Evaluation of the effectiveness of a modified liposuction protective device: an experimental study in swine

ABSTRACT

Liposuction is one of the most common procedures in the plastic surgery specialty. In the 2018 ISAPS survey, it was the second most performed surgery worldwide. Due to the repetitive movements typical of the surgery, significant friction is generated at the site, and the consequences are skin burns that can leave unsightly scars and dyschromias. This study aims to create a skin protective device prototype from an old model, which serves this purpose, and to observe its functionality and its effects on the pigskin. The tests were carried out on dead animals without suffering provided by the Veterinary Medicine sector at Universidade Positivo. Three incisions were made in the animal’s abdomen to pass the liposuction cannula and another three for the insertion and use of the prototype to compare it with the model device. The established time for liposuction movements was twenty minutes, performed with the 5mm cannula directly in contact with the skin and inside the prototype. The prototype’s ergonomics, ease of insertion, and good locking on the skin with different tractions were evaluated. Observation and evaluation of the skin were performed after procedures and incisions’ measurements (cm). The cutaneous liposuction protective device prototype presented easy handling and a more efficient skin locking mechanism than the model used. The skin incision for using the prototype was slightly larger, and the skin showed no burning signs.

Keywords:
Lipectomy; Plastic surgery; Hypertrophic scar; Scar; Burns; Comparative study; Innovation.