Ultrasound Lipolysis and Suction Lipectomy for Treatment of Obesity

Surgical treatment of obesity is a challenging problem. In one approach, miniinvasive laparoscopic gastric banding has been attempted to reversibly reduce gastric volume and, thus, food intake. That, as well as other more aggressive interventions on the gastrointestinal tract, is quite effective, but several side effects and appreciable morbidity and mortality have been reported. The aesthetic outcome of weight loss after these procedures is relatively poor. Two hundred five obese patients with 30–60% excess body weight had surgical treatment combining ultrasound lipolysis and liposuction of subcutaneous fat. Large amounts of intracellular lipids were extracted, after subdermal infiltration of saline solution containing vasoactive agents, with combined ultrasound lipolysis and liposuction. The slimming achieved has been satisfactory, and the metabolic repercussions of the procedure are promising. Moreover, cosmetic improvements strongly motivate the patient to undertake a strict weight control program.