Lipolysis: pitfalls and problems in a series of 1,246 procedures.

In a large series of lipolysis procedures, followed for 2 years, there have been no serious major and few minor complications. Selection of patients is important and for the best results patients should be under 30 years of age. Many areas of lipodystrophy may be dealt with at one session in most cases. However, postoperative circulatory control, especially during the first 24 hours, is very important and always requires vigilance to avoid the tendency to hypotension. Early local problems include tenderness, bruising, and swelling, and the management of these is discussed. Later complications include skin flaccidity, dimpling, and localized areas of pigmentation and hypesthesia. The prevention and management of all these sequelae and others are discussed.