The history of liposuction

Abstract

The history of liposuction [1-3] documents new innovations combined with continuous advancements to assist people in improving their genetically programmed body shape. Within the past 20 years, the medical and scientific community has come to understand the large degree of genetic influence on both weight and body shape. Family photographs of several generations document that one's body shape is largely inherited. Numerous studies have detailed the role of genetics in obesity. We know that humans for thousands of years have desired an improved appearance by noting the extensive use of cosmetics throughout time. But as time has proven, diet or exercise programs cannot address issues of localized areas of adiposity. Tumescent liposuction is needed to correct these genetic aspects of body shape. The roots of liposuction go back to the 1920s [1]. A French surgeon, Charles Dujarrier, attempted to improve a ballet dancer's large calves and knees by using an intrauterine curette to remove the fat. An unfortunate result occurred. Other surgeons through the 1960s attempted to improve body shape by removing subcutaneous fat. Both curettage and en bloc removal were attempted but without good aesthetic results. © 2006 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.