Correction of liposuction sequelae by autologous fat transplantation

In many countries, liposuction is the most frequently performed aesthetic procedure. Although liposuction has been considered a safe surgical procedure, reports indicate that it can have significant sequelae. Irregularities ranging from "oversuctioning" to bumpy skin and asymmetries result from inadequate experience of the surgeon.

A total of 57 consecutive female patients were operated on from June 2005 to June 2007. The age distribution of the patients ranged from 22 to 53 years, with a mean of 34.2 years. All the patients that were included in the study had undergone from one to three liposuction procedures. Overall satisfaction with the body appearance after autologous fat transplantation for correction of postliposuction irregularities was rated on a scale of 1-5, where 1 is poor, 2 is fair, 3 is good, 4 is very good, and 5 is excellent.

The total amount of clean adipose tissue transplanted varied from 14 to 120 ml. There were no cases of liponecrosis, which developed in the grafted area, and no liponecrotic lumps were palpated on postoperative evaluation on any operated cases. There were no cases of cellulitis at the donor or grafted area, no deep vein thrombosis, and no pulmonary embolism. There were nine cases that needed one additional session of fat grafting of 5-35 ml. Seven of those cases needed further fat grafting on the abdominal area and the remaining two needed further grafting of the infragluteal depressions. At 12 months, 68% reported that their appearance after autologous fat grafting was "very good" to "excellent" and 23% responded that their appearance was "good." Only 9% of patients thought their appearance was less than good.

With the overall acceptance of aesthetic surgery increasing and the number of patients undergoing liposuction increasing, it is likely that plastic surgeons will see more patients requesting secondary contour surgery in the future. The key to successful autologous fat grafting is familiarity with the technique, recognizing its limitations, and understanding the goals of the patient. This study has shown that the patient satisfaction rate observed after autologous fat transplantation produces aesthetically acceptable results in correcting post liposuction deformities.