Laser-assisted lipolysis for neck and submental remodeling in Rohrich type IV patients: fact or fiction?

Complications of Aesthetic Liposuction Performed in Isolation: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Aesthetic liposuction represents one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures worldwide. The purpose of this article is to examine and synthesize reported complication rates and explore the analytical prospect of possible patient or procedure-related predictive factors associated with specific complications. Methods: A systematic review was performed using the Pubmed, Cochrane, and Embase databases in line with specific criteria set to ensure an accurate assessment of complication rates; extracted data was synthesized through a random-effects model and meta-analysis of proportions. Results: A total of 60 studies were included in the meta-analysis, representing 21,776 patients undergoing aesthetic liposuction. Most studies followed an observational design. The overall complication rate was 12% (95% confidence interval [CI] 8%, 16%). When stratifying according to specific complications, the incidence of contour irregularities was determined to be 2% (95% CI 1%, 2%), seroma 2% (95% CI 1%; 2%), hematoma 1% (95% CI 0%, 1%), surgical site infection 1% (95% CI 1%, 2%), fibrosis or induration 1% (95% CI 1%, 2%), and pigmentary changes 1% (95% CI 1%, 1%), among others. A meta-regression to identify patient- or procedure-related factors associated with greater complication rates proved infeasible given the nature of the available data. Conclusion: Overall, liposuction demonstrated a relatively low complication rate profile, however, a considerable degree of heterogeneity exists within the examined literature preventing the recognition of predictive risk factors. While this calls for efforts to establish consensus on unified methods of outcomes reporting, the present meta-analysis can serve to provide practitioners with an evidence-based reference to improve informed consent and inform clinical guidelines, specifically pertaining to the incidence of commonly encountered complications in aesthetic liposuction, of which presently available survey studies and database queries remain devoid.

1470-nm Radial fiber-assisted liposuction for body contouring and facial fat grafting

Background

Laser‐assisted liposuction using 1470‐nm radial fiber emits light energy preferentially absorbed by water, yielding a rapid and localized contouring and tightening effect, with minimal scarring. When collected under appropriate conditions, extracted fat samples can be exploited as autologous filling material in liposculpturing procedures.

Objectives

To assess the 6‐month contouring efficacy of 1470 radial fiber‐assisted liposuction and the volumetric enhancement effect of the harvested tissue in facial fat grafting.

Methods

Twenty subjects underwent liposuction (BeautiFill, Alma Lasers, Inc.) of lower abdominal or outer thigh fat. In seven subjects, harvested samples were grafted into facial regions. Treatment safety, body weight, blinded evaluator‐assessed aesthetic improvements, and subject‐rated satisfaction were monitored for 6 months. Abdominal and facial fat thickness were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (n = 5) within 3 months of treatment.

Results

One‐month posttreatment, most subjects ranked improvements good/excellent (88%) and skin tightening satisfactory/very satisfactory (92%), with >70% of subjects providing similar scores 6‐month posttreatment. Blinded evaluators noted improved/very much improved aesthetic appearance (87%). Harvested tissue injected as a facial filler (21.0 ± 5.2 ml) led to a 0.63 ± 0.12 mm increase in facial fat thickness, observed by MRI, within 3 months. Six months postfilling, the majority of subjects (83%) were satisfied with the outcome. All procedures were well‐tolerated.

Conclusions

A single 1470 nm radial fiber‐assisted abdominal and thigh liposuction session provided for effective and durable reduction of adipose tissue deposits, with appreciable skin tightening and aesthetic improvements. The gentle harvesting method yielded viable filler material, which was well‐retained in facial regions for up to 6 months.

Laser-assisted lipolysis for arm contouring in Teimourian grades I and II: a prospective study of 45 patients

Upper arm deformities secondary to weight loss or senile elastosis have led to an increased demand for aesthetic contouring procedures. We conducted this study to objectively assess if, in Teimourian low-grade upper arm remodelling, one session of laser-assisted lypolisis (LAL) could result in full patient satisfaction. Between 2011 and 2013, 45 patients were treated for unsightly fat arm Teimourian grade I (15 patients), grade IIa (15 patients) and grade IIb (15 patients) with one session of LAL. The laser used in this study was a 1470-nm diode laser (Alma Lasers, Cesarea, Israel) with the following parameters: continuous mode, 15 W power and transmission through a 600-μm optical fibre. Previous mathematical modelling suggested that 0.1 kJ was required in order to destroy 1 ml of fat. Treatment parameters and adverse effects were recorded.The arm circumference and skin pinch measurements were assessed pre and postoperatively. Patients were asked to file a satisfaction questionnaire. Pain during the anaesthesia and discomfort after the procedure were minimal. Complications included prolonged oedema in 11 patients. The average arm circumference decreased by 4.9 ± 0.4 cm in the right arm (p < 0.01) and 4.7 ± 0.5 cm in the left arm (p < 0.01) in grade I patients, 5.5 ± 0.6 cm in the right arm (p < 0.01) and 5.2 ± 0.5 cm in the left arm (p < 0.01) in grade IIa patients and 5.4 ± 0.5 cm in the right arm (p < 0.01) and 5.3 ± 0.5 cm in the left arm (p < 0.01) in grade IIB patients. The skin tightening effect was confirmed by the reduction of the skin calliper measurements in all three groups. Overall mean opinion of treatment was high for both patients and investigators. Of the 45 patients, all but one would recommend this treatment. A single session of LAL in upper arm remodelling for Teimourian grades I to IIb is a safe and reproducible technique. The procedure allows reduction in the amount of adipose deposits while providing full skin tightening.