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In liposuction, obese patients may tolerate larger lipoaspirate volumes

Obese patients may tolerate larger lipoaspirate volumes without increased complications compared to patients with lower BMIs, who experience a more exponential increase in risk as lipoaspirate volume increases.

Researchers used the Tracking Operations and Outcomes for Plastic Surgeons database to identify suction-assisted lipectomies, with 69 of 4,534 patients experiencing a postoperative complication.

They used Current Procedural Terminology codes for suction assisted lipectomy of the head and neck, trunk, upper extremity and lower extremity to identify patients

Of the 4,534 patients identified, 69 experienced a postoperative complication.

Patients that experienced complications underwent procedures with an average higher lipoaspirate volume: of 3.4 liters vs. 2.1 liters for patients who did not have complications. These patients also had higher BMIs: 28.2 ± 4.3 vs. 26.5 ± 4.5.

Patients were grouped on criteria for large-volume liposuction (> 5,000 mL total aspirate) or the presence of at least one complication.

Liposuction volume and BMI were independent risk factors for complications, according to researchers.

In higher volumes, the risk reduced as BMI increased.

Volumes in excess of 100 mL per unit of BMI were an independent predictor of complications. - by Abigail Sutton

Disclosure: Chow reported no relevant financial disclosures. For a complete list of remaining authors’ relevant financial disclosures, please see the full study.