Liposhifting instead of lipofilling: treatment of postlipoplasty irregularities.

Abstract

Fat transfer to repair postlipoplasty irregularities does not achieve satisfactory, long-lasting results. The author reports a method of treating postlipoplasty imperfections by shifting the subcutaneous fat without suctioning, air contact, or injections. A series of 41 women underwent liposhifting to correct postlipoplasty irregularities. Molds and hollows at the operative site were marked preoperatively with different colors to indicate operative areas and the direction of shifting. A tumescent solution was infiltrated to provide anesthesia and loosen the fatty tissue. A cannula was inserted under the skin to free the fatty tissue from connective tissue. The fatty tissue was then shifted into place by external pressure and the operative site taped to maintain the shifted fat in place. The rate of satisfaction among patients was 88% after 6 months[apos ] follow-up. Complications included hematoma, hemosiderin pigmentation secondary to hematoma, and paresthesias. Liposhifting can effectively improve postlipoplasty imperfections in the skin and underlying tissue of the extremities and abdominal wall.