Introduction: Liposuction is one of the most common aesthetic procedures,and always has its safety questioned.
Objective: To verify the safety and operative complications of tumescent liposuction by analyzing demographic,anthropometrical and technical parameters,as well as the aspirated fat.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 543 patients (98% women) who received liposuction using the tumescent technique at the outpatient clinic''''''''s surgical center at the ABC Medical School between 2000 and 2005.Demographic and anthropometrical data were collected and analyzed,as well as data regarding the procedure – the site aspirated,the amount of tumescent solution infused,the total aspirate and aspirated fat volumes, and complications.
Results: The average patient age was 33 ±8,with a body mass index of 22 ±2 kg/m². The abdomen was the site with the highest number of procedures,and the aspirated fat as a percentage of body weight ranged from 0.43 to 1.66%,with an average of 0.97 ± 0.33%.Minor complications occurred in 1.2% of patients,and were promptly and appropriately treated.
Conclusions: The tumescent liposuction technique is a safe procedure when properly performed by dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

Keywords: PIPECTOMY, AMBULATORY SURGICAL PROCEDURES, POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS, INTRAOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS