Delayed-Onset Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension After Liposuction: A Case Report and Review.

ABSTRACT: Although systemic complications following liposuction are rare, visual impairment has been reported in a few cases and may occur for a variety of reasons. Here we present the case of a 31-year-old woman who underwent 360° liposuction and subsequently developed headaches and delayed partial visual disturbance 10 days after the procedure. She had symptoms suggestive of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, which was confirmed by lumbar puncture. A literature search revealed other case reports of visual changes or headaches following high-volume liposuction. Our case provides further evidence of a rare association between liposuction and idiopathic intracranial hypertension, emphasizing the need for thorough preoperative evaluations and the consideration of possible risks.

[Treatment of abdominal lipocutaneous excess in massive weight loss patients]. / Traitement de l'excès cutanéo-adipeux abdominal après perte de poids massive.

In massive weight loss patients, abdominal lipocutaneous excess is a frequently encountered complication with major psychological, medical and functional consequences. A wide variety of corrective techniques exists, each with its advantages and side effects, and the choice of the technique must be made in conjunction with the patient, taking into account his unique anatomy, his wishes and his risk factors, in order to obtain the best aesthetic result while minimising the per- and post-operative complications. Liposuction, if prudently executed with the correct technique, permits a further harmonisation of the body contour in zones not reached by the surgical correction, representing a very useful and efficient additional tool.

L'excès cutanéo-adipeux abdominal est une conséquence très fréquente chez les patients après une perte de poids massive, avec d'importantes répercussions psychologiques, médicales et fonctionnelles. Plusieurs techniques de correction des déformations existent, avec leurs avantages et complications spécifiques. Le choix doit être individualisé et partagé avec le patient sur la base de ses caractéristiques anatomiques uniques, de ses souhaits et de ses facteurs de risque, pour un résultat esthétique optimal avec une minimisation des complications. La liposuccion, lorsqu'elle est effectuée de façon prudente et selon les règles de l'art, est un outil additionnel très efficace pour une harmonisation des contours dans les zones non directement ciblées par l'intervention choisie.

Lower Gluteal Liposuction Combined With Upper Gluteal and Infragluteal Region Fat Grafting: A Novel Concept to Improve Gluteal Ptosis.

BACKGROUND: Gluteal ptosis results in a severe disturbance of gluteal aesthetics. Currently, satisfactory procedures for improving gluteal ptosis are lacking. OBJECTIVES: To improve gluteal ptosis, the authors propose a novel concept of combined liposuction of the lower gluteal region and fat grafting to the upper gluteal and infragluteal regions, and verify its efficacy and safety. METHODS: Patients who underwent liposuction of the lower gluteal region combined with fat grafting to the upper gluteal and infragluteal regions between January 2020 and July 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative changes in the gluteal ptosis grade, complications, and patient satisfaction were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients were enrolled in this study; 21 (75.0%) patients had gluteal ptosis grade 4 and 7 (25.0%) patients had gluteal ptosis grade 5. The median fat removal volume was 210 mL, and the median fat graft injected volume was 355 mL in the gluteal region and 180 mL in the infragluteal region. All patients showed improvement in gluteal ptosis; 16 (57.1%) patients improved by 1 grade and 12 (42.9%) patients showed a 2-grade improvement. All patients were satisfied with their posttreatment outcomes. Only 1 patient showed lateral translocation of the fat graft. No other complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Liposuction of the lower gluteal region combined with fat grafting to the upper gluteal and infragluteal regions is effective in improving gluteal ptosis, with a low risk of complications and high patient satisfaction.

Unraveling the Enigma: A Rare Case of Recurrent Idiopathic Gynecomastia in an Adolescent.

Gynecomastia presents as abnormal hypertrophy of mammary tissue in males that is typically asymptomatic and usually does not require intervention. Gynecomastia responds well to medical and surgical treatment, when necessary, with low recurrence rates. The authors report an atypical case of recurrent idiopathic unilateral gynecomastia first presenting in an adolescent male. Physical examination, hormonal, and oncologic evaluations were normal. After subcutaneous mastectomy with liposuction and treatment with Tamoxifen at 19 years old, his unilateral gynecomastia recurred over the course of 3 years, requiring a second surgery. Furthermore, we review the literature for recurrent gynecomastia after surgical management to examine prevalence and risk factors.

