Suction lipectomy: complications and results by survey

In October of 1983, we sent a questionnaire on suction lipectomy to 2524 U.S. and Canadian members of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. Six-hundred and twelve plastic surgeons returned questionnaires (24.2 percent response rate). One-hundred and seven responding surgeons reported 1573 operations in which suction lipectomy with or without skin excision was used for 2685 procedures on various parts of the body. In the subset of 1249 operations in which suction lipectomy only was used to treat 2261 anatomic areas, surgeons reported greater than 80 percent good or excellent aesthetic results. The overall complication rate was 9.3 percent. The most frequent complications were persistent hypesthesia (2.6 percent), seroma (1.6 percent), and persistent edema (1.4 percent). Skin pigmentation, pain, hematoma, infection, and slough each occurred with an incidence of 1.0 percent or less. Based on the results of this survey, suction lipectomy is a valuable new modality for surgical improvement of body contour.     

Skin retraction following suction lipectomy by treatment site: a study of 500 procedures in 458 selected subjects

I identified 500 suction lipectomy procedures involving sites on the body and in the cervicofacial region in 458 selected patients and studied the influence of treatment site on postoperative skin retraction by comparing preoperative and postoperative skin condition. Postoperative skin condition was evaluated first in the immediate postoperative period (second or third day); then at a more remote date (after at least 2 months of follow-up). On the body, restoration of the preoperative condition of the skin was obtained in 94.6 percent of treatment sites in the immediate postoperative period; after a longer follow-up, this proportion was 87.9 percent because of delayed development of modifications. The time interval needed to obtain a stable result increased with increasing age, regardless of the nature of this result, as well as with the total amount of fat removed. On the neck, liposuction improved or even eliminated preexisting skin looseness, and this improvement was even more noticeable as follow-up increased. The neck thus appears as the site of choice for suction lipectomy. On the face, in contrast, favorable results deteriorated over time, a finding that leads me to advocate combination with a face-lift whenever ptosis is present. Thus treatment site obviously has a substantial impact on the potential of the skin for retracting postoperatively.     

Gynecomastia: suction lipectomy as a contemporary solution

Suction lipectomy is adapted for the correction of gynecomastia. Previous attempts using suction lipectomy for gynecomastia still required the use of sharp dissection for removal of the glandular breast tissue as well as excision of redundant skin. With this new technique, gynecomastia is corrected solely with the use of suction lipectomy. The technique is successful if the gynecomastia is due to excess fat or parenchymal hypertrophy. A 7-mm cannula is inserted first, to remove the adipose tissue. Then a 2.4-mm cannula is used to remove the glandular and ductal tissue. The 7-mm cannula is then reinserted to remove subareolar parenchyma and to make final contour adjustments. The surrounding subcutaneous tissue is easily undermined to avoid a saucer deformity and to allow for skin contraction. Patients return to full activities in 48 hours. A compressive garment is worn for 4 to 6 weeks. The results of 10 patients are discussed.     

The use of augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) in the postoperative period in patients with infectious-inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs]

Augmentin (SmithKline Beecham) was used in the treatment of 24 patients after operations on the otorhinolaryngologic organs. The drug was administered orally, intravenously or applied locally. After a radical operation on the maxillary sinus the use of augmentin resulted in a marked decrease of the wound secretion and soft tissue edema on the 6th-7th days. After tonsillectomy cleaning of the tonsil niche from the fibrin patches and the epithelialization started on the 4th-5th days. After operations on the temporal bone cleaning of the postoperative cavity and beginning of the epithelialization were observed on the 9th-10th days. On the whole, the use of augmentin accelerated the cure which was recorded 3-4 days earlier.     

