Letty's Liposuction Directory

About Liposuction Burns...

Author: Letty's Staff Writer

This is a fairly infrequent complication of liposuction.

But since you are concerned enough to come to Letty's Liposuction Directory seeking information – I intend to discuss it more fully for your benefit.

We will get into some specifics - such as when burn injuries are most often seen, under what circumstances, and what you can do to avoid them if possible.

So, if you are ready – continue reading more about this potentially serious liposuction complication.

Lipo Burns?!... How do you get them?

When most people think of potential liposuction complications, getting burned isn't something that readily comes to mind.

However, it is very possible to get a lipo burn during liposuction.

Burning occurs as a result of prolonged contact from a super-heated liposuction probe (called a "cannula") with the tissues of the skin's dermal layers.

The super heating of the probe can happen for a number of different reasons. The first – and most common - reason for a hot probe is the particular type of liposuction procedure being done.

Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction - also known as UAL - is most frequently associated with burn injuries during liposusction.

During the UAL technique high-frequency energy (which is hot) is applied through a modified cannula directly to the skin layers.

If the surgeon leaves the probe in a single spot for too long during the procedure severe burning can result.

If it can cause burns... why would anyone want the UAL procedure?

There are some benefits to the UAL procedure that I think are worth noting.

According to some liposuction surgeons who regularly perform Ultrasonic-Assisted Liposuction (UAL) there can be less blood-loss, bruising and pain – when UAL is performed correctly. This means a shorter recovery time for patients.

How to prevent liposuction burns?

Here's the rub. You cannot prevent liposuction burning in the sense that you alter your behavior to good effect. The truth is you are not directly in control when you are on the operating table where liposuction burns occur.

Having said that – there is something you can do to make sure that you have the best possible liposuction experience...

And that is, when you are choosing your surgeon make sure you ascertain what specific technique he or she will be performing. You want to get a full description of the technique including its benefits and potential hazards. Then you should ask your doctor about how many of these procedures they perform a year, and how long they having been performing them.

You see what I'm getting at?

It is the experience of your physician that will help to prevent liposuction burns. So, your job then becomes to pick the most experienced surgeon that you possibly can.

What is the take-home here?

I can't recommend any surgical technique to you – because I'm simply not qualified to do so.

I will however say that if you are interested in liposuction (UAL or otherwise), and you have concerns about receiving a possible lipo burn – please speak to a qualified surgeon to go over all of the potential side-effects.

Your health and safety are your most important consideration moving forward.

About Liposuction Burns References:

• "The Skinny on Liposuction." USA Food and Drug Administration - Consumer Health Information. (From Web January 20, 2010) http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/liposuction082007.html

• Greeley, Alexandra. "Planning To Look Flab-u-less?." FDA Consumer 34.6 (Nov 2000): 31. Expanded Academic ASAP. Gale.

• Moss, Rose, Charles J. Moss, and David R. Broadway. "Body Contouring with Ultrasound-assisted Lipoplasty." AORN Journal 71.2 (Feb 2000): 370. Expanded Academic ASAP. Gale.