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Liposuction Overview

Solutions By Dr. Brady Harris

If you’re considering liposuction, you’re not alone. This procedure, sometimes now called liposculpting, is the #2 most popular among all surgical and minimally-invasive cosmetic enhancement options, with more than a quarter-million procedures performed each year. Liposuction’s popularity is growing among men even faster than with women, as more guys are looking to rejuvenate and refine their “dad bod.”

Man or woman, liposuction can help you achieve smoother, more toned, and sculpted contours almost anywhere on your body. That said, liposuction is not a weight loss technique and should never be considered for that reason.

The surgery is intended to remove fatty deposits that refuse to go away, despite your best efforts to eat right and exercise. The abdomen, flanks, back, bra-line, thighs, arms, neck, knees, and dorsocervical fat pad (buffalo hump) are all common areas treated with liposuction procedures.

Every liposuction surgery is individually tailored to the patient’s body and aesthetic goals. For many patients, a “side benefit” of this procedure is that fat removed from one area can be added to another area such as the buttocks or breasts to increase volume.

At Image Surgical Arts, Dr. Brady Harris specializes in high-definition liposuction in Nashville, a complex, advanced technique that not only removes excess fat but precisely sculpts remaining tissues to emphasize underlying musculature. Results are more dramatic and distinctly athletic-looking.

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Benefits of Liposuction

Liposuction offers far more than basic fat reduction. At Image Surgical Arts, Dr. Brady Harris utilizes advanced liposculpting techniques to refine your body frame and highlight your natural physique. Patients traveling to our Nashville center from Clarksville, Murray, and across Middle Tennessee experience several transformative benefits:

  • Permanent Fat Cell Removal: Subcutaneous fat cells targeted during your procedure are permanently removed. This allows you to eliminate stubborn fat pockets on the abdomen, flanks, back, thighs, arms, or neck that refuse to budge despite consistent diet and exercise.
  • Athletic Definition and Muscle Etching: Using specialized VASER ultrasound technology, Dr. Harris performs High-Definition (HD) liposculpting. This advanced technique removes both deep and superficial fat layers to etch underlying muscle lines, giving you a distinctly toned, athletic appearance.
  • Opportunity for Natural Fat Transfer: Unwanted fat removed from one area can be purified and reinjected to build volume elsewhere. This allows patients to combine liposuction with procedures like a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) or muscle enhancement in the chest and shoulders during a single surgical session.
  • Proportional Contours and Enhanced Confidence: Sculpting a balanced silhouette dramatically improves how clothing fits and restores your physical confidence, allowing you to feel comfortable in your own skin.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Liposuction in Nashville?

You may be a good candidate for liposuction if you are bothered by one or more areas of stubborn fat that diet and exercise have failed to eliminate. This procedure can improve your appearance and boost your self-confidence, but it is not meant to serve as a weight-loss tool. The best candidates for a liposuction procedure have several qualities in common:

  • Since liposuction is an entirely elective procedure, patients should be generally healthy with no major underlying medical conditions. A generally healthy lifestyle prior to your procedure is important for achieving the best results, and continuing a healthy lifestyle after your procedure is important for maintaining your results.
  • The most successful outcomes occur in patients with the majority of fat outside the muscle. For example, patients with “beer belly” will not benefit as much as patients who have a flatter abdomen. This is because the “beer belly” look comes from having the majority of your fat underneath the muscles, inside the abdominal cavity where liposuction cannot be performed.
  • Non-smokers are better candidates for any type of surgical procedure because smoking hinders the recovery process.
  • Realistic expectations of results. We can effect significant change to enhance your figure or physique, but there is no such thing as the “perfect” body.

Patients with loose skin or who may have loose skin after fat is removed are not good candidates for liposuction alone because results will be disappointing. For these patients, Dr. Harris recommends adding a skin tightening procedure to achieve smoother, firmer skin surface as well as the improved contouring that comes with fat removal.

Renuvion skin tightening is a good choice for those with mild to moderate skin laxity. However, severe skin laxity requires a more aggressive approach such as an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or other procedure to surgically remove excess skin. Skin tightening can be performed as a second step during your liposuction procedure.

Which Areas Can Be Treated With Liposuction?

Numerous areas of the body can be treated with liposuction -- essentially, anywhere with unwanted fat, as long as it is outside the muscle layer. For example, the fatty tissue of the abdomen can be removed as long it is above the “six-pack” muscles. However, the intra-abdominal (visceral) fat cannot be removed with liposuction because it is underneath the muscle layer and surrounds the vital organs inside your abdomen.

