Liposuction

Gentle surgical method for removing excess, cosmetically disturbing subcutaneous fatty tissue by aspiration using a wide-lumen cannula (diameter 2-3 mm). It is usually performed on an outpatient basis under tumescent anesthesia. In case of larger aspirate volumes, substitution of fluid and electrolytes is necessary. No more than 1.5 l of adipose tissue should be aspirated on an outpatient basis, and no more than 3.0 l in total. Followed by compression bandage for 1-4 weeks.

After 1-1.5 hours of exposure time of the injected tumescent anesthetic solution in the fatty tissue, repeated post-infiltration until a plump consistency of the tissue is achieved. Access for the cannula is created via small incisions at various sites and the fat is aspirated. For larger aspiration volumes, 4 severity categories are distinguished depending on the volume aspirated, which may require general anesthesia and substitution of fluids and electrolytes :

• Category 1: up to 600 ml; local and general anesthesia. Postoperative Ringer's lactate.
• Category 2: 600-1200 ml; general anesthesia. Postoperative Ringer's lactate, 5% glucose.
• Category 3: 1200-2200 ml; general anesthesia. Postoperative Ringer's lactate, 5% glucose, possibly albumin.
• Category 4: 2200-3000 ml; general anesthesia. Postoperative Ringer's lactate, 5% glucose, albumin, possibly blood transfusion.

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