1,000 consecutive cases of laser-assisted liposuction and suction-assisted lipectomy managed with local anesthesia

Risks and Complications Rate in Liposuction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Liposuction is a surgical procedure used to remove localized excess adipose tissue. According to The Aesthetic Society's latest annual report, liposuction is the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure. Despite its popularity, the existing literature lacks a unified understanding of the risks associated with liposuction. The aim of this study was to measure complications of liposuction. A systematic review and meta-analysis was reported according to PRISMA guidelines and registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42023471626). The primary outcome was overall complication rate. The absolute risk for individual complications was also assessed. From 2957 articles, 39 studies were selected for analysis. In total, 29,368 patients were included, with a mean age of 40.62 years and mean BMI of 26.36 kg/m2. Overall, the rate of any complication was 2.62 (95% CI, 1.78-3.84). The most common complication was contour deformity, with a prevalence of 2.35% (95% CI, 1.05%-5.16%). The prevalence of hyperpigmentation was 1.49% (95% CI, 1.12%-1.99%), seroma 0.65% (95% CI, 0.33%-1.24%), hematoma 0.27% (95% CI, 0.12%-0.60%), superficial burn 0.25% (95% CI, 0.17%-0.36%), allergic reaction 0.16% (95% CI, 0.050%-0.52%), skin necrosis 0.046% (95% CI, 0.013%-0.16%), generalized edema 0.041% (95% CI, 0.0051%-0.32%), infection 0.020% (95% CI, 0.010%-0.050%), venous thromboembolism 0.017% (95% CI, 0.0060%-0.053%), and local anesthesia toxicity 0.016% (95% CI, 0.0040%-0.064%). Liposuction is a safe procedure with low complications, of which contour deformity is the most common. Raising awareness of specific risks can enhance surgical outcomes and improve patient-physician understanding.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3

Complications of Aesthetic Liposuction Performed in Isolation: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Aesthetic liposuction represents one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures worldwide. The purpose of this article is to examine and synthesize reported complication rates and explore the analytical prospect of possible patient or procedure-related predictive factors associated with specific complications. Methods: A systematic review was performed using the Pubmed, Cochrane, and Embase databases in line with specific criteria set to ensure an accurate assessment of complication rates; extracted data was synthesized through a random-effects model and meta-analysis of proportions. Results: A total of 60 studies were included in the meta-analysis, representing 21,776 patients undergoing aesthetic liposuction. Most studies followed an observational design. The overall complication rate was 12% (95% confidence interval [CI] 8%, 16%). When stratifying according to specific complications, the incidence of contour irregularities was determined to be 2% (95% CI 1%, 2%), seroma 2% (95% CI 1%; 2%), hematoma 1% (95% CI 0%, 1%), surgical site infection 1% (95% CI 1%, 2%), fibrosis or induration 1% (95% CI 1%, 2%), and pigmentary changes 1% (95% CI 1%, 1%), among others. A meta-regression to identify patient- or procedure-related factors associated with greater complication rates proved infeasible given the nature of the available data. Conclusion: Overall, liposuction demonstrated a relatively low complication rate profile, however, a considerable degree of heterogeneity exists within the examined literature preventing the recognition of predictive risk factors. While this calls for efforts to establish consensus on unified methods of outcomes reporting, the present meta-analysis can serve to provide practitioners with an evidence-based reference to improve informed consent and inform clinical guidelines, specifically pertaining to the incidence of commonly encountered complications in aesthetic liposuction, of which presently available survey studies and database queries remain devoid.

A 16-Year Review of Clinical Practice Patterns in Liposuction Based on Continuous Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

BACKGROUND

The American Board of Plastic Surgery has collected data on cosmetic surgery tracers as part of the Continuous Certification process since 2005. The current study was performed to analyze evolving trends in liposuction from the American Board of Plastic Surgery database.

METHODS

Tracer data from 2005 through 2021 were reviewed and grouped into an early cohort (EC) (2005-2014) and a recent cohort (RC) (2015-2021). Fisher exact tests and two-sample t tests were used to compare patient demographics, techniques, and complications.

