Preventing liposuction complications.

Liposuction is one of the most common surgical procedures performed by plastic surgeons. According to the latest American Society of Plastic Surgeons statistics, over 245,000 liposuction procedures were performed in 2008, making it the third most common plastic surgical procedure behind breast augmentation and rhinoplasty.

Perioperative fluid management.

Technological advances have changed how traditional surgical procedures are performed. New knowledge and surgical skills are required to effectively monitor the patient and manage fluids administered perioperatively. Today, selective fluids are used in a variety of surgical specialties. Complications of fluid therapy can occur that are intrinsic to each procedure within a specialty. This article provides perioperative nurses with the information needed to evaluate different fluid media and their applications and identify patient care considerations. Possible complications and important postanesthesia care concerns also are discussed.

Plastic surgery: understanding abdominoplasty and liposuction.

Requests for plastic surgery procedures that alter one's body image are on the rise. To ensure the best possible outcome, patients who request a combined procedure (eg, abdominoplasty and liposuction) must meet certain criteria to be eligible for surgery. It is critically important for patients to understand that these surgeries are not weight-reduction procedures, and they must be prepared to make lifestyle changes to ensure long-lasting results. These procedures are performed in a variety of facilities (eg, surgeons' offices, surgery centers, hospitals). Perioperative nurses must have a basic knowledge and understanding of abdominoplasty and liposuction and the special requirements and potential complications involved with these procedures.

Airway management: a patient with Madelung disease.

This case study describes a 51-year-old, ASA physical status II Hispanic man who underwent liposuction to the anterior neck and resection of adipose tissue of the posterior neck. The patient was diagnosed with multiple symmetric lipomatosis, better known by its eponym, Madelung disease. This disease is characterized by abnormal adipose tissue growth primarily in the neck and shoulder regions. As a result of this pathology, a complete airway assessment was challenging. The patient's Mallampati classification was class III with visualization of the soft palate only. Other elements of a full assessment such as thyromental distance, sternomental distance, and tracheal orientation were impossible to evaluate because of the extreme circumferential girth of the adipose tissue in the neck. In addition, flexion and extension of the neck was limited by a minimum of 20 degrees because of the pathology. The patient was deemed as having a difficult airway, and an awake fiberoptic intubation was planned and used successfully. The subsequent surgical procedure progressed without incident, and the patient was transferred to a stepdown unit for monitoring of his airway postoperatively.

Body contouring after massive weight loss.

As the results of bariatric surgery become increasingly successful, the demand for dy contouring following significant weight loss is rapidly growing. Persons who have lost weight are often unpleasantly surprised with the hanging folds of tissue and loose skin that may be present. The following article is a review of the surgical treatment currently available to provide a more pleasing body contour after successful weight loss.

Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty.

The use of ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL) to assist in the removal of subcutaneous fat has been practiced in Europe for nearly 15 years and over the last 7 years has gained popularity in the United States. Liposuction is now one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures by board-certified plastic surgeons. This article will review the UAL procedure, its history, regulatory issues, instrumentation and equipment needed. It will also review changes and recent updates, clinical protocol, complications, and future considerations.

Body contouring of the trunk/thigh aesthetic unit.

Modern body lifting is an exciting frontier for patients and the plastic surgery team. Aesthetic body contour deformities often involve multiple areas of the trunk and thighs. Surgery must take into account the effect on the overall aesthetic balance of the body. While the results can be dramatic and fulfilling, the surgeries are labor-intensive and challenging, and the recovery requires patient commitment and compliance.

Panniculectomy--an option for people who are morbidly obese.

Obesity is becoming a major health issue across the nation. Surgical procedures to alleviate problems of severely limited ambulation, development of open wounds, and overeating may be an option for people who are morbidly obese. A gastric bypass procedure and panniculectomy are among the surgical options available. In this article, the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of a patient undergoing a panniculectomy are presented. A safe, complication-free procedure can be performed with preplanning; a precise, detailed team effort; and an informed, motivated patient.

Body contouring with ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty.

Lipoplasty (i.e., liposuction) is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States. During the past 20 years, there have been dramatic technological advancements in both surgical technique and equipment used to improve postoperative outcomes. As a result, perioperative nurses are faced with the challenge of providing quality care for this patient population in a variety of ambulatory surgical settings with highly specialized equipment. Perioperative team members play significant roles in the coordination of individualized patient-focused care, which includes detailed instructions and education, appropriate use and care of equipment, and postoperative follow-up. The efforts of the team members contribute to positive surgical outcomes, as well as to overall patient satisfaction.

Ultrasound assisted lipoplasty--Part 1: An overview for nurses.

The use of ultrasound assisted lipoplasty (UAL) to assist in the removal of subcutaneous fat has been practiced in Europe for nearly a decade but has only recently been practiced in the United States. This article will discuss the UAL procedure, its history, regulatory issues, instrumentation and equipment needed, clinical protocol, case reports, complications, and future considerations.

Liposuction: an overview.

Liposuction, the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure today, can offer a substantial benefit to the realistic, well-motivated patient. Continual perioperative assessment and early intervention serve to maximize recovery and minimize complications.

Body contouring surgery.

This article discusses nursing care of patients having body contouring surgery of the abdomen, thighs, and breasts. Specific surgery reviewed includes lipoplasty, abdominoplasty, thigh lift, breast reduction, and breast augmentation.

Liposuction: a surgical intervention to improve body contour.

Liposuction surgery continues to gain popularity despite adverse media attention. The advent of syringe-assisted liposuction is replacing suction machines, offering a more precise surgical technique as well as fewer risks and predictable results. However, aligning patient expectations with realistic goals continues to challenge health professionals involved in the emerging field of cosmetic dermatologic surgery.