A Retrospective Analysis of Upper Arm Rejuvenation Surgery in 50 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Upper arm aesthetics often suffer from aging effects such as skin laxity and sagging due to collagen and elastin depletion. Fat loss, obesity, and weight fluctuations further exacerbate these issues. Existing classification systems for upper arm excess are complex and have practical limitations. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop a more concise and clearer classification of upper arm excess that can guide surgical interventions effectively and assess clinical outcomes. METHODS: Patients undergoing upper arm rejuvenation surgery from January 2020 to January 2023 were categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. Mild cases underwent suction-assisted liposuction (SAL), moderate cases underwent radiofrequency-assisted liposuction combined with SAL, and severe cases underwent brachioplasty combined with SAL. Arm circumferences and BODY-Q questionnaires were collected pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: The study included 50 female patients, aged 21 to 49 years. The average follow-up time was 7.5 [2.2] months. Arm circumference reduction rates were 6.8% in mild cases, 15.1% in moderate cases, and 17.3% in severe cases. Regarding the BODY-Q questionnaire for upper arms, the average score increased by 0.9 for mild, 2.1 for moderate, and 2.9 for severe cases. Complications were minimal, including 1 seroma and 2 cases of scar widening. CONCLUSIONS: The revised classification system for upper arm excess proved effective in guiding surgical decisions. Selecting the surgical approach based on severity resulted in satisfactory outcomes based on BODY-Q scores. This system offers a concise, objective, and practical tool for plastic surgeons.

Augmented Safety Profile of Ultrasound-Guided Gluteal Fat Transfer: Retrospective Study With 1815 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Gluteal augmentation with autologous fat transfer is one of the fastest growing aesthetic surgical procedures worldwide over the past decade. However, this procedure can be associated with high mortality from fatal pulmonary fat embolism events caused by intramuscular injection of fat. Ultrasound-guided fat grafting allows visualization of the transfer in the subcutaneous space, avoiding intramuscular injection. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of gluteal fat grafting performed with ultrasound-guided cannulation. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing ultrasound-guided gluteal fat grafting at the authors' center between 2019 and 2022 was performed. All cases were performed by board-certified and board-eligible plastic surgeons under general anesthesia in ASA Class I or II patients. Fat was only transferred to the subcutaneous plane when over the gluteal muscle. Patients underwent postoperative follow-up from a minimum of 3 months up to 2 years. Results were analyzed with standard statistical tests. RESULTS: The study encompassed 1815 female patients with a median age of 34 years. Controlled medical comorbidities were present in 14%, with the most frequent being hypothyroidism (0.7%), polycystic ovarian syndrome (0.7%), anxiety (0.6%), and asthma (0.6%). Postoperative complications occurred in 4% of the total cohort, with the most common being seroma (1.2%), local skin ischemia (1.2%), and surgical site infection (0.8%). There were no macroscopic fat emboli complications or mortalities. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that direct visualization of anatomic plane injection through ultrasound guidance is associated with a low rate of complications. Ultrasound guidance is an efficacious adjunct to gluteal fat grafting and is associated with an improved safety profile that should be considered by every surgeon performing this procedure.

Pneumothorax with liposuction, awareness of rare complication: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Liposuction is the most commonly performed procedure in aesthetic plastic surgery worldwide, the complications and morbidity are under evaluated. Pneumothorax is thought to be a rare complication after liposuction but the exact rate still unknown. CASE PRESENTATION: We presented to you a 45-year-old Arabian female with history of hypertension underwent lipoabdominoplasty, back liposuction and gluteal lipofilling. On the first postoperative day, the patient was complaining of chest pain accompanied with tachypnea and tachycardia, oxygen saturation was maintained on room air. Upon chest auscultation, diminished air entry was markedly noted on her left side, immediate chest x-ray and electrocardiogram (ECG) was done, which showed unremarkable x-ray and ECG shows sinus tachycardia. Computed tomography (CT) carried out and showed left side pneumothorax. An urgent thoracic surgery consultation was done and chest tube was inserted. The patient reported immediate improvement of her symptoms and the vital signs retain to normal range. On day 3, air leak stopped, chest tube was clipped by thoracic surgery, and the chest tube was removed 24 h later. The patient had a relatively smooth recovery with no other complications. CONCLUSION: Pneumothorax have possibility to happen with liposuction, awareness of possible risk factors should detect by plastic surgeon, to manage earlier as soon as possible.

Radiofrequency and pulsed electromagnetic field application following liposuction-Clinical evaluation of performance and safety.