RESULTS

A total of 2810 suction-assisted liposuction cases were included (1150 EC, 1660 RC). In-office procedures increased (36% EC versus 41% RC). The use of general anesthesia remained the same (63% EC versus 62% RC). The use of power-assisted liposuction increased (24% EC versus 40% RC) and use of ultrasound-assisted liposuction decreased (5% versus 2%). With respect to body areas treated, liposuction of the abdomen (64% EC versus 69% RC), flanks (60% EC versus 64% RC), and back (22% EC versus 34% RC) increased; treatments of thighs (36% EC versus 23% RC), and knees (8% EC versus 5% RC) decreased. Intraoperative position changes are more common (30% EC versus 37% RC), as is liposuction of multiple areas in one case (28% EC versus 36% RC). The volume of lipoaspirate also increased (1150 cc EC versus 1660 cc RC).

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights evolving trends in liposuction over 16 years. Liposuction is becoming more common as an outpatient procedure performed concomitantly with other procedures. Despite multiple emerging technologies, the popularity of power-assisted liposuction is increasing. Although adverse events have not significantly increased with these changes, the authors stress careful preoperative evaluation of patients to identify factors that increase the risk of complications.

Treatment and Prevention of Umbilical Sagging with Laser-assisted Liposuction: The New Happy Protocol

Sagging of the periumbilical skin, also known as the "sad umbilicus," is one of the most common postoperative complications in liposuction. It is characterized by an increase in the width and decrease in the height of the umbilicus. Technological advances in power-assisted liposuction resulting in skin tightening have been central to improvements in the treatment of sagging skin. Laser-assisted liposuction is a procedure in which a laser fiber induces lipolysis and skin tightening. Laser treatment delivered using a 980-nm diode laser may result in up to 30% skin surface area contraction. The aim of this study was to describe a new technique called the "happy protocol" for the treatment and prevention of the sad umbilicus. The periumbilical region is treated using a 980-nm diode laser set to an output power of 20 W, with a total delivered energy of 5000 J. The developed technique may be applied to correct shape distortions or to create a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasant umbilicus during liposuction. A decrease in the width of the umbilicus followed by an increase in height are observed in the first postoperative days. Patients who were followed up for 7 months postoperatively showed positive aesthetic results. The final outcome was an oval-shaped umbilicus, with increased height and reduced sagging in the periumbilical region.

High-Quality Lipoaspirate Following 1470-nm Radial Emitting Laser-Assisted Liposuction

BACKGROUND

Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) has been used to maximize viable adipocyte yields in lipoaspirates, although optimizing tissue processing methods is still a challenge. A high-quality lipoaspirate has been a key factor for extended graft longevity.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the viability and potency of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells and adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in fat samples from lipoaspirates harvested with a novel 1470-nm diode, radial emitting LAL platform. Two processing methods, enzymatic and nonenzymatic, were compared.

METHODS

Laser-assisted liposuction lipoaspirates harvested from 10 subjects were examined for cell viability after processing by enzymatic or nonenzymatic methods. Isolated SVF cells were cultured with an ASC-permissive medium to assess their viability and proliferation capacity by cell proliferation assay. Flow cytometric analysis with ASC-specific markers, gene expression levels, and immunofluorescence for ASC transcription factors were also conducted.

RESULTS

Lipoaspirates showed high SVF cell viability of 97% ± 0.02% and 98% ± 0.01%, averaged SVF cell count of 8.7 × 10 6 ± 3.9 × 10 6 and 9.4 × 10 6 ± 4.2 × 10 6 cells per mL, and averaged ASC count of 1 × 10 6 ± 2.2 × 10 5 and 1.2 × 10 6 ± 5 × 10 5 cells per mL in nonenzymatic and enzymatic methods, respectively. The ASC-specific markers, gene expression levels, and immunofluorescence for ASC transcription factors confirmed the adipose origin of the cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The laser lipoaspirates provide a high yield of viable and potent SVF cells and ASCs through both nonenzymatic and enzymatic processes. Improved purity of the harvested lipoaspirate and high ASC content are expected to result in extended graft longevity. Furthermore, eliminating enzymatic digestion may provide advantages, such as reducing process time, cost, and regulatory constraints.

Description of a Novel Web-Based Liposuction System to Estimate Fat Volume and Distribution

BACKGROUND

Pre-operative planning for liposuction is vital to ensure safe practice and patient satisfaction. However, current standards of fat assessment before surgery are guided by subjective methods such as visual inspection, skin-pinch tests, and waist circumference measurements.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to develop an inexpensive software-based tool that utilizes ultrasound (US) imaging and an online platform to accurately simulate regional subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) distribution and safe volume estimation for liposuction procedures.

METHODS

The authors present a web-based platform with integrated two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) simulations of SAT to support liposuction planning and execution. SAT-Map was constructed using multiple sub-applications linked with the python framework programming language (Wilmington, DE).

