The effect of reduction of the peripheral fat content by liposuction-assisted lipectomy (SAL) on serum leptin levels in the postoperative period: A prospective study

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between a dec rease in the peripheral fat content by suction-assisted lipectomy (SAL) and serum leptin levels. Twenty-two healthy females who underwent SAL for aest hetic reasons participated in the study. The data included height, weight, dietary habits, and leptin levels before surgery and at 1 and 6 weeks posto peratively. The aspirate ranged between 1000 and 6000 ml, with an average o f 2700 ml. Thirteen patients with an aspirate of over 2700 ml all experienc ed an immediate postoperative decrease in appetite which returned gradually by 12 to 17 days postoperatively. They lost an average of 7% of the total body weight at 6 weeks. The leptin levels I week postoperatively were signi ficantly lower than the preoperative levels (p < 0.01); at 6 weeks the decr ease in leptin level was not statistically significant. In conclusion, a re duction of the peripheral fat content of more than 2700 ml by SAL has an im mediate effect on leptin levels that lasts at least 1 week and correlates w ith voluntary chances in energy intake.