Blood and fluid replacement in major liposuction procedures.

Major liposuction procedures require considerable fluid resuscitation to make them safe. A simple fluid replacement formula is presented that will estimate crystalloid and blood losses. It takes into account the daily fluid requirement, volume extracted, and the multiplicity of areas treated. Removal of 1500 mL required single-unit autotransfusion while amounts greater than 2500 mL necessitated a two-unit autotransfusion. These figures must be tempered by the surgeon's clinical assessment of each patient. The keys to successful and safe management of the liposuction patient are proper preoperative preparation and adequate fluid replacement.