title: Quantitation of the results of abdominal liposuction.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There are few objective techniques to accurately measure the outcome of liposuction. Consequently, there is also a paucity of data quantifying the results of this procedure.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The authors compare changes in abdominal volume and circumference with several objective measurement techniques in a relatively homogeneous group of individuals undergoing liposuction in a single, defined abdominal region.
  
  
  METHODS
  This clinical study enrolled 23 patients with a body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m(2) who had a localized anterior abdominal contour defect. Patients underwent standard suction-assisted tumescent liposuction. Changes in abdominal volume and circumference in the operative area (60 mm above to 80 mm below the umbilicus) preoperatively and 10 weeks postoperatively were assessed using a 3-dimensional (3D) digital photographic system and a standardized constant-tension manual tape measure procedure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of the patients in this study were Caucasian women with a mean age of 42 years, a mean weight of 65.8 kg, and a mean BMI of 23.8 kg/m(2). In the study population, mean abdominal volume and umbilical circumference were reduced by 231.0 mL (~30% of subcutaneous fat) and 1.7 cm, respectively, at 10 weeks postoperatively as determined by 3D digital imaging. Fat volume in the surgical aspirate (mean = -183.3 mL) was a poor predictor of individual outcome, as assessed 10 weeks postoperatively by both the 3D digital imaging and multilevel constant-tension tape measure assessment tools.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both 3D digital photographic imaging and a standardized manual tape measurement procedure proved to be reliable tools for objectively assessing changes in abdominal circumference and volume produced by standard liposuction of a single, defined abdominal region.
authors: scohen@facesplus.com
authors: Steven R
authors: SR
authors: Cohen
authors: Elliot T
authors: ET
authors: Weiss
authors: Lori A
authors: LA
authors: Brightman
authors: Roy G
authors: RG
authors: Geronemus
authors: Kenneth W
authors: KW
authors: Locke
authors: Murray C
authors: MC
authors: Maytom
authors: John D
authors: JD
authors: Dobak
mesh_terms: D050154:Adiposity; D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D015992:Body Mass Index; D049628:Body Size; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D015187:Lipectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010781:Photography; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D050507:Subcutaneous Fat, Abdominal / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055105:Waist Circumference