Lifestyle outcomes of tumescent liposuction surgery

OBJECTIVE. To assess the lifestyle benefits of liposuction surgery using tumescent local anesthesia and to attempt to establish any significant factors affecting these lifestyle outcomes. METHODS. Standardized questionnaires were sent to 332 patients who had liposuction performed at the clinic in 1999 and 2000 for purely cosmetic indications. Questions were designed to evaluate specific lifestyle benefits generally attributed to liposuction surgery by intending patients and the general public. RESULTS. Of the 332 patients, 123 (37%) completed and returned the survey; 87.8% of respondents were female. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.16. A large proportion of patients experienced positive lifestyle outcomes from the procedure: 80.5% were more confident, 74.8% noted an increase in self-esteem, and 87% were more comfortable in clothes. The time since surgery did not influence results. CONCLUSION. Liposuction using the tumescent technique is associated with a wide range of beneficial lifestyle outcomes for the majority of patients.