Liposuction patients would have the procedure again

May 9 2006

Patients are weighing in on liposuction, the most popular cosmetic plastic surgery procedure in 2005, and resoundingly saying they would have the procedure again.

According to a study in May's Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery., the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 80 percent of patients were satisfied with their results and 86 percent would recommend the procedure to family or friends.

"Liposuction is one of the most satisfying procedures for patients and most effective at eliminating localized fat," said ASPS Spokesperson Jeffrey Kenkel, MD, study co-author, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. "The majority of patients recognize their role in maintaining positive results and pursue a healthy diet and exercise. These patients typically maintain or lose weight after surgery, while those that do not may gain small amounts of weight. Ultimately, one's lifestyle can affect long term-results."

According to the study, approximately 57 percent of patients reported no weight change after having liposuction - 46 percent of these patients actually reported a weight loss, losing an average of five to 10 pounds in less than six months. Forty-three percent of patients reported gaining weight, with the majority gaining between five and 10 pounds more than six months after surgery.

Fifty-five percent of patients reported an average decrease of three dress sizes after liposuction. Thirty-five percent said their clothing size did not change.

Thirty-three percent of patients reported exercising more after the procedure, while 58 percent had no change in their exercise regimen. In addition, 44 percent reported eating a healthy diet, while 53 percent reported eating the same.

More than 323,600 liposuction procedures were performed in 2005, according to ASPS statistics. In this study, the thighs and abdomen were the most common liposuctioned areas, followed by the hips, buttocks and knees.

This study received a Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation (PSEF) Scientific Essay award. The award is given for excellence in study design, writing, research and clinical findings.