We can use liposuction to slim and improve contouring and definition on the:

  • Neck
  • Chest and breasts
  • Abdomen and waist
  • Upper arms
  • Back
  • Bra-line
  • Flanks (love handles)
  • Hips
  • Thighs

Before & After Liposuction

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The Different Types of Liposuction

At Image Surgical Arts, we consider there to be three different types of liposuction:

Low Definition - or “Volume Reduction” Liposuction: 

With this type, we are not attempting to etch muscles or provide muscle definition, rather the goal is simply to remove unwanted fat pockets.

The goal is simply to remove unwanted fat pockets. This is the most common procedure performed in the vast majority of liposuction clinics. At Image Surgical Arts, to provide the best possible results we nearly always recommend volume reduction liposuction with more invasive surgical procedures like a tummy tuck or facelift.

Medium Definition:

The second type of liposuction we perform is “medium definition” liposuction. This is a very popular procedure among our female patients. For medium definition liposuction, we combine volume reduction with a moderate amount of muscle etching. In women, we focus on the vertical lines of the abdomen and the vertical line in the center of the abdomen above the belly button. The goal is to create the illusion of a longer torso to provide a taller and slimmer appearance.

We also create the “V to the V'' appearance. For women who also wish to undergo a Brazilian buttock augmentation, we can reinject the fat removed from the abdomen into the buttocks to achieve both goals during the same procedure.

High Definition:

The third type of liposuction performed at Image is “high definition” liposuction. This is increasingly popular with many of our male patients. This technique combines volume reduction with aggressive muscle etching — most commonly the six-pack muscles, the latissimus dorsi (lats), and the obliques (to create the “V to the P” look). We can also use this technique to enhance the appearance of muscle groups in the shoulders, chest, and triceps.

High definition is much more than liposuction; it is true liposculpting. Often, we will use the fat removed to reinject at precise locations to increase muscle size. This is especially popular in the shoulders and chest.

At Image, we use advanced VASER technology that allows us to safely provide muscle etching and high definition body sculpting.

VASER uses ultrasound technology to gently dislodge the fat cells while leaving surrounding tissues more intact and less damaged. It is particularly important to cause as little damage as possible to the lymphatic vessels. This allows for faster recovery and decreased postoperative swelling. VASER technology also enables us to safely remove the most superficial layers of fat cells, which allows us to produce the etching our patients desire.

Although all levels of liposuction require considerable surgical skill to produce optimal results, high definition liposuction requires specialized training, deep knowledge of the muscle groups, and an artist’s eye. We are proud to be the first practice in middle Tennessee to offer true high definition liposuction, and even more proud that our Dr. Brady Harris is a national leader in this field. At Image, you know you’re getting the best of the best.

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Advanced Liposuction Techniques

At Image Surgical Arts, we employ the most advanced liposuction techniques to ensure effective fat removal and precise body contouring. A key technology we use is VASER liposuction, which stands apart due to its ability to differentiate fat from other important tissues such as nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.

This technology uses ultrasound waves to gently break apart and emulsify fat, which is then removed with minimal damage to surrounding tissues. This highly accurate targeting of fat enhances body sculpting capabilities and reduces the risk of trauma to non-targeted tissues, leading to safer procedures, and contributes to a quicker recovery compared to traditional liposuction techniques.

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Why You Should Add Skin Tightening to Your Liposuction

Liposuction only removes fat. It does not tighten skin. In fact, when a provider is overly aggressive with liposuction, or in patients who may not be optimal candidates for liposuction, the skin may be left looking saggier than it was prior to their procedure. That is why it is important to consider the addition of a skin tightening procedure to accompany your liposuction surgery.

Think about a balloon that is fully inflated. The outside of the balloon is tight and firm when full of air. Now imagine you let all the air out of the balloon. It becomes loose and floppy. Removing fat from beneath the skin is similar to letting the air out of the balloon – the volume that held it taut is now gone.