RESULTS

The SAT-Map interface provides an intuitive and fluid means of generating patient-specific models and volumetric data. To further accommodate this, an operational manual was prepared to achieve consistent visualization and examination of estimated SAT content. The system currently supports static 2D heatmap simulation and 3D interactive virtual modelling of the SAT distribution. Supplementary clinical studies are needed to evaluate SAT-Map's clinical performance and practicality.

CONCLUSIONS

SAT-Map revolutionizes the concept of pre-operative planning for liposuction by developing the first combined web-based software that objectively simulates fat distribution and measures safe liposuction volume. Our software approach presents a cost-efficient, accessible, and user-friendly system offering multiple advantages over current SAT assessment modalities. The immediacy of clinically accurate 3D virtual simulation provides objective support to surgeons towards improving patient conversation, outcomes, and satisfaction in liposuction procedures.

Bipolar Radiofrequency as an Adjunct to Face and Body Contouring: A 745-Patient Clinical Experience

BACKGROUND

Radiofrequency (RF) technology has ushered in a new paradigm in body contouring for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity who desire fat removal without exacerbating skin laxity issues. A bipolar internal RF device, used as an adjunct to liposuction, has been found to be simpler and more accurate than previous technologies.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to review the authors' clinical experience with bipolar RF-assisted liposuction (RFAL).

METHODS

We conducted a review of our large experience with bipolar RFAL, evaluating the nuances from appropriate patient selection and specific treatment areas. The review covered 745 patients treated from January 2017 to January 2020 at 2 centers. A retrospective chart review was performed of the first and last 50 patients treated at each center (for a total of 100 patients in each group) to assess trends in outcomes and adverse events.

RESULTS

Results were generally excellent from physician evaluation, and overall patient satisfaction was high (96%). The two most common adverse events were temporary swelling (9%) and nodules (8.5%). Selected examples of a variety of cases are reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

The ability to tighten skin with a minimally invasive tool adds much to the contemporary approach to the body-contouring patient with skin laxity. Adverse events were minimal and greatly decreased after an initial short learning curve. Bipolar RFAL is a strong addition to our surgical armamentarium and has become an essential tool for our practices.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Photobiomodulation: The Clinical Applications of Low-Level Light Therapy

BACKGROUND

Low-level light therapy (LLLT) is a recent addition to the pantheon of light-based therapeutic interventions. The absorption of red/near-infrared light energy, a process termed "photobiomodulation," enhances mitochondrial ATP production, cell signaling, and growth factor synthesis, and attenuates oxidative stress. Photobiomodulation is now highly commercialized with devices marketed directly to the consumer. In the gray area between the commercial and therapeutic sectors, harnessing the clinical potential in reproducible and scientifically measurable ways remains challenging.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this article was to summarize the clinical evidence for photobiomodulation and discuss the regulatory framework for this therapy.

METHODS

A review of the clinical literature pertaining to the use of LLLT for skin rejuvenation (facial rhytids and dyschromias), acne vulgaris, wound healing, body contouring, and androgenic alopecia was performed.

RESULTS

A reasonable body of clinical trial evidence exists to support the role of low-energy red/near-infrared light as a safe and effective method of skin rejuvenation, treatment of acne vulgaris and alopecia, and, especially, body contouring. Methodologic flaws, small patient cohorts, and industry funding mean there is ample scope to improve the quality of evidence. It remains unclear if light-emitting diode sources induce physiologic effects of compararable nature and magnitude to those of the laser-based systems used in most of the higher-quality studies.

CONCLUSIONS

LLLT is here to stay. However, its ubiquity and commercial success have outpaced empirical approaches on which solid clinical evidence is established. Thus, the challenge is to prove its therapeutic utility in retrospect. Well-designed, adequately powered, independent clinical trials will help us answer some of the unresolved questions and enable the potential of this therapy to be realized.

Second Generation Radiofrequency Body Contouring Device: Safety and Efficacy in 300 Local Anesthesia Liposuction Cases

BACKGROUND

Suction-assisted lipectomy has undergone significant improvements in technique, outcomes, and safety. The local anesthetic option has an excellent safety profile, and energy-based modalities such as radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL) devices were developed to enhance soft-tissue contraction. The purpose of this study was to report a single center's experience with two surgeons using the second-generation RFAL device compared with the first-generation device in terms of safety and efficacy.

