Very careful patient selection and monitoring is needed for safety to minimize the risk to the heart, lungs, and infection. What is new is that more non-surgeons are doing liposuction in their offices. The media shows video clips of gloved physicians, their hairy arms, heads and mustaches exposed, no gown or mask, suctioning patients who rest on bath towels in an office setting. From a surgeon's view, not adhering to sterile techniques, removing large amounts of fat without an IV ready, and giving large amounts of local anesthetics and adrenaline increase the risks of liposuction surgery. Only time will tell if the safety record of liposuction will be maintained.
Ultrasonic liposuction is new.
This involves breaking open fat cells with an ultrasonic cannula. The cannula has a vibrating tip which shakes open the cells. The liquid fat is then sucked out. It is available in Europe and South America. While the technique is new, remember that it doesn't mean it's better or safer than traditional suction lipectomy.