At Image, we evaluate each patient personally and then provide a customized treatment plan based on your own goals. Some patients are great liposuction candidates and may not need skin tightening. There are several factors that go into these decisions, such as skin quality and elasticity. Thicker, more youthful skin will have the ability to contract better than thinner skin with less elasticity. The amount of volume to be removed is also an important consideration in deciding whether or not to add skin tightening. Skin tightening can be achieved in three ways:

  1. Add Volume — by reinjecting the fat that has been removed from another part of the body, we add volume that can fill up and tighten loose skin. The Brazilian buttock lift is a common example of this technique. Another way we can add volume to tighten skin is by using an implant such as in a breast augmentation.
  2. Remove Excess Skin — some of the most common examples of this technique include a tummy tuck, breast lift, and facelift.
  3. Apply Heat — this can cause skin to retract and tighten, much the way cellophane will shrink when heat is applied. At Image Surgical Arts, we use Renuvion technology to tighten skin following liposuction. Renuvion works through two different modalities simultaneously — direct heating and radiofrequency heating delivered via helium plasma. Both of these modalities remodel existing collagen and stimulate the body to create new collagen.

After your liposuction procedure, we insert a small probe about the diameter of a pencil under the skin to complete Renuvion treatment. Generally, our patients see some immediate skin improvement, but it takes approximately nine months to see final results as your body continues to regenerate and create collagen.

Preparing for Liposuction in Nashville

Preparing for your liposuction procedure at Image Surgical Arts ensures a smooth surgery day and an optimal recovery. Whether you live in Nashville or are traveling in from Clarksville, Murray, or the broader Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky region, following this streamlined pre-surgery checklist helps protect your safety and maximize your aesthetic results.

Your Liposuction Pre-Surgery Checklist

  • Adjust Medications and Supplements: Stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, NSAIDs, Vitamin E, and blood-thinning herbal supplements at least two weeks before your procedure. Only take medications explicitly approved by Dr. Harris during your consultation.
  • Commit to Complete Nicotine Cessation: Cease all smoking, vaping, and nicotine products at least 2 to 4 weeks before and after surgery. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, restricting blood flow and drastically increasing the risk of delayed healing or tissue complications.
  • Arrange Transportation and Caregiver Support: Because you cannot drive following sedation or anesthesia, arrange for a trusted adult to drive you to and from our Nashville surgical facility. Ensure your caregiver can stay with you for at least the first 24 to 48 hours to assist with your mobility and comfort.
  • Set Up Your Home Recovery Headquarters: Prepare your recovery area before your surgery date. Stock your bedside with bottled water, low-sodium snacks, prescribed pain medications, extra dark towels (to absorb normal initial fluid drainage), and loose, button-down or zip-up clothing that does not require pulling over your head.
  • Optimize Hydration and Nutrition: Drink plenty of water and focus on a clean, protein-rich diet in the weeks leading up to your procedure. Proper nutrition strengthens your immune system and prepares your body for efficient tissue repair.
  • Prepare for Travel (For Out-of-Town Patients): If you are commuting from Clarksville, Murray, or outside the Nashville metro area, consider booking a stay at a nearby hotel for the first night to minimize travel stress before your day-one follow-up appointment.
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What to Expect During Your Liposuction Procedure in Nashville

Liposuction at Image Surgical Arts is an outpatient procedure performed at our state-of-the-art Nashville surgical facility, allowing patients traveling from Clarksville, Murray, and surrounding Middle Tennessee communities to return home the very same day. Dr. Brady Harris executes your customized treatment plan through four streamlined phases:

  • Phase 1: Surgical Mapping and Tumescent Anesthesia
    Dr. Harris begins by making precise markings on your body to map out targeted fat deposits and underlying muscle structures. Once you are comfortable under your chosen form of anesthesia, tiny incisions are made to infuse a tumescent solution containing lidocaine and epinephrine. This thoroughly numbs the area, restricts blood vessels to minimize bleeding, and prepares fat tissue for easy removal.
  • Phase 2: VASER Ultrasound Fat Emulsification
    Using advanced VASER technology, Dr. Harris delivers gentle ultrasonic energy into the targeted areas. This sound energy emulsifies and liquefies fat cells while leaving surrounding nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues intact. Dislodging the fat first creates a smoother extraction process, reduces post-operative bruising, and promotes a quicker recovery.
  • Phase 3: Targeted Liposculpting and Muscle Etching
    Dr. Harris uses micro-cannulas to gently vacuum away the emulsified fat. For patients receiving Medium or High-Definition (HD) liposuction, he selectively removes both deep and superficial fat layers along natural muscle lines (such as the abdominal six-pack, obliques, or lats) to etch a distinctly athletic, defined physique.
  • Phase 4: Optional Skin Tightening and Recovery Preparation
    If your personalized plan includes Renuvion skin tightening, Dr. Harris inserts the helium plasma probe through the existing incision sites to apply direct radiofrequency heat, immediately contracting the skin and stimulating long-term collagen production. Finally, sterile dressings and a supportive compression garment are placed before you enter our comfortable recovery suite.
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The Recovery Process

Recovery from liposuction is generally pretty straightforward. It will certainly vary based on the areas you have treated, how much fat we are able to remove, and whether you’re having a low, medium, or high definition procedure.