METHODS

In total, 300 consecutive operations were performed under local anesthesia. Following tumescent injection, the RFAL device was used to heat the skin and underlying collagen network. Subsequently, areas to be contoured were followed with suction-assisted lipectomy to remove excess fat and fluid.

RESULTS

An estimated 300 operations were performed on 240 patients in 421 anatomic areas. Treated areas included the face, trunk, and extremities. The average maximum temperatures were 38.6°C externally and 65.6°C internally. The average total and fat aspirate volumes were 1264 and 648 mL. There were no major complications or mortalities, and 3 minor complications treated locally.

CONCLUSIONS

The data indicated statistically significant lower proportions of major, minor, or cumulative complications compared with the patients who received first-generation RFAL treatment. Major complications were exhibited for 6.25% of the first-generation group and 0% for the second-generation group. The first-generation group exhibited 8.3% minor complications, with 0.7% in the second-generation group. In sum, the data from the second-generation series of RFAL device operations indicate a statistically, as well as clinically, significant reduction in the overall complication rates compared with the first-generation device.

Lipoplasty Combined with Percutaneous Radiofrequency Dermaplasty: A New Strategy for Body Contouring

BACKGROUND

A new technique in plastic surgery termed percutaneous radiofrequency dermaplasty (PRD) is described. Customized radiofrequency energy is applied via the percutaneous route to produce skin tightening and fascia contraction at body temperature, avoiding thermal injury. We combine PRD with lipoplasty and call this combined procedure dermaplasty-assisted lipoplasty (DAL). The purpose of this study was to review both the safety and efficacy of DAL.

METHODS

We developed the required novel device and technique to perform DAL and then performed a clinical trial including Type I and Type II lipodystrophy female patients undergoing a primary liposuction of the circumferential trunk. The trial comprised two phases. In Phase I, 51 patients were included in a prospective, comparative, controlled trial and divided into two groups. In Group 1, 29 patients underwent DAL, and in Group 2, 22 patients underwent a standard suction-assisted lipectomy (SAL) alone. In Phase II, 84 patients underwent DAL, including 9 cases initially scheduled for a mini-abdominoplasty.

RESULTS

Phase I: We found better aesthetic results with DAL (93.1%) than with SAL alone (72.7%) [p < .05]. Postoperative correction of flaccid skin was superior with DAL (93.1%) than with SAL alone (36.4%) [p < .01]. Phase II: DAL achieved good-to-excellent aesthetic results in 94% of the cases.

CONCLUSIONS

DAL was found to be a reliable and safe treatment for fat removal with concomitant skin and fascia tightening but without compromising the viability of the overlying skin.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Injection of an Adipocytolytic Agent for Reduction of Excess Periaxillary Fat

BACKGROUND

The principal current treatment options for reduction of excess anterior periaxillary fat (APAF) are invasive procedures such as excision and liposuction.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ATX-101 (deoxycholic acid injection) as a treatment to reduce APAF.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 12 women with periaxillary fullness underwent ATX-101 treatment. Patients were examined to confirm that fullness was due to excess APAF and sufficient subcutaneous fat was present to warrant treatment. Before treatment, the lateral and medial borders of the treatment area were identified and marked. A 1-cm grid was placed to guide the placement of the ATX-101 injections. Reduction in APAF was based on visual assessment and palpation by the clinician, and assessment of before/after patient photographs by the patient and 2 blinded plastic surgeons; all had to agree that APAF reduction had occurred. Patient satisfaction was also assessed. Safety was evaluated in terms of adverse events (AEs).

RESULTS

Patients underwent a mean of 1.8 ATX-101 treatments; 5 patients received 1 treatment, whereas 7 received multiple treatments. Ten patients achieved a reduction in APAF and were satisfied with treatment. One patient was satisfied after 1 treatment but did not return for posttreatment photographs. One patient did not show any noticeable reduction in APAF after 1 treatment; however, this patient was satisfied and additional treatments are planned. Common AEs included injection-site numbness, edema, and tenderness that lasted for a mean of 18.6, 6.0, and 4.5 days, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

ATX-101 effectively reduced APAF and was generally well tolerated in this small cohort. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Evidence-Based Practice in Liposuction

BACKGROUND

The goal of this study is to examine the existing peer reviewed literature comparing modern adjunctive techniques in liposuction including laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) and ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) to standard suction-assisted liposuction (SAL). We intend to interpret these findings into a literature-based clinical application to influence practice patterns.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted using a keyword search in PubMed. Keyword search items included liposuction, lipoplasty, suction assisted liposuction, ultrasound assisted liposuction, laser assisted liposuction, tumescent, liposuction comparison, liposuction review, and combinations therein. Exclusion criteria included articles with a primary focus on histologic effects of energy devices, primary animal models, primary opinion papers with no reference to available data, and industry-sponsored publications. Inclusion criteria included articles with direct comparison of liposuction modalities, randomized or blinded studies, and studies with objective outcomes.

