Overview

The studies were broadly similar regarding patient age and sex.

There may be differences in the liposuction technique between studies pooled in the meta-analysis, including those that use power-assisted or standard liposuction, and those that use 'dry' or tumescent liposuction.

CE marked devices were used in at least 3 studies. Studies included in the systematic reviews may have used CE-marked devices, but this information was not reported.

Studies were conducted in the UK, Sweden, and the US. The majority of the evidence came from outside of the UK. There may exist differences in clinical practice that prevent generalisation of these study findings to a UK context.

All studies had a before-and-after design. There were no randomised experimental studies identified.

The longest follow-up assessment was 18 years.