Large-volume circumferential liposuction with tumescent technique: A sure and viable procedure

During a 4-year period, 152 female and 9 male patients underwent large-volu me liposuction, with ages ranging from 19 to 65 years (mean of 36 years),wi th a weight previous to surgery between 57 and 126 kg (mean of 72 kg). Tume scent liposuction was done simultaneously by tare surgeons in several corpo ral areas according to the necessities of each case. In 28 patients (17 per cent), 500 mi of whole blood was required previous to the surgery by self d onation. By means of liposuction, volumes between 5 and 22.3 liters (mean o f 8.7 liters) were obtained with an average relation of 860 cc of fat for 1 40 cc of liquid. The reduction of hemoglobin and hematocrit at I week after surgery was of 3.8 g and 12 percent, respectively. The weight after surger y during the patient's follow-up varied from 54 to 111 kg, with an average of 66 kg. Major complications were not presented. Minor complications consi sted of two superficial cutaneous necroses (1.2 percent) and 18 seromas (11 .2 percent), which were drained without leaving sequelae; 24 patients (14.9 percent) presented postsurgical palpable irregularities, visible in only 8 patients (5 percent); 148 patients (92 percent) expressed important satisf action with the results of the surgery, with the remaining 13 (8 percent) e xpressing some disagreement due to persistent irregularities. These complic ations had a direct relationship to some factors of the surgical technique and some characteristics of the patients. The amount of fat liposuctioned, the ideal height-weight relationship of the patient, the diameter of the ca nnulas used, and the experience acquired during the time were the most impo rtant factors that were associated with the complications. Based on these r esults, we concluded that large-volume circumferential liposuction with tum escent technique is a viable and sure alternative to achieve improvement of the body contour and weight loss.