Functional applications of suction-assisted lipectomy: A new treatment for old disorders

Abstract

Ever since the introduction of suction-assisted lipectomy in the United States in 1981, the technique has been applied to an increasing number of disorders of the subcutaneous tissues. Indeed, suction-assisted lipectomy has evolved into the method of choice in the treatment of certain pathological entities. While the extraction of lipomas is the most common functional application, suction-assisted lipectomy has also been used successfully to treat such conditions as gynecomastia, axillary hyperhidrosis, benign symmetric lipomatosis (Madelung's disease), congenital body asymmetry, congenital or acquired lymphedema, flap defatting, traumatic or postoperative hematomas, and fat necrosis. We have successfully treated patients presenting with the above disorders. No morbidities or mortalities were encountered in our series of 18 patients. The final results were considered favorable by the majority of patients. Acceptance by the patients of this treatment modality was extremely high because of the smaller incisions required, the exactness in contouring, the simple and minimal postoperative care needed, and the ease with which the procedure can be repeated to refine the results. A comprehensive review of the literature is presented along with our own patient management and long-term results.

Is the Treatment of Axillary Osmidrosis with Liposuction Better than Open Surgery?

“…3,15,16 Developing a new treatment that is as effective as surgery but causes fewer complications is reasonable and worthwhile. For years, researchers have proposed using suction-assisted lipectomy to treat axillary hyperhidrosis, 4,5 and reports that specifically discuss liposuction for axillary osmidrosis have been published. 6 -10 Is this new treatment better than the traditional surgical method?…”

“…Suction-assisted lipectomy has been studied as a treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis 4,5 and has met with variable success. Reports that specifically discuss liposuction for axillary osmidrosis have also been published.…”

Liposuction for removal of lipomas in 20 dogs

“…All owners of this study expressed a strong preference for liposuction over conventional surgical excision. Prospective, controlled studies would be required to show whether the convalescent period is shorter, or the procedure less painful, as has been proven for people (Nichter and Gupta 1990, Aspesos and Chami 1991). Likewise, an objective study using gait analysis and other markers of cartilage health would be required to confirm Böttcher’s contention (2007) that rapid removal of fat from dogs with osteoarthritis may relieve their clinical signs and slow progression of their joint disease.…”

“…However, it was not reported in animals until Böttcher and others (2007) successfully removed a giant lipoma from a dog. In human beings, treatment of lipomas is a common use of liposuction (Aspesos and Chami 1991). Since lipomas are also a common tumour in dogs, and are often not treated until they become large enough to cause functional problems, this alternative to conventional resection is worthy of further evaluation.…”

Treatment of lipomas assisted with tumescent liposuction

“…Liposuction was first used in 1975 and has become common surgery procedure 3 . Liposuction is used in many indications, including lipodystrophy, gynecomastia, axillary hyperhidrosis, body asymmetry and lipoma 3,4 . Recently, there have been many publications about the role of liposuction in the treatment of lipomas or multiple lipomatosis 3 …”