Effects of single-dose steroid usage on edema, ecchymosis, and intraoperative bleeding in rhinoplasty

To examine the effects of single-dose dexamethasone use on edema, ecchymosis, and intraoperative bleeding in rhinoplasty, a double-blind, randomized trial with placebo control was planned. A total of 55 consecutive patients were included in the study. The dexamethasone (10 mg) was given intravenously just before surgery (preoperative group, n=18) or at the end of surgery (postoperative group, n=20). In the placebo group, 17 patients received saline preoperatively or postoperatively. Intraoperative blood loss was recorded for each patient. Postoperative scoring of eyelid swelling and ecchymosis was begun after approximately 24 hours and lasted into postoperative day 9. Only for the first 2 days was the difference between steroid groups (preoperative and postoperative) and the placebo group statistically significant for a decrease in eyelid edema (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference in upper eyelid ecchymosis for both preoperative and postoperative steroid groups versus the placebo group also existed in the first 2 days (p < 0.05). Preoperative or postoperative steroid administration had no influence on the ecchymosis of the lower eyelid. When the results of the preoperative and postoperative steroid groups were compared, no significant difference was detected between the two groups in either edema or ecchymosis. To determine whether steroid use shortened the recovery period, the days on which edema and ecchymosis reached a minimum level were compared among the groups; no statistically significant difference was found among them. Using single-dose dexamethasone preoperatively did not alter intraoperative blood loss. Use of single-dose dexamethasone (either preoperatively or postoperatively) in rhinoplasty has a significant effect in decreasing upper and lower eyelid edema and upper eyelid ecchymosis for the first 2 days when compared with a placebo group. However, the effect of dexamethasone was lost after the first 2 days, and its use did not shorten the recovery period.     

The effect of epinephrine on blood loss during suction lipectomy

In a prospective, double-blind, controlled study on 26 consecutive patients who underwent suction lipectomy, the injection of epinephrine (1:250,000, 1:500,000, or 1:1,000,000) was not found to decrease fluid/blood loss when compared with saline injection or no injection at all. Since our study fails to support the use of epinephrine to lessen fluid/blood loss during suction lipectomy, we have abandoned its use in that procedure.     

Toxic shock syndrome after suction lipectomy

We present a case of toxic shock syndrome with necrotizing fasciitis after suction lipectomy. The patient underwent aesthetic suction lipectomy of the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs during an office procedure by a cosmetic surgeon. On postoperative day 2, the patient was referred to the emergency department of our hospital because of pain. On admission, the patient was in toxic shock. She required intensive medical treatment for about 1 month, along with psychiatric help to adapt after the illness. Although toxic shock syndrome is a rare postoperative complication, every plastic surgeon should be acquainted with it. A combination of early recognition, diagnosis, and aggressive supportive therapy is the only successful treatment.     

普米克令舒雾化吸入对早期声带癌CO2激光术后影响

目的：观察早期声带癌患者CO2激光手术后应用普米克令舒雾化吸入治疗的临床效果。方法：将CO2激光喉早期声带癌显微手术后患者120例随机分成2组,其中实验组60例应用普米克令舒雾化吸入,每日2次,每次1 mg;对照组60例采用地塞米松5 mg,庆大霉素8万u,糜蛋白酶4000u日2次混合雾化吸入,同时使用7天,对比2组术后呼吸困难、粘膜水肿、发热、声嘶、疼痛等发生情况效果。结果：实验组的患者,术后愈复天数、呼吸困难及咳嗽发生率明显低于对照组,差异有显著性意义（P〈0.05）,而术后发热情况及声音嘶哑情况二者无明显差异（P〉0.05）。结论：普米克令舒雾化吸入能有效缩短喉CO2激光显微外科手术患者的痊愈时间。     

普米克令舒雾化吸入对早期声带癌CO_2激光术后影响

目的:观察早期声带癌患者CO2激光手术后应用普米克令舒雾化吸入治疗的临床效果。方法:将CO2激光喉早期声带癌显微手术后患者120例随机分成2组,其中实验组60例应用普米克令舒雾化吸入,每日2次,每次1 mg;对照组60例采用地塞米松5 mg,庆大霉素8万u,糜蛋白酶4000u日2次混合雾化吸入,同时使用7天,对比2组术后呼吸困难、粘膜水肿、发热、声嘶、疼痛等发生情况效果。结果:实验组的患者,术后愈复天数、呼吸困难及咳嗽发生率明显低于对照组,差异有显著性意义(P0.05),而术后发热情况及声音嘶哑情况二者无明显差异(P0.05)。结论:普米克令舒雾化吸入能有效缩短喉CO2激光显微外科手术患者的痊愈时间。     

