Weight loss and its relation to fat aspiration yields in liposuction: a survey in 48 patients
Dermatologic Surgery
2012
Weight loss and its relation to fat aspiration yields in liposuction: a survey in 48 patients
Boeni R. Dermatology. 2012;224:320-322.
Is there a difference in the amount of aspirated fat collected in patients who have a history of weight loss before surgery? Yes, that is the consensus among doctors of liposuction patients. However, these amounts vary based on the individual patient and tend to be less in those with previous weight loss and excess, sagging skin. This study decided to try and quantify the significance of aspirated fat volumes in 48 patients who were divided into 3 categories, based on weight loss history: (A) none, (B) moderate (≤ 10% body weight), and (C) massive weight loss (MWL; > 16% body weight). Each group included 16 patients, 8 male and 8 female. The researchers examined each patient’s aspirated fat:wetting solution ratio (FWR) and found significantly significant differences between group (A) and (B)/(C), with an FWR of 3.4 ± 0.5, 1.0 ± 0.3, and 0.4 ± 0.2, respectively (P < 0.001). The study author points out that these results support the importance of obtaining patient weight loss before surgery. While less aspirated fat is expected in patients with a weight loss history, he writes, “good results are still achievable.”
Available at PubMed (PMID: 22614683): http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22614683