Optimizing Safety and Precision for Secondary Liposuctions: Integrating Intraoperative Ultrasound With VASER Technology

Damiano Tambasco; Alfredo Hoyos; Mauricio Perez; Federica Tomaselli; Jordi Mir; Roberta Albanese

doi:10.1093/asj/sjae213

Optimizing Safety and Precision for Secondary Liposuctions: Integrating Intraoperative Ultrasound With VASER Technology

Aesthet Surg J. 2024 Oct 16:sjae213. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjae213. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Damiano Tambasco¹, Alfredo Hoyos², Mauricio Perez³, Federica Tomaselli¹, Jordi Mir⁴, Roberta Albanese⁵

Affiliations

¹ Plastic Surgery Unit, Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy, Rome, Italy.
² Plastic surgeon in private practice, Bogota, Colombia.
³ Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
⁴ Plastic surgeon in private practice, Barcelona, Spain.
⁵ Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia, Udine, Italy.

PMID: 39412204
DOI: 10.1093/asj/sjae213

Abstract

Background: Liposuction has gained significant popularity, leading to increased demand for secondary procedures due to complications such as scars and fibrosis that affect aesthetic outcomes. High-Definition Liposuction (HDL) has emerged as a preferred technique, but the presence of fibrosis from prior surgeries may limit its effectiveness.

Objectives: This study explores the application of ultrasound-assisted VASER (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance; VASER-Solta Medical, Bothell, WA) liposuction in secondary abdominal liposculpture to address these challenges.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted from May 2022 to May 2023, including patients undergoing secondary abdominal liposculpture with ultrasound-assisted VASER liposuction, at least 12 months post their initial procedure. Pre-operative ultrasound examinations were performed to identify and mark findings related to previous liposuction. Data on demographics, photographic results, and complications were collected and analyzed.

Results: Intraoperative ultrasound (I-US) significantly improved the detection of fibrotic lesions, leading to more precise, rapid, and atraumatic outcomes. The use of I-US optimized surgical procedures, reducing both costs and operation time. Clear communication with patients regarding potential limitations due to chronic damage was essential for setting realistic expectations.

Conclusions: I-US has proven to be an invaluable tool in secondary liposculpture, enhancing surgical precision and outcomes. This methodology allows for better recognition of complications, promoting effective treatment strategies and ultimately improving patient satisfaction in the context of secondary abdominal liposculpture.

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