Swanson investigated if liposuction and abdominoplasty affect lipid levels, complete blood counts, and other related parameters associated with increased cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndrome. In a prospective study, data from 322 consecutive patients (270 women and 52 men) who underwent liposuction (n = 229), abdominoplasty plus liposuction (n = 87), and abdominoplasty without liposuction (n = 6) were analyzed.

Ultrasonic liposuction was performed using superwet infusion technique. Of the 264 women who underwent liposuction, 64.4 percent had lower body liposuction. Of the 52 men who underwent liposuction, 86.5 percent had liposuction of the trunk. The mean baseline body mass index was 26.6 kg/m² (range 18.6 to 44.1 kg/m²). The follow-up time was 3 months. Mean weight loss was 2.2 lb after liposuction alone (P less than .001), and 4.2 lb after liposuction plus abdominoplasty (P less than .05).

After liposuction, the mean fasting triglyceride levels decreased 25.7 percent (P less than .001). For patients at an elevated risk for cardiovascular problems and metabolic syndrome (triglycerides greater than or equal to 150 mg/dL), triglyceride levels decreased by 43.0 percent (56 patients; P less than .001). Patients receiving liposuction alone or liposuction plus abdominoplasty had a significant decrease in white blood cell count (P less than .001). However, there were no significant changes in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or fasting glucose after surgery.

Swanson concludes that liposuction and liposuction plus abdominoplasty had positive impacts on metabolic factors. Triglycerides were significantly reduced in patients with preoperative triglyceride levels greater than or equal to 150 mg/dL, and leukocytes were significantly reduced.