Standardized Three-Step Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction for Dorsocervical Fat Pad: Efficacy and Safety Analysis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of our standardized 3-step ultrasound-assisted liposuction technique for the dorsocervical fat pad. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 48 patients with dorsocervical fat pad admitted to our hospital between May 2024 and April 2025. All patients underwent minimally invasive liposuction using an ultrasonic emulsification aspirator combined with a fat balancer. The operation time and intraoperative liposuction volume were recorded. The therapeutic effect and patient satisfaction were evaluated at 3 months postoperatively; the incidence of complications was statistically analyzed; and recurrence was observed during the 6- to 12-month follow-up period. RESULTS: All 48 patients successfully completed the operation, with an average operative time of 72.5 minutes and an average aspirated volume of fat and fibrous tissue of 326.4 mL. At 3 months postoperatively, the total improvement rate evaluated by physicians was 97.92%, and the self-evaluated total improvement rate by patients was 95.83%. The patient satisfaction rate was 95.83%, including 36 cases (75.00%) very satisfied, 10 cases (20.83%) basically satisfied, and 2 cases (4.17%) dissatisfied. A total of 4 cases of minor complications occurred postoperatively, including 3 cases of subcutaneous ecchymosis and 1 case of local induration, all of which recovered spontaneously without special treatment. No serious complications such as infection, skin necrosis, or nerve injury occurred. No recurrence was observed in any patient during the follow-up period, and the dorsocervical contour was natural and smooth. CONCLUSION: Our standardized 3-step ultrasound-assisted liposuction technique has proven efficacy in treating the dorsocervical fat pad, with the advantages of minimal trauma, reduced bleeding, rapid recovery, and few complications. It achieves high patient satisfaction and warrants clinical promotion.