Influence of small-volume liposuction on metabolic syndrome conditions: A prospective study of 12 patients

Liposuction is a surgical method for fat aspiration, which reduces the amount of subcutaneous fat. Adipose tissue is important in regulating insulin sensitivity; however excess tissue accumulation, especially in the form of intra-abdominal fat, is associated with an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Clinical findings associated with metabolic syndrome include central obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hypertension, and atherosclerotic disease. Nevertheless, the long-term metabolic impact of liposuction is unclear. We aimed to analyze the effects of liposuction on the lipid profile, arterial blood pressure, and glucose metabolism in healthy women.

Twelve patients who underwent liposuction were included in the study. The blood pressures, arterial blood pressure, and lipid profiles were measured before surgery and approximately 1 year after surgery. In addition, insulin sensitivities were measured using oral glucose tolerance test.

In the long term, liposuction led to a slight reduction of body fat (p<0.05), but it did not affect the blood pressure or insulin sensitivity. Although the levels of total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were reduced, these decreases were not statistically significant.

The results of the study are consistent with some of the published data, which indicated a slight decrease in blood lipids.

Small-volume liposuction does not appear to induce significant metabolic changes. A larger cohort and longer follow-ups are needed to evaluate the effects on the lipid profile, blood pressure, and glucose metabolism of the patients being studied.