Liposuction Instruments

There is an infection by an organism known as “rapid growing atypical mycobacteria” that has been associated with attempts to sterilize surgical instruments by soaking them in bacteriocidal chemical solutions. Because rapid growing atypical mycobacteria are resistant to bacteriocidal chemical solutions, all liposuction instruments should either be sterilized in a steam-autoclave, or be single-use disposable items. Another type of potentially fatal infection is known as necrotizing fascitis which has been associated with 1) a penetration wound to the intestines with a delayed diagnosis due to the use of general anesthesia, or 2) the use of Reston foam applied to the skin after liposuction to reduce bruising. The manufacturer of Reston foam has warned against its use with liposuction.
Infections associated with liposuction are extremely rare. This patient was infected by atypical mycrobacteria as a result of inadequately sterilized instruments.