OBJECTIVE: With more than 1.5 million performed procedures, liposuction was the second most performed esthetic surgical procedure all over the world in males and in females in the year 2020. The objective of this open-label, evaluator-blinded study was to assess the efficacy and safety of an energy-based device that combines multipolar radiofrequency with pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) in patients that underwent liposuction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 subjects, of whom 24 were females (80%), with a mean age of 48.4 ± 11.0 years (range: 27-69 years) and a mean weight of 69.5 ± 11.7 kg underwent unilateral treatment with radiofrequency and application of PEMF after bilateral liposuction. One month after the last of a total of six weekly treatments, skin elasticity, visco-elasticity and net elasticity, as well as subject reported satisfaction on a 5-point scale ranging from -1 (worse) to 3 (very much improved) and esthetic improvement ranging from 0 (very unsatisfied) to 4 (very satisfied) rated by three independent reviewers were assessed. RESULTS: Three independent and blinded reviewers rated the improvement of the treated side on average as 1.17 + 0.07 compared with baseline. Subjects were very satisfied with their treatment, with a mean score of 3.24 (0.03) out of 4 at the 1-month follow-up visit. Cutometer measurements showed no significant changes. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the subjective satisfaction with the results of the application of RF and PEMF after liposuction is high, while at the same time the esthetic appearance as rated by independent raters improved on the treated side.

A review of research for a cryolipolysis technology.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and excess body fat are known health issues and a major aesthetic concern. Numerous modalities have been developed to address unwanted deposits of adiposity, including the development of various noninvasive methods overcoming the limitations and risks of invasive alternatives. Cryoadipolysis, also known commonly as cryolipolysis, involves the harnessing of selective cryolysis, the selective cold-based damaging of subcutaneous fat cells which die via apoptosis, and are removed naturally by the body over time. AIMS: To provide a brief but comprehensive summary of the literature supporting two related cryoadipolysis devices that are only available outside of North America, Cooltech and Cooltech Define (Sinclair). RESULTS/DISCUSSION: Review of 10 available clinical studies evaluating the two devices, specifically, showed both devices to be safe, with side effects profiles comparable to those of similar platforms in the armamentarium. Both operate by non-invasively lowering the temperature of localized subcutaneous fat and maintaining it at or below a threshold that causes disruption of adipocytes via crystallization, inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death). Over time, clinically significant reductions in fat thickness and circumference of the treated area were noted. Patient satisfaction is high. The literature also highlights the necessity of adherence to patient selection and device use guidelines to minimize potential for rare paradoxical adipose hyperplasia and maximize patient satisfaction.

Cryolipolysis in the United States-Review of the clinical data.

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive body contouring is becoming more popular in the United States as an alternative to liposuction. The most popular of these methods, cryolipolysis, uses precisely controlled cooling to reduce focal adiposities. The number of cryolipolysis procedures performed annually has experienced rampant growth in United States markets, and the indications have likewise diversified. In light of this change, it is imperative to perform an updated review of available US safety and efficacy data on cryolipolysis. AIMS: To examine the safety and efficacy of cryolipolysis treatments in the United States using data extracted from research performed exclusively at US-based sites. METHODS: In order to identify relevant studies, a literature search was conducted on PubMed using the terms "CoolSculpting" OR "cryolipolysis" OR "lipocryolysis." Articles were manually reviewed to exclude literature reviews, research not performed on humans, studies on experimental combinations of techniques, and any studies not performed in the United States. RESULTS: The initial literature search returned 246 results. Following manual review, a total of 18 studies were selected for data extraction. Mean reduction in fat thickness by ultrasound was 2.0-5.1 mm or 19.6%-32.3%; mean reduction by body caliper was 2.3-7 mm or 14.9%-21.5%. Side effects were mild and transient. Four instances of PAH were documented in 3453 treatment cycles. CONCLUSIONS: Cryolipolysis is a safe, modestly effective method for reducing focal adiposity. Complications are rare and treatable. However, US-based studies are few in number and often of low power and/or quality. More high-quality research is needed for all aspects of cryolipolysis.

Cryolipolysis: A promising nonsurgical technique for localized fat reduction.

