Liposuction questions

No. ASPS says it is not a treatment for obesity or a substitute for diet and exercise. In obese women who had 9 to 11 kg of fat removed, insulin action, blood pressure and blood lipids did not improve.[1][2][3]

In a randomized trial, thigh fat stayed reduced at 1 year, but total body fat returned and moved to the abdomen. In another trial, visceral fat rose 10% within 6 months in women who did not exercise, and exercise prevented it.[1][2]

No. ASPS says it is not an effective treatment for cellulite, and thin or stretched skin may need a separate operation. Long-term data do not confirm that ultrasound-assisted liposuction tightens skin better.[1][2]

In Klein's tumescent patients, return to work came at 1 to 2 days. Swelling lasts weeks and may stay in the ankles and calves for 6 months to a year. Altered skin sensation improves over 3 to 6 months.[1][2]

In a US insurance database, 0.7% of patients having liposuction alone had a major complication within 30 days. A census in the late 1990s counted 19.1 deaths per 100,000. Dermatologic surgeons reported no deaths in 66,570 tumescent procedures.[1][2][3]

Large volumes of dilute lidocaine and epinephrine are injected into the fat before suction, 2 to 3 mL for each mL removed. Klein published it in 1987 and estimated the safe lidocaine limit at 35 mg/kg.[1][2][3]

In a randomized trial, VASER gave more skin retraction and less blood loss, with no difference in pain, swelling or appearance at 6 months. Reviews find little long-term data for ultrasound and a high risk of bias in laser studies.[1][2][3]

Large-volume liposuction means 5,000 mL or more of total aspirate. Illouz advised removing no more than 6 to 8% of body weight. Excess fat removal is one of the factors that raise the risk of death.[1][2]

Superficial fat is thinned over and between the muscles to show the muscle outlines. In 417 patients, 94% were satisfied, and darkened skin, seroma and firm nodules were common.[1][2]

Yes. Fat grafted into a facial crease still held at six years in Coleman's controlled cases. Buttock fat grafting has caused fatal fat emboli, more often when fat was injected into deep muscle.[1][2]