Therapeutic Megalipoextraction or Megaliposculpture: Indications, Technique, Complications, and Results

Abstract

For a long time, surgeons hesitated to extract more than 2.5 L of adipose tissue from a patient during liposculpture. Through the years, the technique has advanced, now allowing megaliposculptures to be performed so that more than 10 L can be extracted without posing any greater risk to the patient than would a conventional aesthetic liposculpture. This article traces the progressive evolution of the technique through the years, also discussing complications and the concept of megaliposculpturing. The syringe-assisted extraction of large quantities of adipose tissue without transfusion, hypovolemic shock, or any major complication opens new horizons in the symptomatic treatment of certain types of osteoarthritis of the lower extremities and of the acquired or potential complications of obesity. Large quantities of adipose tissue may safely, quickly, and efficiently be extracted. Numerous investigations in various pathological domains can now begin after this first step (megalipotherapy). Therapeutic megalipoextraction can be done either as a preliminary indication or as a treatment of the residual adiposities that occur after bariatric operations.