Bipolar coagulation of vessels in aesthetic plastic surgery

Bipolar coagulation for hemostasis should be used more frequently than monopolar coagulation in aesthetic plastic surgery. The advantages of the procedure are manifold: considerable reduction of the amount of current, and consequent prevention of deleterious effects on other tissues and organs; minimal devitalization of tissues during coagulation; reduction of reactive edema; total separation of the patient from the power source when coagulating forceps are not in use; avoidance of burns due to defective insulation of conductors; elimination of "spark" burns of the surgeon's fingers through punctured gloves; and freedom of the assistants' hands for other duties.