LIPOSUCTION - ASSISTED LIPECTOMY

Abstract

Background. Lipomas are the most common benign neoplasms originating from adipose tissue, usually subcutaneously located. Patients seek removal, mainly for aesthetic reasons as they often disfigure body contours mutilating natural appearance. Historically, surgical removal comprises the standard of treatment. Liposuction emerges as a new successful treating method in selected cases. Objective. The primary objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of liposuction in removing lipomas in terms of success rate of total removal, risk of eventual recurrences and patients‘ satisfaction. Additionally, observation of postoperative events and their resolution is to be done. Method. This is a retrospective – prospective study comprising 5 cases of liposuction - assisted lipectomies. Thorough analysis of the cases was conducted: preoperative assessment and diagnostics, operative technique and postoperative follow-up. Postoperative period was divided in short term (up to 4 weeks) when early postoperative complications were observed, and long term (up to 12 months) when remnants and eventual recurrences can be seen. Satisfaction was assessed as a questioned inquiry. Results. Summarizing the results, descriptive statistic was used. In short term follow- up, self-resolving bruising, edema and mild pain were noted. There was no case of infection. In period of up to 12 months followup, total lipoma removal and 0% recurrence in all cases was pointed. Satisfaction rate of the patients was high. Conclusion. Liposuction can be as effective as open surgical removal when treating conventional lipomas. High satisfaction rate, due to small incisional scars, can be achieved.