Liposuction: 25 years of experience in 26,259 patients using different devices

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Body Contouring Procedures
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Liposuction has evolved as a safe and effective method for body sculpting.
• Advancements in techniques and instrumentation have significantly improved liposuction procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and compare the outcomes of various liposuction techniques over a 25-year period.
• To analyze the safety and efficacy of different liposuction methods.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 26,259 patient charts from four surgeons and a specialized clinic.
• Comparison of results across different liposuction techniques, including dry, tumescent, ultrasound-assisted, and laser-assisted methods.

Main Results:

• Anemia incidence was 18% overall, significantly higher (60%) in dry liposuction.
• Postsurgical seroma occurred in 5% of patients, with increased incidence in tumescent liposuction.
• Complication rates for deep vein thrombosis (0.03%) and pulmonary embolism (0.01%) were low, with mortality primarily due to pulmonary embolism.

Conclusions:

• Tumescent liposuction reduced anemia but increased seroma risk compared to dry liposuction.
• Postoperative pain and fibrosis were consistent across all reviewed liposuction techniques.
• Ultrasound- and laser-assisted liposuction yielded aesthetic results comparable to traditional methods.