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Liposuction: The Most Popular Plastic Surgery Procedure

Liposuction is a body contouring operation that requires not only an artist’s eye, but also the insight to determine which patients are likely to benefit from the procedure (and which specific areas of a patient’s body are appropriate for liposuction). When artfully and appropriately applied, liposuction can produce dramatic contour improvements. As with all plastic surgery, the goal should be to produce a natural contour.
Liposuction is traditionally performed using vacuum suction. Recently, new technologies have become available in an attempt to improve the efficiency of fat removal. ‘Power-assisted’ liposuction uses an energy source applied to the liposuction apparatus to create vibrations that enhance the efficiency of fat removal.
'Ultrasonic' liposuction, uses ultrasonic energy emitted by the liposuction apparatus to emulsify (liquefy) fat and enhance its removal. A consequence of ultrasonic energy emission is heating of tissues, which can lead to burns and other complications if a number of precautions are not carefully followed. This has led some plastic surgeons to not adopt or to abandon ultrasonic liposuction.
The tumescent technique is used for all liposuction, and has been for a quite some time. ‘Tumescent technique’ essentially means that a saline solution containing epinephrine is injected into the areas to be suctioned, so that blood vessels in the fat constrict and bleeding is minimized.

Choosing to have plastic surgery is an important decision, and so is selecting a plastic surgeon. Whether you're considering cosmetic surgery to improve your appearance or reconstructive surgery to correct defects or improve function, you want a board-certified surgeon with the skill and training to help achieve your goals.

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