What's the risk and what are the complications associated with hitting main arteries during liposuction?

Question

I'm considering awake lipo and want to know the risk of provider hitting a main arterie and what would be the complications associated.

Roger Smith, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Considerate630036,
In the subcutaneous space between the fascia covering the muscle and the Scarpa's fascia on the skin, where most liposuction is performed, there are no 'main arteries.' Certainly there are arteries and veins in this space, but they are relatively small and will not cause massive hemorrhage if injured during surgery. Liposuction cannulas are blunt tipped and all larger that the blood vessels that are in the subcutaneous tissue, making it more likely that the cannula will allow the artery to 'roll around' the side of the cannula during the procedure rather than poking right through it. 
Certainly, bleeding can occur during liposuction or any other surgical procedure, however, it is not likely to be severe. If a blood vessel that we described above were to be injured during the procedure, you would notice bruising of the skin (which is likely to happen after liposuction anyway) or a collection of blood under the skin called a hematoma. The smaller blood vessels in the areas where we perform liposuction will stop bleeding on their own or with just mild pressure such as you get with your post-operative compression garments. 
I would recommend consulting with a qualified surgeon who can further address your specific concerns regarding bleeding.
Best of luck!-Dr. Smith

Chad Deal, MD · Answer

Arteries really are not the concern during liposuction. All of the arteries and veins that are encountered during liposuction are small enough that they can be compressed and stop bleeding with simple combination of the epinephrine and the garments that you wear after the case. The most common complications liposuction are contour irregularities, and fluid buildup called a seroma. Certainly we could go over a long list of potential complications, but those are the most common. When using heat based skin tighten devices, skin burns are also a concern. Of course, the most dramatic complication would be if they punctured into deeper structures like the abdomen and caused organ damage. This should be a very rare complication.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Liposuction removes subcutaneous fat which is the top fatty layer under the skin surface.  Arteries and major vessels are deeper than this layer.  There would be a low risk of damaging these vessels during liposuction.  That being said it is always important to choose an experienced board certified plastic surgeon for your procedure.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Liposuction is performed in the fat layer and there are not major arteries running through the fat layer.  The major arteries run much deeper so it is unlikely that a skilled plastic surgeon would hit a major artery during liposuction.  The cannulas used are blunt and would go around the major arteries.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

There are no large superficial blood vessels, arteries or veins, in the areas where liposuction is most frequently performed. Your surgeon should be aware of anatomy and with careful liposuction technique should avoid injury of larger vessels which are located beneath the fascia or within abdominal and chest cavity. This is something that you should discuss in more detail with your surgeon ahead of surgery. Good luck.

What's the risk and what are the complications associated with hitting main arteries during liposuction?

Answers (9)

Answer: Very low risk

Answer: Very low risk

Answer: Arterial injury during liposuction

Answer: Arterial injury during liposuction

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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What's the risk and what are the complications associated with hitting main arteries during liposuction?

Answers (9)

Answer: Very low risk

Answer: Very low risk

Answer: Arterial injury during liposuction

Answer: Arterial injury during liposuction

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.