Safety and Effectiveness of Real-time Direct Vision Liposuction Performed Using Intraoperative Ultrasonography.

[BACKGROUND] Liposuction is a frequently performed procedure for body contouring. Various advances, such as retraction technology and ultrasonography, have helped achieve better results, verify the correct anatomical level, and increase the safety of the procedure.

[METHODS] The use of intraoperative ultrasonography during liposuction as part of a safety and effectiveness protocol is described in this study. Furthermore, a satisfaction survey was conducted to evaluate the techniques used and the naturalness of the results. Reduction of the deep fat layer at the abdominal and dorsal levels was evaluated via ultrasonography before, immediately after, and 6 months after liposuction. The satisfaction survey was conducted at the end of 6 months. Information regarding the incidence of complications was also obtained.

[RESULTS] Eighty female patients (mean age: 20-38 y) from Peru, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina scheduled to undergo liposuction were recruited in this multicenter study. Reduction of 99.26% and 99.07% in the deep fat layer was observed at the abdominal and dorsal levels, respectively. This reduction was maintained at 99.26% and 99.14% at the abdominal and dorsal levels, respectively, at 6 months. No intraoperative complications were encountered during the follow-up period (6 mo). The satisfaction survey revealed a high level of satisfaction with the results.

[CONCLUSIONS] The use of intraoperative ultrasonography aided in locating the anatomical repairs, thereby facilitating adequate infiltration and liposuction. No lesions or complications were encountered intraoperatively or during the follow-up period. The participants reported a high satisfaction rate at 6 months.