A survey on the liposuction techniques plastic surgeons prefer to apply

It is true that many new technologies have been introduced in the field of liposuction and other fat removal procedures. But which are most commonly used by plastic surgeons in the USA and which of them are safe?

Answers to these questions were given by American plastic surgeons in a relevant survey conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Plastic surgeons responded based on their experience on liposuction and other fat removal techniques, and on the complications they encountered.

The survey reveals that Tumescent liposuction with negative pressure (suction-assisted lipectomy (SAL), or “traditional” liposuction, was the mostly proffered method for localized fat removal, with over 50% of plastic surgeons to perform the technique. Dynamic cannula- and ultrasound-assisted liposuction was also among the most popular techniques.

Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) and external devices (ultrasound-laser) were less popular. The complete results of the survey were published in “Aesthetic Surgery Journal”.

“The field of new technologies is rapidly changing but we should continuously review them to ensure patient safety’, says Jamil Ahmad M.D, head of the survey team.
And adds: “Our members apply fat removal techniques which deliver long-term and good results. A lot of survey has been conducted to ensure patient safety. In the future, when data and studies show that new techniques are worth using for the best treatment of our patients, then we will use them”.
The survey conducted by the Aesthetic Society comprises 17 questions regarding which liposuction technique each plastic surgeon applies and how s/he treats any complications that may occur, as well as any experience s/he may had with each of the new technologies. The survey was conducted via emails sent to 1,713 members.

• Most of them perform 51-100 liposuctions per year.
• Most of them apply tumescent liposuction with SAL (92.7 %),ultrasound-assisted liposuction UAL (59.6%), and vibrating Power-Assisted Liposuction PAL (44.7 %). Fewer had used laser -Smart Lipo- LAL (12.8 %), mesotherapy (5.7%), or external devices (12.8%).
• The percentage for each preferred method was:
  • Tumescent liposuction- SAL (51.4%)
  • Vibrating- PAL (23%)
  • Ultrasounds-UAL (20.9%)
  • Laser- LAL (3.9%)
  • External devices (0.8%)
• The study demonstrated that newer techniques are accompanied by a disproportionally high complications rate, such as laser and mesotherapy compared to tumescent and vibrating liposuction.
• The study showed that marketing was the cause behind people’s opting for new technologies (68.3%), such as smart lipo.
• ASPS members have acquired high level training in plastic surgery in the USA and should carefully review what manufacturers have to show, and should state their different opinion in case they do not agree with the effectiveness of a technique.

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