Dermatologic Surgery
Large-Volume Liposuction and Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes: A Preliminary Report
Narsete T, Narsete M, Buckspan R, Ersek R. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2012;36:438-442. Epub 2011 Aug 19.
Can liposuction help obese patients lessen their risk for type 2 diabetes? These study authors decided to look at the effects of large-volume liposuction in 31 patients enrolled over a 1-year period with a BMI >30 on the very parameters that determine type 2 diabetes. Liposuction, with a general aspirate of 8,455 mL and 5,795 mL for patients with and without dermolipectomy, respectively, was performed under local anesthesia. More than half (16/30) had followup between 3 and 12 months postoperatively at which time type 2 diabetes parameters were assessed, including BMI, weight, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C). Researchers found an improvement in blood sugar levels, with an average drop of 18%. Other decreases included 9.2% average weight loss, 18% average blood sugar level, 6.2% BMI, and 2.3% HbA1C. Weight loss was associated with reduced blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Side effects included 1 dehiscence, 2 infections, and 3 seromas; there were no hospital transfers or thromboebolism in any patient. The study authors did not find that liposuction improved obesity. However, they believe the procedure may have been a motivating factor to diet and lose weight.
Available at PubMed (PMID: 21853402): http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21853402