Oxyphenbutazone (Tandearil?) in Rhinoplasty—A Clinical Evaluation of Effectiveness

To evaluate the effectiveness of Oxyphenbutazone as an anti-inflammatory agent, a double-blind study of Oxyphenbutazone and a placebo in a group of 42 patients who had nasal cosmetic operations involving osteotomy was carried out. The observations included direct objective measurement of the width of the palpebral fissure after operation, grading of the severity of postoperative edema and ecchymosis from photographs, and observations by the patients regarding the clearing of the postoperative discoloration. It appeared from the results of these observations that Oxyphenbutazone is not effective in preventing postoperative edema in such operations or in promoting more rapid resolution of postoperative edema. It did appear to enhance the clearing of postoperative periorbital ecchymosis.     

Gynecomastia: analysis of 159 patients and current recommendations for treatment

Gynecomastia has been treated surgically in 159 patients during the past 22 1/2 years. Prior to 1980, all patients had traditional excision, which was followed by a high incidence of complications and undesired sequelae, not the least of which was that the results of this aesthetic operation were often unaesthetic. Since 1980, when suction lipectomy became the cornerstone of treatment, the results have been much better. As a result, current recommendations for treatment are as follows: If the gynecomastia is entirely due to fat, suction lipectomy alone is sufficient treatment. However, since suction will not remove breast parenchyma, those patients whose gynecomastia is due to parenchymal hypertrophy also require local excision of the parenchyma. Skin excision is rarely, if ever, necessary.     

Suction lipectomy of the neck

Suction lipectomy of the neck has been advocated in other reports. However, because of skin laxity, a simultaneous face/neck lift has been performed usually. In this series of 49 patients, ages 18 to 73, removal of submandibular fat was performed by suction lipectomy. A simultaneous face/neck lift was not done. In addition, no skin was excised. On the contrary, the apparent excess skin was found to be required for contouring. Approximately one-third of the patients had a simultaneous chin implant. Others had different aesthetic surgical procedures performed during the same operation. The removal of neck fat by suction has proven to be more efficacious than excisional methods of lipectomy. The risks of operation have been found comparable to suction lipectomy performed in other anatomic locations.     

Lipodissection in body sculpturing: the dry procedure

We have used the honeycombed suction lipectomy (wet and/or dry) in over 700 patients. It represents a major advancement in the treatment of the localized adiposities of the body. Its advantages are eliminating the need for long, unsightly scars and reducing operating time and morbidity. Selection of appropriate patients is of paramount importance for reliable results because this technique is truly sculpting of the soft tissues. Results improve also with the proper training and experience of the surgeon. The indications and complications have been discussed. This technique (honeycombed suction lipectomy) appears more reliable than suction curettage that employs sharp dissection.     

Fat redistribution following suction lipectomy: defense of body fat and patterns of restoration

