As plastic surgeons, we seek to combine art and science to improve the results we see in clinical practice. Through our artistic sensibilities, we try to understand and obtain aesthetic results. Scientifc analysis provides the data to predict which approaches will be successful and safe. Both art and science connote a high level of skill or mastery. At the present time, our literature is replete with descriptions of specifc pro- dures for body contouring. However, there remains a need for a defnitive reference describing the basic principles to address the complete scope of body contouring including the postbariatric patient and their plastic surgery deformities. Dr. Shiffman and Dr. Di Giuseppe saw this need and sought to address the needs of plastic surgeons faced with the complexities of body contouring surgery. This is a comprehensive text aimed at providing multiple perspectives. The numerous sections, which include a- posity and lipolysis, the breast, abdomen, chest, and buttocks, the extremities, and liposuction, offer various approaches from the foremost authors. Indeed it is with a tremendous amount of skill and mastery that Dr. Shiffman and Dr. Di Giuseppe have successfully edited and collated the numerous contributions to this work. In addition, they have authored individually or, in collaboration, over a dozen of the 87 total chapters. Their combined work as editors and authors are e- dent throughout their text. The fnal result is a comprehensive contribution that will beneft all plastic surgeons seeking to improve their approach to body contouring.
About the Author:

Melvin A. Shiffman, M.D., J.D.: 38 years practice as a cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon, a juris doctorate, has written over 320 books and articles in surgery, cosmetic surgery, and law and medicine. In February he became President of the American College of Legal Medicine

He is a diplomat of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, American Board of Forensic Examiners, and American Board of Forensic Medicine. He has been in practice in Tustin, California, doing cosmetic, reconstructive, and oncologic (cancer and allied diseases) surgery since 1964. A former Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of California, Irvine, Dr. Shiffman is Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Cosmetic Surgery as well as former Editor-in-Chief of the American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery. He is a past president of the American Society of Cosmetic Breast Surgery and lectures multiple times yearly at national and international meetings on medical jurisprudence and cosmetic surgery. Dr. Shiffman is a former District Medical Consultant for the Medical Board of California and has been a medical legal consultant since receiving his J.D. degrees in 1976 from Western University College of Law.

Alberto Di Guiseppe, M.D.: Board certified in surgical emergencies, and plastic and reconstructive surgery, and maxillofacial surgery, practice in hand surgery and burns management. Senior registrar of the Plastic Surgery Department of the University of Ancona. Member and Honorary Member of many societies.

Became one of the outstanding leaders in body contouring surgery performed with ultrasonic device applying the technique to new areas as breast and face. Introduced superficial ultrasonic internal treatment of the aging face for achieving skin retraction (ultrasonic assisted face-lift or skin remodelling). The technique has been presented in meetings all over the world and the video of the technique has been accepted in the "Video Library" of the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation for teaching purpose.