RESULTS

Twenty-five articles that met the inclusion criteria comparing SAL to UAL or LAL out of 9972 articles identified were obtained. The selected literature was assigned into 3 categories: evidence demonstrating an advantage of 1 modality (SAL, UAL, or LAL) over another, evidence that showed no benefit of 1 modality over another, and evidence that demonstrated risks of complications of 1 modality over another.

CONCLUSIONS

The benefits of UAL and LAL over SAL include the following: (1) UAL over SAL in the treatment of gynecomastia, (2) LAL and UAL over SAL with decreased hemoglobin/hematocrit in high-volume lipoaspirates, and (3) LAL over SAL with skin tightening in select areas specifically the submental area. Otherwise, the literature demonstrates equivocal results among the described techniques with no clear benefit to set one apart from the other. There appears to be no demonstrable added benefit to the addition of either UAL or LAL that would urge a change in practice patterns outside the exceptions listed.

Office-based anesthesia: an update on safety and outcomes (2017-2019)

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Although both cost and patient preference tend to favor the office-based setting, one must consider the hidden costs in managing complications and readmissions. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on safety outcomes of office-based procedures, as well as to identify common patient-specific factors that influence the decision for office-based surgery or impact patient outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Office-based anesthesia (OBA) success rates from the latest publications of orthopedic, plastic, endovascular, and otolaryngologic continue to improve. A common thread among these studies is the ability to predict which patients will benefit from going home the same day, as well as identifying comorbid factors that would lead to failure to discharge or readmission after surgery. Specifically, patients with active infection, cardiovascular disease, coagulopathy, insulin-dependent diabetes, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, poorly controlled hypertension, and thromboembolic disease are presumed to be poor candidates for outpatient office procedures.

SUMMARY

Overall, anesthesia and surgery in the office is becoming increasingly safe. Recent data suggest that the improved safety in the office-based setting is attributable to proper patient selection. Anesthesiologists play a critical role in prescreening eligible patients to ensure a safe and productive process. Patients treated in the office seem to be selected based on their low risk for complications, and our review reflects this position.

Tumescent Local Infiltration Anesthesia for Mini Abdominoplasty with Liposuction

AIM:

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of mini abdominoplasty with liposuction under local tumescent anaesthesia (LA) as the sole anaesthetic modality.

METHODS:

The study included 60 female patients with a mean age of 33.3 ± 5.6 years. Local infiltration using a mixture of 1:1000 epinephrine (1 ml), 2% lidocaine (100 ml) and 0.5% Levobupivacaine (50 ml) in 2500 ml saline was started with Local infiltration started with the abdomen, outer thigh, hips, back, inner thighs and knees. After Mini Abdominoplasty with supplemental liposuction was conducted and application of suction drains wound closure was performed, and the tight bandage was applied. Pain during injection, incision and surgical manipulations was determined. Duration of postoperative analgesia, till oral intake and return home, patients and surgeon satisfaction scores were determined.

RESULTS:

All surgeries were conducted completely without conversion to general anaesthesia. Injection pain was mild in 46 patients, moderate in 10 and hardly tolerated in 4 patients. Incision pain was mild in 16 patients, while 44 patients reported no sensation. During the surgical procedure, 6 patients required an additional dose of LA. Meantime till resumption of oral intake was 1.6 ± 0.9 hours. Meantime till home return was 5.6 ± 2.4 hours. Twelve patients were highly satisfied, 18 patients were satisfied, and these 42 patients were willing to repeat the trial if required. Eight patients found the trial is good and only one patient refused to repeat the trial and was dissatisfied, for a mean total satisfaction score of 3.1 ± 0.9.

CONCLUSION:

Mini Abdominoplasty with liposuction could be conducted safely under tumescent LA with mostly pain-free intraoperative and PO courses and allowed such surgical procedure to be managed as an office procedure. The applied anaesthetic procedure provided patients’ satisfaction with varying degrees in about 97% of studied patients.