Most of our patients describe post-liposuction discomfort as soreness rather than painful – much as if you went to the gym and worked out really hard. We typically send patients home with several medicines after their procedure to help with any discomfort or soreness you may experience.

You can expect to have some bruising and swelling following your procedure, but it should be mild. If possible, you should keep the treated area elevated when you’re at rest, but we do want you to get up and take short walks frequently after your procedure. This will help reduce the soreness and promote good circulation to help prevent blood clots and speed healing. Moving around will help you stay positive, too.

You can also expect to have a significant amount of drainage following your liposuction procedure. This is perfectly normal and will usually stop after two to three days. The majority of this drainage is the remaining tumescent fluid we use during the procedure that does not get removed at the time of the liposuction. There is almost always more than you will expect. We will remind you of this several times before and after your procedure to give you peace of mind that it is normal.

While bruising usually goes away within a week, swelling will last longer. A small amount of residual swelling may remain up to four months after your procedure. However, about 75% of the swelling is usually resolved within four to six weeks. You will have to wear an elasticized compression garment for a specified period of time depending on the specifics of your procedure. This supports your skin and underlying tissues while they are healing and helps reduce swelling.

You will see some immediate improvement after your procedure, but as the swelling continues to resolve, your results will become more visible. Arnika (a.k.a. bromoline) is a great herbal supplement to help speed the resolution of bruising and swelling and is available for purchase at our office, if desired. If Renuvion skin tightening is added to your liposuction procedure, full results from the skin tightening will be apparent at nine months after your procedure.

Your incisions will heal completely in 2-3 weeks. Because Dr. Harris makes only very small incisions to perform liposuction (and uses those same incisions to perform Renuvion, if that’s part of your procedure), you will have minimal scarring. Dr. Harris takes great care in this regard as well as in the details of your liposuction/sculpting procedure itself, because he understands your ultimate goal is great-looking results.

You should be able to return to your normal routine within a few days, depending on the type and extent of liposuction performed. However, you will have to avoid strenuous exercise and lifting for several weeks to give your body plenty of time to fully heal with the best possible results. While the recovery even for large areas is pretty short, smaller areas of liposuction such as arms, thighs and the neck are even shorter. We have had many patients who have gone shopping or even out to dinner that same night.

The timeframe for recovery is always a bit different for every patient because every person and procedure is different. At Image Surgical Arts, we do everything we can to make your recovery process as fast and smooth as possible and to provide you with the best experience possible.

The most important thing you can do to ensure a speedy, comfortable recovery is to follow doctor’s orders! Everything we ask you to do – or not do – is specifically designed to enhance your recovery. We will give you written instructions to take home for post-operative care, and our team will go over those with you before you leave. And, of course, we are always available to answer questions or address any concerns you may have.

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Maintaining Your Liposuction Results

Liposuction results are considered indefinite, since the fat cells removed with liposuction are gone permanently. To best maintain the results of your liposuction, a commitment to a healthy lifestyle is essential. This includes:

  • Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity helps maintain your body weight and keeps your body toned.
  • Healthy Diet: A balanced diet that limits high-calorie, high-fat foods is crucial for preventing weight gain that can alter the results of liposuction.
  • Weight Management: Maintaining a stable weight without significant fluctuations is key to preserving the contouring effects achieved through liposuction.

Remember that liposuction in one area of your body will not prevent fat storage in other areas, which is why weight maintenance is critical.

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What Does Liposuction Cost?

Because every liposuction procedure is individually tailored to your concerns and desired outcomes, there is no set fee for the surgery. For example, a simpler low-definition procedure will cost less than high-definition liposuction, and adding Renuvion or surgical skin tightening will further increase the total cost.

