[Liposuction. What results can be expected?].

Suction lipoplasty, comprising 3,511 procedures in 2,009 patients, was followed up prospectively for six to 12 months over a five-year period. 88% of the procedures led to patient satisfaction and 3.4% of dissatisfaction. Males were more dissatisfied than females. The most common general complications were excessive bleeding and complications from anaesthesia. The most common local complications were hypertrophic scarring and skin problems caused by external factors. 379 undesired results were registered at the six-month or 12-month follow-up. The results and rate of complications showed medial thigh, buttock, ankle and face to be the most difficult locations for suction. The age group 20 to 49 years emerged as the group with least complications.