BACKGROUND: Cryolipolysis, also known as fat freezing, is a nonsurgical technique specialized for localized fat reduction. Utilizing targeted cold exposure to adipose tissue, cryolipolysis devices induce cellular apoptosis in adipocytes while sparing surrounding tissues, resulting in the selective disruption of fat cells and subsequent removal of damaged cells by macrophages. A reduction of the fat layer produces a noninvasive cosmetic benefit that provides an accessible alternative to liposuction. Objective and subjective measurements have demonstrated significant reduction in fat volume and high patient satisfaction rates. Cryolipolysis has been proven to be safe with minimal adverse effects. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanism of cryolipolysis and its efficacy in different treatment areas. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of cryolipolysis, including its mechanism of action, indications, contraindications, adverse effects, results and outcomes, safety profile, and areas requiring further research. METHODS: Our primary phase of literature review consisted of a PubMed search looking for all published literature around cryolipolysis. We employed a review approach that examined over 30 papers with the key search terms of "cryolipolysis," "fat-freezing," "cosmetic dermatology," "body contouring," "adverse effects," "adipocyte apoptosis," "Coolsculpting®," "cold panniculitis," and "localized fat reduction." We then analyzed each paper, extracting relevant information to gain a multidimensional understanding of cryolipolysis to provide a comprehensive review. CONCLUSION: Cryolipolysis, with its ability to target and reduce localized adipose tissue, has emerged as a promising nonsurgical technique in the field of body contouring. It offers patients a valuable option for achieving their desired fat reduction without the need for a lengthy recovery period or major surgery. Cryolipolysis has shown to reduce the number of adipocytes in the treated area, a phenomenon that can be objectively quantified through various means, including fat caliper measurements, ultrasound assessments, and 3D imaging, or subjectively observed through patient satisfaction rates, clinical observations, and investigator assessments. In addition to its effectiveness in reducing localized adipose tissue, cryolipolysis also holds potential in the area of skin tightening. Preliminary studies suggest that cryolipolysis may have a positive impact on skin elasticity and tightening. Further investigation of this mechanism is needed to provide a better understanding of its potential in achieving optimal cosmetic outcomes for patients. By combining the benefits of fat reduction and skin tightening, cryolipolysis has the potential to offer a comprehensive nonsurgical solution for body contouring.

Does Liposuction for Lymphedema Worsen Lymphatic Injury?

Liposuction for treatment of lymphedema is an effective and time-tested treatment. However, as there is a fear regarding further lymphatic damage caused by liposuction, we objectively compared lymphatic function pre- and post-liposuction. All patients with solid-predominant lymphedema who were treated during the study period of June 2014 and November 2018 were included. Patients were assessed using patient-reported baselines/outcomes, lymphedema- specific quality of life scale (LYMQOL), limb circumference/volume measurements, and indocyanine green lymphography (ICGL) preoperatively and at predefined postoperative time intervals. Fifty-seven limbs from 41 patients were included. Mean lipoaspirate volumes were 2035 mL, 5385 mL, and 3106 mL for the arm, thigh, and leg, respectively with a mean adipose fraction of the lipoaspirate of 71%. All patients underwent redundant skin excision with the "flying squirrel" technique. The mean follow-up was 10.7 months (range 3 - 48 months) with a mean limb volume reduction of 32.2% and all patients reporting satisfactory relief of symptoms. All showed statistically significant improvement in LYMQOL in symptoms, appearance, and function. On ICGL, none showed worsened lymphatic drainage, rather, all showed improved lymph drainage. Furthermore, the improved lymph drainage was found to be progressive during the study period in all patients. Our study results demonstrate that treating extremity lymphedema with liposuction does not worsen lymphatic function and in fact, paradoxically, it induces progressive improvement in lymph drainage.

A Case of Acute Opioid Withdrawal after Liposuction Surgery in a Patient on Extended-release Buprenorphine.

BACKGROUND: The US Food and Drug Administration approved the once-monthly injectable extended-release buprenorphine product to treat moderate-to-severe opioid use disorders. The patient in our case report had a liposuction procedure and immediately started having opioid withdrawal symptoms after the procedure. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient is a 27-year-old African-American woman who injects drugs and has morbid obesity. She enrolled in a medications for addiction treatment program and opted to get treated with extended-release buprenorphine monthly injections. She tolerated them well for a span of 6 months. In one clinic visit, she reported opioid withdrawal symptoms and started purchasing and using sublingual buprenorphine from her acquaintances. On review of history, she underwent liposuction surgery and this triggered the opioid withdrawal symptoms. Examining her abdomen revealed surgical scars at the site of the buprenorphine injection and the residual buprenorphine depot was not palpable.A subcutaneous injection of 300-mg extended release buprenorphine was administered in the right periumbilical area in this clinic visit. The following week, she was doing well and denied any withdrawal symptoms. DISCUSSION: This is a unique case of "iatrogenic opioid withdrawal" after a fairly common surgical procedure. The extended-release buprenorphine formulation solidifies when it comes into contact with bodily fluids forming a depot. The depot and surrounding adipose tissue may have been removed during the patient's liposuction procedure, causing an immediate drop in buprenorphine levels leading to acute opioid withdrawal.This case report highlights the precautions that need to be taken before patients go for a surgical procedure like liposuction.

