Surgical correction of postliposuction contour irregularities.

The surgical correction of postliposuction contour irregularities and the results are presented. Postliposuction contour irregularities are classified as major or minor according to the size of the area, severity of the irregularity, difficulty of the correction, visual impact, and the need for dermolipectomy. Methods of correction include (1) liposuction of the area of protuberance, (2) liposuction around the area of depression, (3) simultaneous fat grafting, and (4) dermolipectomy. Results of 22 patients with 43 areas of postliposuction contour irregularities were analyzed. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 4.8 years (mean 2.1 +/- 1.0 years). All patients had corrective liposuction except one, who required medial thigh dermolipectomy. Fat grafting was performed in 19 areas in 9 patients. Average number of operations performed was 1.4 per patient (range 1 to 3). Of 17 areas of minor postliposuction contour irregularities, 8 (47 percent) were improved and 8 (47 percent) were corrected. Of 26 areas of major postliposuction contour irregularities, 17 (65 percent) were improved and 8 (31 percent) were corrected. Of all 43 areas, 25 (58 percent) were improved and 16 (37 percent) were corrected. Overcorrection in two areas (4.7 percent) resulted in minor depressions in 2 patients. Results from 5 patients are presented. In summary, postliposuction contour irregularities were treated with various surgical techniques with a high rate of improvement or correction.