Safety of tumescent liposuction in 15,336 patients. National survey results.

BACKGROUND: Tumescent liposuction is a new method of liposuction under local anesthesia that has been developed by dermatologic surgeons.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety of tumescent liposuction in a large group of patients treated by dermatologic surgeons.

METHODS: A survey questionnaire was sent to 1,778 Fellows of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery in February 1994. The comprehensive questionnaire requested information on numbers of patients treated with tumescent liposuction and complications that occurred.

RESULTS: Sixty-six dermatologic surgeons provided data on 15,336 patients. The complications that were reported were infrequent and minor. There were no serious complications such as death, embolism (pulmonary or fat), hypovolemic shock, perforation of peritoneum or thorax, or thrombophlebitis. Blood transfusions were not required in any of the 15,336 patients and there were no admissions to the hospital for treatment of complications.

CONCLUSIONS: Tumescent liposuction is an exceptionally safe method of liposuction under local anesthesia that eliminates the necessity of general anesthesia and blood transfusions. Tumescent liposuction is safer than liposuction under general anesthesia and results in fewer complications.