Current Status of Tumescent Liposuction in the United States
Dermatologic Surgery
1996 Abstract
9607-595 Hanke
Hanke CW, Bullock S, Bernstein G.
Current status of tumescent liposuction in the United States. National survey
results. Dermatol Surg. 1996 Jul;22(7):595-8. PMID: 8680781
Comment in:
Dermatol Surg. 1997 May;23(5):401-2.
Department of Dermatology, Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis
46202-5267, USA.
BACKGROUND. Tumescent liposuction is an extremely safe method of liposuction
that can be performed entirely under local anesthesia. OBJECTIVE. To determine
evolving trends in the current practice of tumescent liposuction in 15,336
patients treated by 66 dermatologic surgeons. METHODS. A survey questionnaire
was sent to 1,778 Fellows of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery in
February 1994. The comprehensive questionnaire requested information on the
number of patients treated with tumescent liposuction, complications, and
various practice issues. RESULTS. Sixty-six dermatologic surgeons provided data
on 15,336 patients; 44,014 body areas were treated. The complications that
developed were infrequent and minor and have been reported previously. The
average amount of fat removed per patient was 1,276 cc. An average of 33 cc of
blood was lost per patient per procedure. Cannulas of 4.0 mm or less in diameter
were commonly used. The abdomen and outer thighs were the most common areas
treated in women. The flanks/love handles and abdomen were the most common areas
treated in men. Intraoperative monitoring of vital signs was common.
CONCLUSIONS. Tumescent liposuction is an evolving technique that has virtually
eliminated blood transfusions and the major complications of liposuction under
general anesthesia. Large amounts of fat can be removed using small diameter
cannulas. The fat can be safely removed with a minimum risk of minor
complications.