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WEDNESDAY, Sept. 15 (HealthDayNews) -- When performed under proper conditions, liposuction is safe, says a study by researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.

This research, in the September issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, is the first comprehensive study of the effects of liposuction -- both during and after the procedure -- on different parts of the body.

This included the effect of liposuction on the heart and lungs, and electrolyte changes in the body. The study received funding from the National Endowment for Plastic Surgery.

"The purpose of our study was to confirm that liposuction is a safe procedure, as well as find ways to make it even safer," principal investigator Dr. Jeffrey M. Kenkel, vice chairman of plastic surgery at the medical center, said in a prepared statement.

"Like any surgical procedure, liposuction stresses the body to some degree. However, when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited medical facility, liposuction continues to be a safe operation," Kenkel said.

He noted that not everyone is a good candidate for liposuction. Patients must be generally healthy and at low risks for anesthesia and surgery. The procedure is not recommended for people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular problems.

More information

The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more about liposuction.