1000 Consecutive Cases of Laser-Assisted Liposuction Utilizing the 1440 nm Wavelength Nd:YAG Laser: Assessing the Safety and Efficacy

BACKGROUND

Liposuction remains one of the most popular aesthetic surgery procedures performed today, and it has undergone continuous refinements over the past four decades. Advancements in anesthesia, improvements in instrumentation, better understanding of fluid dynamics and the addition of energy to liposuction have led to better outcomes with improved safety and efficacy.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to review 1000 consecutive laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) cases utilizing the 1440 nm wavelength. Emphasis was placed on complication rates and the need for revision procedures.

METHODS

The charts of 611 patients who underwent 1000 consecutive LAL operations were reviewed. All cases were performed either under general anesthesia or under local with sedation, and the cases were performed alone or in conjunction with other procedures. All patients went to presurgical testing and had preoperative laboratory and additional clearance by a specialist when indicated. Before and after medical photographs were obtained of all patients. All operations were done in an accredited office-based operating room. Demographic information, tumescent volume, aspirate volume, surgical time, complications and other data were reviewed.

RESULTS

There were one minor complication and no major complications such as burns, hospitalizations or mortalities. One patient developed a small hematoma, which was likely caused by the patient self-aspirating edema fluid during the immediate post-op period. The hematoma resolved with non-surgical management. The average laser energy applied was 15,756 J with an average total aspirate volume of 1256 cc. Fourteen anatomic areas were treated with LAL, and 59 operations were combination cases.

CONCLUSION

Energy-assisted liposuction using the 1440 nm wavelength has been shown in this series to have a very low complication rate when performed alone or in combination with other aesthetic operations under local and general anesthesia.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Liposuction devices: technology update

Since its introduction by Illouz and others over 30 years ago, suction-assisted lipectomy/liposuction/lipoplasty has evolved tremendously and has developed into one of the most popular procedures in aesthetic plastic surgery. Liposuction is an effective procedure employed to treat localized adipose deposits in patients not suffering from generalized obesity. These accumulations of subcutaneous fat often occur in predictable distributions in both men and women. A cannula connected to a suction-generating source allows for small incisions to be strategically placed and large volumes of fat to be removed. This fat removal leads to improved harmonious balance of a patient's physique and improved body contour. Various surgical techniques are available and have evolved as technology has improved. Current technology for liposuction includes suction-assisted lipectomy, ultrasound-assisted, power-assisted, laser-assisted, and radiofrequency-assisted. The choice of technology and technique often depends on patient characteristics and surgeon preference. The objective of this review is to provide a thorough assessment of current technologies available to plastic surgeons performing liposuction.

Complications from laser-assisted liposuction performed by noncore practitioners

Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic surgery procedures in the United States, and most plastic surgeons perform suction-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, or power-assisted liposuction. The past decade has seen a growing interest in laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) and the proposed advantages of traditional liposuction methods. However, it is performed by a minority of plastic surgeons. In fact, many LAL providers are not trained in aesthetic practice, and many offer LAL as their only body-contouring procedure. When only one method of body contouring is available to a provider, it may lead to inappropriate patient selection with associated poor outcomes. This report discusses the use of laser liposuction in body contouring and the demographics of those performing liposuction, including LAL. Complications from laser-assisted liposuction performed by noncore practitioners are illustrated.

Low-level laser therapy for fat layer reduction: a comprehensive review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) is a noninvasive, nonthermal approach to disorders requiring reduction of pain and inflammation and stimulation of healing and tissue regeneration. Within the last decade, LLLT started being investigated as an adjuvant to liposuction, for noninvasive body contouring, reduction of cellulite, and improvement of blood lipid profile. LLLT may also aid autologous fat transfer procedures by enhancing the viability of adipocytes. However the underlying mechanism of actions for such effects still seems to be unclear. It is important, therefore, to understand the potential efficacy and proposed mechanism of actions of this new procedure for fat reduction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A review of the literature associated with applications of LLLT related to fat layer reduction was performed to evaluate the findings from pre-clinical and clinical studies with respect to the mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety.

RESULTS

The studies as of today suggest that LLLT has a potential to be used in fat and cellulite reduction as well as in improvement of blood lipid profile without any significant side effects. One of the main proposed mechanism of actions is based upon production of transient pores in adipocytes, allowing lipids to leak out. Another is through activation of the complement cascade which could cause induction of adipocyte apoptosis and subsequent release of lipids.

CONCLUSION

Although the present studies have demonstrated safety and efficacy of LLLT in fat layer reduction, studies demonstrating the efficacy of LLLT as a stand-alone procedure are still inadequate. Moreover, further studies are necessary to identify the mechanism of action.