Liposuction is a widely performed body contouring procedure, yet there is significant heterogeneity in how outcomes are defined and measured in clinical research. This inconsistency hinders data synthesis and the development of robust safety guidelines. The objective of this study is to develop and validate a Core Outcome Set (COS) for liposuction to standardize outcome reporting in future research and clinical practice.
Potentially Relevant COS and Rationale:
A preliminary search of the COMET database was conducted using the terms 'liposuction' and 'body contouring'. While there are registered COSs related to reconstructive plastic surgery (e.g., post-bariatric body contouring or breast reconstruction), there is currently no specific COS dedicated exclusively to aesthetic liposuction and its technical variations. Aesthetic liposuction involves a unique patient population with specific aesthetic and clinical expectations that differ significantly from reconstructive procedures. Therefore, developing a dedicated COS for liposuction is necessary to standardize outcome reporting, improve evidence synthesis, and ensure that both clinical and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) are adequately measured.
Prof. Dr. Juan Carlos Montano Pedroso (Principal Investigator) - Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp)
Anderson Henrique da Silva Stahelin (PhD Student / Lead Researcher) - Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp)
Prof. Dr. Jorge Sayum Filho (Co-supervisor) - Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp)
Disease Category: Other
Disease Name: Localized fat deposits / Aesthetic body contouring
Age Range: 18 - 120
Sex: Either
Nature of Intervention: Surgery
- Clinical experts
- Consumers (patients)
- Researchers
- COS for clinical trials or clinical research
- COS for practice
- Consensus meeting
- Delphi process
- Interview
- Literature review
Phase 1: A Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR methodology) combined with qualitative online interviews to generate a comprehensive list of outcomes.
Phase 2: An online e-Delphi study (2 to 3 rounds) using a 9-point Likert scale to establish consensus.
Phase 3: A synchronous online consensus meeting to discuss borderline items and finalize the Core Outcome Set.