Liposuction.

This is a basic overview of liposuction. Liposuction is the removal of fat using cannulas (tubes) inserted through tiny incisions into the adipose tissue. When done correctly, nice results can be safely achieved with a very easy procedure.

Preoperative evaluation of the liposuction patient.

Tumescent liposuction is a safe and effective procedure. It is best used in normal individuals with localized areas of adiposity and good overlying skin tone. Patients must have realistic goals and expectations. Meticulous surgical technique is essential, and care must be taken to remove the correct amount of fat in the appropriate plane. Careful patient selection following a preoperative assessment will result in a very satisfying procedure for both the patient and physician.

Infusion rates and levels of premedication in tumescent liposuction.

BACKGROUND: Tumescent liposuction has proven to be an extremely safe and effective method of liposuction. However, the infusion of tumescent anesthesia can take 1 hour or more to complete. OBJECTIVE: To document the types, dosages, and routes of administration of premedication utilized by four experienced tumescent liposuction surgeons. To determine if infusion rates for tumescent anesthesia are affected by types of premedication. METHODS: Four experienced liposuction surgeons were asked to review their most recent 100 tumescent liposuction patients with respect to types and dosages of premedication and routes of administration. Data were also provided on corresponding infusion pump settings and infusion rates. Volumes of tumescent anesthesia and corresponding volumes of fat aspirated were also collected on the same 400 patients. RESULTS: Infusion of tumescent anesthesia could be performed more rapidly in patients who were given greater amounts of premedication. Volumes of tumescent anesthesia infused were generally two or more times the volume of fat aspirated. Patients could be infused with less premedication if slow infiltration was employed. CONCLUSION: Infusion rates for tumescent anesthesia can be increased of greater amounts of premedication are given. However, this must be balanced against the safety of the premedication.

Combining surgical methods for skin resurfacing.

Cutaneous resurfacing with lasers is still in its infancy. As with all new techniques, its proper place will be determined in the context of established procedures. Dermabrasion and chemical peeling have been used by dermatologists for cutaneous resurfacing for over a century. In many patients, any one of these three procedures can be used to achieve excellent results. For others, a specific procedure is clearly more beneficial. For many patients, combining the use of these three techniques achieves maximum benefit. This article discusses the use of combined techniques and when they are indicated.

Liposuction surgery and autologous fat transplantation.

Since the importation of liposuction surgery into the United States more than a decade ago, we have witnessed a number of major technique changes and practice trends occur. One of us (L.M.F.) was the first dermatologic surgeon to undergo the "lipsuction experience" (Paris, 1977) under the tutelage of Giorgio and Arpad Fisher and Pierre Fournier, and another (R.S.N.) the first to undergo training with Yves Illouz (also Paris). All three co-workers have served on teaching faculties of both the International and American Societies for Dermatologic Surgery, the American Society of Liposuction Surgery, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, have performed many hundreds of procedures, and have lectured/published on this subject on repeated occasions. We recognize certain vital changes and expansions have occurred during the past decade, and share our impressions of these with you.

Liposuction and anesthesia.

Dermatologists have been performing liposuction surgery safely since it was first introduced in the United States. Dermatologic surgeons have been in the forefront of development of new machines and cannulas and have safely adapted the procedure to an office surgical setting. They have made important contributions with the introduction of high volume dilute lidocaine/epinephrine solutions for local infiltration, in many cases using these solutions as the only anesthesia. The safety record for dermatologic surgeons performing liposuction has been excellent.

Liposuction surgery of the lateral thigh.

We report our experience in 50 patients who underwent liposuction surgery of the lateral thighs with or without concomitant liposuction surgery of the hip and buttock areas. This procedure has proven to be a remarkably safe and effective method for removal of fat in properly selected individuals. The operation avoids the problems of blood loss and scarring associated with other operations used to remove fat and makes for extremely satisfied patients.