No randomized studies in humans have examined whether fat returns after removal or where it returns. We undertook a prospective, randomized-controlled trial of suction lipectomy in nonobese women to determine if adipose tissue (AT) is defended and if so, the anatomic pattern of redistribution. Healthy women with disproportionate AT depots (lower abdomen, hips, or thighs) were enrolled. Baseline body composition measurements included dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) (a priori primary outcome), abdominal/limb circumferences, subcutaneous skinfold thickness, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (torso/thighs). Participants (n = 32; 36 ± 1 year) were randomized to small-volume liposuction (n = 14, mean BMI: 24 ± 2 kg/m(2)) or control (n=18, mean BMI: 25 ± 2) following baseline. Surgery group participants underwent liposuction within 2-4 weeks. Identical measurements were repeated at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year later. Participants agreed not to make lifestyle changes while enrolled. Between-group differences were adjusted for baseline level of the outcome variable. After 6 weeks, percent body fat (%BF) by DXA was decreased by 2.1% in the lipectomy group and by 0.28% in the control group (adjusted difference (AD): -1.82%; 95% confidence interval (CI): -2.79% to -0.85%; P = 0.0002). This difference was smaller at 6 months, and by 1 year was no longer significant (0.59% (control) vs. -0.41% (lipectomy); AD: -1.00%; CI: -2.65 to 0.64; P = 0.23). AT reaccumulated differently across various sites. After 1 year the thigh region remained reduced (0.77% (control) vs. -1.83% (lipectomy); AD: -2.59%; CI: -3.91 to -1.28; P = 0.0001), but AT reaccumulated in the abdominal region (0.64% (control) vs. 0.42% (lipectomy); AD: -0.22; CI: -2.35 to 1.91; P = 0.84). Following suction lipectomy, BF was restored and redistributed from the thigh to the abdomen.     

Belt lipectomy for circumferential truncal excess: the University of Iowa experience

When some patients with circumferential truncal excess undergo traditional abdominoplasty, the trunk is not addressed as a unit. Belt lipectomy, a procedure that combines abdominoplasty with circumferential excision of skin and fat, is often more ideal for these patients. In this article, the authors review the literature on belt lipectomy and evaluate their series of 32 patients who underwent belt lipectomy at the University of Iowa. The evolution and current preoperative markings, intraoperative surgical technique, and postoperative care are described. The patients' charts and their preoperative and postoperative photographs were examined retrospectively. It was found that belt lipectomy improved abdominal contour, abdominal wall laxity, mons pubis ptosis, back rolls, waist contour, and buttocks contour. Initially, the procedure was performed on post-weight-reduction patients only, but its indications were extended to three other groups: patients who were 30 to 50 pounds overweight, patients of normal weight who desired a significant overall truncal improvement, and an obese patient with persistent intraabdominal excess. The improvements were significant in all groups of patients except for the latter patient. Complications included a 37.5 percent seroma rate, a 9.3 percent pulmonary embolus rate, and one dehiscence that required reoperation. The authors concluded that belt lipectomy should be seriously considered for patients who present with circumferential truncal excess and for a select group of normal-weight patients. It is not recommended for the obese patient with excessive intraabdominal content. Furthermore, belt lipectomy should be undertaken only in patients who are well informed about the possible risks and complications.     

包皮切割缝合器、商环及传统包皮环切术的临床疗效比较

目的:比较包皮切割缝合器与商环及传统包皮环切术治疗包皮过长或包茎的手术疗效及安全性。方法:将240例包皮过长或包茎患者随机分为传统包皮环切术组、商环组及包皮切割缝合器组(PCSD)。对比分析三组手术时间、出血量、术中疼痛评分、术后疼痛评分、切口愈合时间、感染、切口裂开、术后水肿、术后出血等情况。结果:在手术时间、术中疼痛评分、术后疼痛评分、切口愈合时间、感染、切口裂开、术后水肿方面,PCSD组都明显优于传统包皮环切术组及商环组(P0.05);PCSD组术中出血量明显少于传统包皮环切术组(P0.05),而与商环组比较未见明显差别;在术后出血方面,三组比较未见明显的差异。结论:PCSD可以明显缩短包皮过长或包茎的手术时间,降低术中、术后疼痛,减少术后并发症。     

