Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
Mechanical Micronization of Lipoaspirates for Regenerative Therapy
Published on: March 15, 2019
Liposuction infiltration: The Quito formula - a new approach based on an old concept
1Plastic Surgery Service, Clínica Club de Leones Quito Central, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador.
Introduction:
Liposuction is a highly sought after surgical procedure. Despite its popularity, not all of the factors associated with its execution are well understood. No well-established guidelines exist for plastic surgeons regarding the subcutaneous infiltration of fluid and, thus, the procedure is often performed subjectively.
Objective:
To establish the usefulness of the Quito formula (infiltrate volume = weight [kg] × percentage of body surface to be liposuctioned × 2.4 [mL]) for calculating the volume of fluid to be infiltrated subcutaneously during small-volume liposuction performed under epidural anesthesia.
Methods:
A prospective study was conducted on a group of 50 patients who were candidates for liposuction on multiple body parts between November 2004 and February 2010.
Results:
The maximum volume of infiltrate was 5000 mL and the maximum volume of aspirate was 4500 mL, with a 30% total aspirated area. No patient required blood transfusion, and there were no major complications. However, one patient presented with a small local infection, another with a sacral seroma and two patients had postdural puncture headaches. No patient showed clinical signs consistent with overhydration, dehydration, pulmonary embolism, fat embolism or lidocaine intoxication.
Conclusions:
When performing small-volume liposuction, subcutaneous infiltration using the Quito formula to calculate the volume of infiltrate proved to be useful, safe and objective.
