Julie Bremer(847) 240-1743[email protected]
Karen Klickmann(847) 240-1735[email protected]
Jennifer Gale(847) 240-1730[email protected]
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY ISSUES NEW GUIDELINES OF CARE FOR LIPOSUCTIONPatient Safety is No. 1 Priority
SCHAUMBURG, ILL. (October 22, 2001) -- Twenty years ago, liposuction was a new procedure that offered exciting options for individuals who wanted fat removed from problem areas unresponsive to diet and exercise. Since its inception, advances by dermatologists have increased the safety and efficacy of this procedure from a time when the equipment was somewhat cumbersome and the recovery time was often long and painful. Thanks to the efforts of dermatologists, liposuction has been transformed into a safe cosmetic procedure with a rapid recovery.
"Tumescent liposuction today allows dermatologic surgeons to safely and effectively remove deep and superficial layers of fat under local anesthesia with relatively little discomfort, virtually no complications, and improved cosmetic results," stated William P. Coleman, III, MD, co-author of "Guidelines of Care for Liposuction" published in the September 2001 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. "These comprehensive safety guidelines were developed to ensure that patients receive the best quality of care when undergoing this procedure."
Liposuction is a body shaping procedure for areas where hereditary fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise have accumulated. Dermatologic surgeons developed and refined the technique of liposuction under local anesthesia in 1985. This tumescent liposuction procedure is currently the standard of care for the surgical fat removal.
"While the AAD's liposuction guidelines were developed to present physicians with the tools necessary to provide the highest quality of care, they also serve as a resource to patients in determining if liposuction or the physician is right for them," said Dr. Coleman.
To assist consumers in their decision-making process, the AAD recommends that patients:
* Choose a physician who has completed residency training and is board certified in a specialty which provides training in liposuction such as dermatology. The surgeon should also have training and experience in liposuction surgery under the direct supervision of a qualified liposuction surgeon.
* Be cautious about selecting a physician who utilizes aggressive liposuction approaches, such as the use of general anesthesia, performing multiple procedures simultaneously, or extracting large amounts of fat.
Previous studies have shown that patients who had liposuction performed under local anesthesia using the tumescent technique had fewer complications. Additionally, performing liposuction in combination with other cosmetic procedures should be done with caution, unless all procedures are conducted under local anesthesia.
The AAD does not advise liposuction for those patients who may be pregnant, for those who suffer from cardiovascular disease or for the treatment of obesity.
"The majority of complications that arise during cosmetic procedures occur because too many procedures are being performed at the same time," said Dr. Coleman. "These guidelines reinforce that the patient should not agree to 'package treatments' to save time and money."
Additionally, while liposuction can be safely performed in a physician's office surgical facility, an ambulatory surgical facility or a hospital operating room, patients should confirm that the physician has a plan for medical emergencies, should the need arise.
"Studies have shown, and dermatologists agree, that liposuction is safest when it is performed as a single procedure, under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting and by a dermatologic surgeon," said Dr. Coleman. "Liposuction is a safe procedure for nearly all patients when the proper precautions are followed."
The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of over 13,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org.
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