Sociodemographic profile and satisfaction with treatment of patients undergoing liposuction in tumescent local anesthesia

OBJECTIVE. TO assess patient satisfaction with liposuction in tumescent local anesthesia (TLA.) and to define a patient profile regarding sociodemographic data. METHODS. Three hundred randomly selected patients were asked by mail to complete a standardized questionnaire on aesthetic dermatology and cosmetic surgery 3-25 months after liposuction. The 64 items addressed treatment satisfaction, treatment effects on body, social, and professional life as well as self-confidence, body feeling, and social contacts. RESULTS. One hundred fifty-nine (53.0%) of 300 patients returned complete questionnaires. Ninety-two percent of the patients were female and the mean age was 45.3 +/- 11.8 years. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 24.5 +/- 3.7, and 61.7% of the patients had a normal BMI. Satisfaction with the liposuction was high (about 85% mostly or completely satisfied). The procedure was regarded by most patients as a nonstressful event(>80%). About 40% reported positive effects on social life, about 91% on body feeling, 57% on attractiveness, and 20% on their profession. CONCLUSTION. Liposuction in TLA is a satisfying and well-tolerated treatment for most patients.