Liposuction Infiltration: The Quito Formula – a New Approach Based On An Old Concept

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Liposuction is a highly sought after surgical procedure. Despite its popularity, not all of the factors associated with its execution are well understood. No well-established guidelines exist for plastic surgeons regarding the subcutaneous infiltration of fluid and, thus, the procedure is often performed subjectively. OBJECTIVE To establish the usefulness of the Quito formula (infiltrate volume = weight [kg] × percentage of body surface to be liposuctioned × 2.4 [mL]) for calculating the volume of fluid to be infiltrated subcutaneously during small-volume liposuction performed under epidural anesthesia. METHODS A prospective study was conducted on a group of 50 patients who were candidates for liposuction on multiple body parts between November 2004 and February 2010. RESULTS The maximum volume of infiltrate was 5000 mL and the maximum volume of aspirate was 4500 mL, with a 30% total aspirated area. No patient required blood transfusion, and there were no major complications. However, one patient presented with a small local infection, another with a sacral seroma and two patients had postdural puncture headaches. No patient showed clinical signs consistent with overhydration, dehydration, pulmonary embolism, fat embolism or lidocaine intoxication. CONCLUSIONS When performing small-volume liposuction, subcutaneous infiltration using the Quito formula to calculate the volume of infiltrate proved to be useful, safe and objective.