Abstract
Background
Suction lipectomy is the most common aesthetic surgery performed in North America. The safety of the procedure has recently been questioned, particularly with respect to large volume aspiration.
Objective
To delineate Canadian liposuction practice patterns and perceived complication rates.
Subjects and Methods
A survey was mailed to all plastic surgeons registered with the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons. The survey assessed surgeon demographics, hospital admission rates following liposuction, techniques used, wetting solutions, aspirate volumes and complications.
Results
A total of 322 surveys were mailed. The response rate was 44%. Of the 142 surgeons who responded, 119 regularly performed suction lipectomy. They reported that 70% of patients had suction lipectomy performed on an outpatient basis. Forty per cent of procedures were performed in private clinics. On average, surgeons performed 40 liposuctions/year without ancillary procedures and 27 liposuctions/year with ancillary procedures. Fifteen per cent of surgeons used ultrasound-assisted liposuction as an adjunct to traditional liposuction, although less than 1% used it exclusively. The ratio of aspirate to infiltrate was 0.25 to one in 45% of cases, 0.5 to one in 37%, one to one in 17% and one to one in fewer than 1%. In 69% of patients, 1 to 2 L was aspirated, while in fewer than 5% of patients, more than 3.5 L was aspirated. Early complication rates were as follows: hematoma and seroma 2.6%, infection 1.3% and skin loss 0.01%. Contour irregularity was the main late complication, occurring in 12% of patients. No cases of venous thrombosis, or pulmonary or fat emboli were reported. No deaths were reported.
Conclusions
Suction lipectomy is performed commonly by Canadian plastic surgeons, with the majority using a wet or superwet technique. In the vast majority of patients, fewer than 3500 cm3 are aspirated. The complication rate is perceived to be low.
Keywords
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