Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection Post VASER-Assisted Liposuction and Lipofilling: A Case Report

Abstract

Liposuction is a very common aesthetic procedure nowadays. The complication rate is very minimal, and it increases relatively when combined with other procedures. Infection is an expected complication in liposuction and its risk is below 1% in isolated procedures. Although the risk is very low, it might lead to fatal consequences. In this manuscript, the authors present a previously healthy female who presented to the authors’ emergency department post-vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance (VASER)-assisted liposuction and lipofilling done in a private center. Her signs and symptoms started after the procedure and she visited the private center multiple times; however, no significant improvement was felt. Upon her presentation to the authors’ facility, immediate resuscitation was initiated, and she was admitted for further investigations and management. Despite all resuscitation efforts and interventions, the patient’s condition kept deteriorating. She was admitted to the surgical intensive care unit and taken to the operating theater twice with no observed significant improvement. The patient developed septic shock, a multiorgan failure state, followed by cardiac arrest. All resuscitation measures were taken, but the patient could not be revived and was declared dead. Early recognition of signs and symptoms of infection could be lifesaving. Aggressive resuscitation and surgical interventions (extensive debridement and antibiotics) might be necessary to produce successful outcomes.

Level of Evidence: 5