Serum lipid changes following large-volume suction lipectomy.

Improved techniques have enabled surgeons to perform large-volume liposuction more safely; however, the physiologic consequences of this procedure are not well documented. The possible effects of large-volume liposuction on serum lipids are not well established. This study was done to determine what changes, if any, occurred in serum lipid profiles in 10 consecutive large-volume (1860 to 4744 ml) liposuction cases. In 9 of 10 cases a decrease in the fasting serum cholesterol level was found at 2 months follow-up, averaging 9.5% (p<0.02). No consistent changes occurred in high-density lipoprotein/low-density lipoprotein ratios or triglycerides. This study confirms that fat reduction by liposuction affects fasting serum cholesterol levels.