Abstract

MORENO-MORAGA, J. et al. Patient selection criteria to optimize results in laser-assisted liposuction of the abdomen and flanks: analysis of 340 surgeries. Cir. plást. iberolatinoam. [online]. 2014, vol.40, n.4, pp.461-470. ISSN 1989-2055.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0376-78922014000400015.

Ultrasound and statistical analysis of results of laser-assisted liposuction of the abdomen and flanks have been evaluated. Decrease in fat tissue, skin retraction and patient satisfaction with results have all been taken into consideration. This retrospective study corresponds to 340 surgeries, done on multiparous patients over 40 years age, with and without abdominal recti muscle diastasis that rejected going through abdominal lipectomy. Surgeries were carried out by laser assisted liposuction with two Diode lasers emitting at 924 and 975 nm, operating simultaneously, performed under sedation and analgesia, and injecting tumescent anaesthesia. Lasers were programmed for emission in continuous mode with both systems operating at a power of 20W, reaching a total mean accumulated energy of between 10 and 12 kJ for flanks, and between 12 and 18 kJ for the abdomen. Subjective and objective evaluation was carried out using a GAIS scale (Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale). Photographs were taken before, 1 and 6 months after procedures. For the abdomen ultrasound examination were done before and 6 months after surgery, and Student's t-test was implemented for the statistical analysis. In 60 patients, randomly chosen as a representative sample, digital photographs of the skin surface were taken in order to comparatively evaluate skin texture-laxity condition, before, 1 and 6 months after surgery with the aid of a computer programme. No ischemia or burns were observed in any patient. According to ultrasound exam, decrease in fat tissue was statistically significant (p<0,05) when compared to 6 months after surgery. Evaluation by an independent doctor to the study, before and 6 months after photographs as well as the skin texture-laxity, were Good and Very Good. Subjective results obtained through questionnaires using GAIS scale reached 57,1% (194 patients) satisfied with results, totalling the Good and Very Good results. However, the objective evaluation, done by the Doctor, was significantly better regarding results obtained, 74% (252 patients). In conclusion, laser assisted liposuction is an effective and reproducible technique that obtains notable results when patients presented localized fat deposits and did not suffer diastasis due to multiple pregnancies. It is also important that, ideally, patients selected should not have a BMI of over 26 in order to obtain optimal results.

Keywords : Liposuction; Laser-assisted; liposuction; Laser lipolysis.

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