well trained excellent experienced plastic surgeon so you need to minimize your risks and make informed decisions.   Good luck!

There is always a risk of injury to any underlying structures, however it is extremely rare.  This is why it is important to choose a surgeon with experience.  

There is a risk of injury to abdominal organs with liposuction and it has been reported.  I think a lot of this risk came from novice physicians doing the procedure with out the proper training.  If the procedure is done by an experienced plastic surgeon that is board certified you should have the best chance of getting a safe result.

Best Wishes

Dr. Peterson