紫草油治疗肛瘘术后的临床研究

目的观察紫草油对肛瘘术后临床疗效改善情况以及血清中TGF-β1、Smad3的含量变化。方法将我院收治的肛瘘术后患者90例采用简单随机法分为紫草油组、凡士林组和肤痔清组各30例,术后第1天至创面愈合,每天分别给予紫草油、凡士林、肤痔清软膏外用,并于术后第1、7、14、21天观察创面疼痛、水肿、出血情况,以及酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA法)检测患者血清中TGF-β1和Smad3含量。结果 3组患者治疗后均能缓解术后水肿、疼痛、出血症状;紫草油组在治疗后第21天与肤痔清组、凡士林组比较,水肿、疼痛、出血的积分差异显著(P0.05)。治疗后第7、14、21天紫草油组与肤痔清组、凡士林组的TGF-β1含量比较,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);治疗后组内血清Smad3含量均较治疗前明显降低,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),但治疗后第21天紫草油组与肤痔清组、凡士林组的Smad3含量比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论紫草油能明显缓解肛瘘术后创面水肿、疼痛、出血情况,且疗效优于肤痔清及凡士林,能有效提高TGF-β1含量及降低血清Smad3含量,促进创面愈合。     

Effect of topically applied steroidal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents on skin repair and regeneration

We studied the effects of topically applied steroidal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents on dermal and epidermal wound healing. Superficial wounds (0.3 mm deep) on the skin of domestic pigs were treated daily with either 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide (TA), 1% hydrocortisone (HC), 1% nandrolone decanoate (ND), 1% ND + 0.1% TA, 10 mg ibuprofen, 10 mg meclofenamate sodium, 3 mg indomethacin, vehicle (USP petrolatum or 70% ethanol), or control (untreated). Wounds were excised on days 2-7 after wounding and the epidermis was separated from the dermis. The dermis was assayed for collagen biosynthesis and the epidermis was evaluated for reepithelialization. A significant decrease (P less than 0.01) in relative collagen synthesis was observed in the wounded dermis in both HC- and TA-treated groups on day 3 after wounding, but there were no significant differences on days 4-7. Depressed collagen and noncollagenous protein production was also noted in vehicle-treated wounds on day 3. Topical application of ND did not affect collagen synthesis, but when combined with TA it eliminated the inhibitory effect observed as a result of TA alone. Topical ND accelerated wound reepithelialization by 12.5% compared with vehicle and by 26% compared with untreated controls. TA delayed epidermal resurfacing by 22%, but when combined with ND (ND + TA) the rate of reepithelialization was similar to vehicle-treated wounds. HC enhanced resurfacing when compared with untreated wounds but did not differ markedly from its vehicle. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs when topically applied markedly reduced inflammation (erythema, heat, and edema) but did not influence the healing process.     

Large-volume suction lipectomy: an analysis of 108 patients.

Suction lipectomy was initially advocated for the treatment of localized collections of fat and for the removal of less than 1500 ml of material. However, many patients wished to have multiple areas treated or had diffuse collections of fat. In such instances, the removal of over 1500 ml of material and circumferential lipectomy are necessary to provide optimal aesthetic results. However, when over 1500 ml of material is removed, anesthetic requirements, fluid replacement, and treatment of blood loss become important if the operation is to be performed safely. We have treated 108 patients who had over 1500 ml of material removed. Eight-eight percent of the patients were female; 12 percent were male. Using the body-mass index, 3 percent of patients were underweight, 70 percent were normal weight, and 27 percent were overweight. Fifty-five patients (51 percent) had 1500 to 2499 ml of material removed, 26 patients (24 percent) had 2500 to 3499 ml removed, 16 patients (15 percent) had 3500 to 4499 ml removed, and 11 patients (10 percent) had over 4500 ml removed. All patients were treated in the hospital; 44 percent were admitted after surgery. A total of 227 units of autologous and 2 units of homologous blood were transfused. As measured by a computerized monitor, the average amount of blood in the material removed from thighs was 30 percent; from abdomens, the blood loss was 45 percent. The aesthetic results were generally excellent. No complications were encountered. A few patients developed undesired sequelae, the most common of which was seroma formation, which occurred in 19 percent of those who had suction of abdominal-wall fat. We believe that large-volume suction lipectomy is safe and efficacious, provided attention is directed to such important aspects of patient care as anesthesia, fluid replacement, and blood loss.