Fat reduction: Complications and management.

Despite the favorable safety profile of liposuction, complications occur that need to be appropriately managed. In the second article in this continuing medical education series, the range of complications that may arise from liposuction are described, and the latest best practices to manage them are discussed. Specific technical strategies to prevent and minimize the risk of complications are also presented.

Fat reduction: Pathophysiology and treatment strategies.

The advances in understanding the pathophysiology and anatomy of adipose tissue together with the emergence of technological innovations in procedures and devices for fat reduction have led to a dramatic rise in patient demand for this procedure. The objective of this continuing medical education series, which is intended for the novice or experienced dermatologist, is to provide an update of the pathophysiology and anatomic considerations of adipose tissue, and detail the liposuction procedure, from patient selection/management to the latest developments in liposuction devices. Information presented was collected from peer-reviewed literature, the latest guidelines of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the authors' personal clinical experience.

Laser resurfacing.

In a society desiring images of beauty and youthfulness, the world of cutaneous surgery offers the gifts of facial rejuvenation for those determined to combat the signs of aging. With the development of novel laser and plasma technology, pigmentary changes, scarring, and wrinkles can be conquered providing smoother, healthier, younger-looking skin. This review highlights five of the most popular resurfacing technologies in practice today including the carbon dioxide (CO(2)) laser, the erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser, combination resurfacing, fractional photothermolysis, and plasma resurfacing.