**6. Discussion**

Technology and medical knowledge in all fields of plastic surgery, especially body contouring, have expanded tremendously in the last years. The number of patients, plastic surgeons, and procedures is increasing with market expansion.

This chapter discussed our contouring technique, which is easy to learn, simple, and reproducible. In addition, it has a high satisfaction rate and low complication rate.

Adding energy devices to the armamentarium of plastic surgeons, and using them with caution and within safety limits after sufficient training, leads to improved results with smoother curves and better skin re-draping.

Skin burns and vascular insults of the skin are the major complications reported in the literature. These may occur in small areas (e.g., loins) where straight cannulae hit directly into the skin. One patient in our series had bilateral burns after treatment with the LipoSound device (**Figure 9**).

Larger burns and necrosis of larger areas of skin have also been reported in the literature [16]. No major burns occurred in this series.

Skin scarring and discoloration have also been reported, the latter being a more common occurrence. These complications can be largely avoided via cautious use of energy devices during liposuction (**Figure 10**).

**Figure 9.** *Bilateral burns in a patient after undergoing treatment with LipoSound device.*

**Figure 10.** *Pigmented scarring in a patient after undergoing treatment with LipoSound device.* *Lipocontouring: Recipe for Esthetic Feminine Silhouette DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.108936*

Blood transfusions may be necessary when using liposuction to remove large amounts of fat or when there is excessive bleeding. Other complications may include skin irregularities and over and under corrections.

Teamwork among anesthesiologists, nursing staff, assisting surgeons, and residents is essential for safety and efficacy of body contouring procedures.

#### **7. Conclusion**

Lipocontouring procedures can help patients obtain their desired body shape and size. For some patients, this may mean a narrower waist, smaller waist-to-hip ratio, smooth transition from waist to hip, better skin tone, or less cellulite in the buttock area. The procedures used are based on patient factors such as bony frame, skin quality, age, health status, smoking condition, and amount of weight and fat resources. Differences in these factors among patients give different results. Although the best result is usually obtained with the initial surgery, some patients may opt for secondary and revisionary surgeries. For example, an additional round of fat grafting to the buttocks may produce a more esthetic result.

#### **Acknowledgements**

I am grateful for the opportunity to discuss ideas, ask questions, and receive input and guidance from Dr. Luiz Toledo, Dr. Hector Duran, and Dr. Carlos Oaxaca.

Ultrasound lipoinjections were guided by my anesthesia consultant Dr. Ahmed Shehab.

#### **Conflict of interest**

"I declare no conflict of interest."

#### **Notes/thanks/other declarations**

I would like to thank my mom, dad, wife, and children for their support and sacrifice as I worked to complete this chapter. Special thanks to my team, especially my resident Dr. Hadeer el Shazly for her invaluable assistance.
