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Suction-assisted lipoplasty is a frequently used technique in plastic surgery. One of the common side effects is skin damage at the port sites resulting from friction endured during use. Further damage may result from contact with a hot ultrasound-assisted liposuction probe. Several skin protectors are available on the market at varying costs ranging from $10 to $20.

We hereby propose the use of a truncated 1-ml plastic syringe, readily available in any operating room or office setting. The syringe plunger is removed, and the needle hub is cut off at an angle to facilitate introduction into the skin incision (Fig. 1). Suction cannulas up to 4 mm in diameter can be passed easily through the barrel. The syringe flanges may be sutured to the skin to prevent inadvertent dislodgement during the liposuction (Fig. 2).

Fig. 1
figure 1

A 1-ml syringe truncated syringe enables introduction of a 4-mm suction cannula

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Fig. 2
figure 2

The truncated syringe is introduced into a stab incision at the selected site, and the suction cannula is passed through the opening

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Given the low cost (roughly $0.20 per syringe), widespread availability, and ease of use, we offer this impromptu contraption as a simple adjunct to routine surgical use.