Liposuction Complications in the Outpatient Setting: A National Analysis of 246,119 Cases in Accredited Ambulatory Surgery Facilities

Abstract

Abstract BackgroundSuction lipectomy (liposuction) is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure performed in the United States, but little has been documented regarding perioperative complications due to its outpatient nature. ObjectivesThis cross-sectional study aims to analyze the most common complications that accompany liposuction-related procedures and importantly estimate the total complication rate occurring at ambulatory surgical facilities. MethodsAdult patients who experienced liposuction-related complications from 2019 to 2021 were identified in the reporting database of the global surgery accreditation authority, the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (QUAD A). Patients were then divided by complication type and procedure location. Demographics and facility-specific variables were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were performed. ResultsOverall, 984 patients were included, with a mean age of 44 years (interquartile range [IQR] 37-53) and a median BMI of 28.7 kg/m22 ConclusionsProcedures that involve liposuction are associated with a variety of medical and surgical complications. Given the high frequency and variability in how liposuction is performed, a thorough assessment of complications is critical to improve the safety of this procedure. Level of Evidence: 3