Abstract
Introduction:
New procedures and technologies abound in cosmetic surgery as in other areas of medicine. It is critical that physicians performing cosmetic procedures involving adipose tissue have knowledge about the embryology, anatomy, and physiology of adipose tissue. This knowledge will allow informed decision making with regard to patient selection, procedure implementation, and postoperative expectations.
Method:
A review of the literature.
Results:
Anatomically, adipose tissue is an intricate structure consisting of a variety of cell types working together. It functions in thermoregulation of the body and provides protection for internal organs. Physiologically, it is an endocrine organ whose adipokines impact the entire body, including determining feelings of satiety and ultimately, body composition. Adipose metabolism is itself regulated by a host of hormones. Obese patients will likely experience complications, including those resulting from insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperandrogenism in women. These complicating conditions are more strongly associated with intra-abdominal and upper body fat, than to overall adiposity.
Discussion:
The estimated prevalence of overweight individuals, when defined by body mass index (BMI) > 25, continues to rise. Currently, more than 60% of men and more than 55% of women fall into this category. The cosmetic surgeon must be aware that a patient with excess fat will be at an increased risk for intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Surgeon and patient must consider the ramifications of fat volume removal, and the implications it has on the patient's metabolism and adipokine levels. Since the data about the ramification of manipulating of adipose tissue are conflicting, disrupting adipose tissue may have unforeseen consequences for the patient.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.