Although suction-assisted liposuction under tumescent anesthesia remains the traditional
method for body sculpting, newer technologies promise to increase efficiency, decrease
surgeon fatigue, and minimize complication. Power-, ultrasound-, and laser-assisted devices
are ideal in large volume cases and in areas of fibrous tissues as an adjunct to
traditional liposuction. Although skepticism remains chemical lipolysis, more commonly
termed mesotherapy or lipodissolve may be an alternative to surgical treatment of localized
fat. This article reviews the recent advancements in the field of liposuction and the current
literature which support their use.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 27:72-82 © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Although suction-assisted liposuction under tumescent anesthesia remains the traditional
method for body sculpting, newer technologies promise to increase efficiency, decrease
surgeon fatigue, and minimize complication. Power-, ultrasound-, and laser-assisted devices
are ideal in large volume cases and in areas of fibrous tissues as an adjunct to
traditional liposuction. Although skepticism remains chemical lipolysis, more commonly
termed mesotherapy or lipodissolve may be an alternative to surgical treatment of localized
fat. This article reviews the recent advancements in the field of liposuction and the current
literature which support their use.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 27:72-82 © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.