Postliposuction histologic alterations of adipose tissue.

The author studied seven patients who received suction assisted lipectomy prior to classic abdominal dermolipectomies. The liposuction sessions were performed 180, 150, 60, 30, 15, 12, 8, and 5 days before the abdominoplasties. Histologic studies disclosed extensive amounts of dead adipocytes and free fat within the aspirated area. The pockets left behind were filled with serum hemorrhagic material and evolved to the healing process. Collagen synthesis was increased initially then followed by gradual decrease and a remodeling process. Our findings suggest that liposuction techniques preserve some vessels and nerves, but the final resolution may take several months or years, depending on the amount of tissue damage.