Update on Oblique Flankplasty: Easily Executed, Long-Lasting, Integral Component of Total Body Lift Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Twenty years ago, coordinated aesthetic surgery for laxity and lipodystrophy after massive weight loss (MWL), so-called total body lift surgery (TBL), encompassed circumferential hip hugging transverse lower body lift (LBL) with possible buttock auto-augmentation, and a transverse bra line upper body lift (UBL) with breast reshaping. Brachioplasty and vertical thighplasty were often included. Disappointing aesthetics of the posterior torso led to innovation with J-torsoplasty and oblique flankplasty. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to demonstrate in a large clinical series and in a range of case presentations from 2 plastic surgeons that oblique flankplasty with lipoabdominoplasty (OFLA) optimally narrows the waist, suspends lateral buttocks and thighs, and integrates with J-torsoplasty and vertical thighplasty to tighten skin and aesthetically contour the torso and thighs with an acceptable rate of complications. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 151 consecutive flankplasties between June 2010 and April 2023, including sex, age, BMI, associated operations, complications, and revisions was performed. Five case presentations were accompanied by limited photographs and a marking video. RESULTS: Across a broad clinical spectrum, malleable oblique flankplasty resected bulging flanks and, facilitated by neighboring liposuction and/or J-torsoplasty, consistently pulled in lax skin and anchored through cadaver-proven dense dermal adherences lax tissues to create a long-lasting skintight shapely torso and upper thighs, with only 3.3% problematic wounds. Five diverse cases showed broad applicability. CONCLUSIONS: OFLA, often with J-torsoplasty and neighboring liposuction, aesthetically recontours torso skin laxity in a variety of presentations with a low rate of complications in a high-risk population.

HTLV-1 Presenting as an Incidental Finding after a Cosmetic Procedure.

A 44-year-old woman presented to a plastic surgeon for liposuction of the abdomen, back, and flanks, a gluteal fat transfer, and a vertical pattern breast lift and small reduction. The patient had a medical history of significantly well-controlled hypertension for 4 years treated with hydrochlorothiazide and amlodipine. She had been pregnant four times and delivered six children with two sets of twins. She was allergic to latex and denied a history of smoking. Her physical examination was unremarkable and her body mass index (BMI) was 26.1. No skin lesions were evident (Figure 1). Her preoperative laboratory findings were within normal limits, with unremarkable electrocardiogram (EKG), chest x-ray, and mammogram. The patient underwent a successful surgical procedure, and the excised breast tissue and skin were sent to pathology for routine evaluation. Surgery removed 220 g of breast tissue from the left breast and 45 g was excised from the right one. The histopathology depicted atypical T-cells in the epidermis and superficial dermis of both left and right breasts. Physical examination failed to evidence lymph-adenopathy or masses. The patient denied weight loss, night sweats, or fever; however, due to her Caribbean heritage, adult T-cell leukemia/ lymphoma was considered and submitted for further histologic workup.

Treatment with selective transcatheter arterial embolization of a ruptured profunda artery perforator after internal thigh liposuction: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhage is an uncommon complication of liposuction that may be trauma-induced by the cannula on the subcutaneous perforators. It usually resolves spontaneously with external compression and results in mild to moderate ecchymosis on the liposuction site. However, in sporadic cases, active bleeding may persist and require urgent intervention for hemostasis. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 60-year-old White female who developed a massive hematoma in the hour following liposuction of the right internal thigh, with active bleeding in the subcutaneous plane reported on contrast-enhanced computed tomography. The initial angiogram was conducted in the right common femoral artery and showed active bleeding from a profunda artery perforator. After careful selective catheterization of the feeding artery using a 2.0-French microcatheter, 0.3 mL of Onyx 34 was injected. Control angiography showed no immediate complication and confirmed the exclusion of the pseudoaneurysm. No postoperative event occurred. Blood pressure and hemoglobin levels remained stable throughout the episode. CONCLUSIONS: Although liposuction is a very common procedure in plastic surgery, hemorrhagic complications may occur and require urgent hemostasis. This case suggests a vital place for interventional radiology in the management of hemorrhagic complications after liposuction.

[Lipedema pain-the neglected symptom]. / Lipödemschmerz ­ das vernachlässigte Symptom.

Pain, which is a central characteristic of lipedema, allows differentiation from other fat tissue diseases. The analysis of the multiple aspects of pain beyond a quantification of pain scale scores could make molecular disease and therapy mechanisms accessible. Lipedema pain is causally linked to lipedema fat. First robust data show peripheral sensory changes. Tissue weight and systemic inflammation are becoming less likely as causes for the experianced pain. Furthermore, genetics and hormonal influences need to be investigated. Lipedema pain cannot currently be treated with drugs. Physical therapy shows transient relief. Liposuction has been shown to have a long-term effect on pain. The potential of modulating the perception of pain with psychotherapeutic approaches is emerging as a potentially effective new therapeutic approach.