With that in mind, the approximate cost of liposuction in Nashville at Image Surgical Arts typically ranges from $1,500 to $25,000. This is all-inclusive, covering:

  • Surgeon’s fees
  • Anesthesia
  • Operating room fees
  • Surgical supplies
  • Follow-up visits

If there will be additional costs for prescription medications, lab fees, post-surgical garments, etc., we will disclose that up front so you will have no surprises. You can discuss cost during your personal consultation with Dr. Harris, and we will give you a detailed estimate of charges for your specific procedure before you decide whether or not to move forward.

Medical insurance does not typically cover cosmetic procedures. But we do offer several financing options for our cosmetic procedures.

Why Choose Dr. Harris for Liposuction in Nashville?

Aside from determining whether or not to undergo a cosmetic enhancement procedure, the most important decision you will make is picking your surgeon. You are literally putting your body in their hands, and it is their knowledge, skill, and experience that will determine your outcome.

Look for a surgeon who is board-certified. Surgeons are not required to become board-certified, nor do they have to specialize in order to perform cosmetic procedures. But these things demonstrate ongoing commitment to the highest skill, quality, and patient care standards. You should expect no less. Dr. Brady Harris is triple board-certified.

You want to choose a surgeon who has a special interest in liposuction and that takes a significant amount of pride in his or her work. After all, they may be renowned for some other type of procedure, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they excel at liposuction. Ask how many liposuction procedures they have successfully accomplished – especially if you’re interested in achieving medium or high definition results – and ask to see before and after photos of those patients.

Dr. Harris has dedicated his entire career to cosmetic surgery, and liposuction is a major aspect of his practice. He has become the region’s premiere surgeon for high definition liposuction and body sculpting. He takes tremendous pride in what he is able to achieve for each patient by combining the latest in science and artistry. He is a frequent lecturer worldwide on the latest techniques and technologies in the field of liposuction. He has lectured at the World Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and the World Congress on Liposuction.

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Frequently Asked Questions Liposuction

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is the process by which fat cells are removed from the body using a cannula (very thin tube) attached to a suction device. There are many different ways in which liposuction can be performed. However, the end goal of all forms of liposuction is the removal of unwanted fat cells.

We can remove a relatively large volume of fat, or we can treat smaller areas to provide “finishing touch” contouring. We can also address multiple areas of the body in a single surgical procedure.

Introduced in the 70s, liposuction has evolved tremendously over the years. Technology has improved to provide enhanced results compared to what was previously possible. Years of scientific research in the field of liposuction surgery have made the procedure very safe when performed appropriately. Post-operative care and recommendations have also advanced to allow shorter recovery times and better-than-ever results.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects?

Although rare, complications and unwanted outcomes can occur with liposuction just as they can with any surgical procedure. Always be very wary if you speak with a liposuction surgeon or clinic that tells you they have never had a complication or that their results are always perfect. That should be an immediate red flag for a patient.

Any time the skin is pierced, there is always the risk of bleeding, infection and injury to surrounding structures. Hematomas (a collection of blood under the skin) are a rare but potentially serious complication that can occur. We take precautions against bleeding and hematomas by infusing the treatment area with a tumescent solution containing epinephrine (also called adrenalin), which causes blood vessels in the area of liposuction to contract. Also, by using VASER technology, we can remove the fat cells more gently. This reduces the risk of damage to other structures such as blood vessels.

Infection occurs when bacteria or, more rarely, other microorganisms are introduced to the body. They can overwhelm your immune system, meaning your body has a difficult time killing those microorganisms. We all have innumerable bacteria on our skin all the time, so to help prevent infection, we completely clean your skin with products that will kill any surface bacteria. We also give antibiotics prior to your procedure and send you home on antibiotics to help prevent infection.

Injury to surrounding structures is a very rare complication that can have a wide range of consequences depending on what is injured. In the worst-case scenario, the tumescent cannula or liposuction cannula can pierce through the muscle and injure an internal organ or a large blood vessel. This may require hospitalization or additional surgery to repair. Again, this is a very rare occurrence but it is something we want our patients to know is possible.

On the less serious end of the scale, and much more common (although still rare), small injuries to small nerves that provide sensation to the skin may occur. This can lead to certain areas of your skin feeling numb. Rarely, if ever, is the numbness permanent.

One of the most common issues seen after liposuction is called a seroma. A seroma is a build-up of fluid underneath the skin where liposuction was performed. This is not a particularly dangerous situation, but rather more of an annoyance. Often, seromas will need to be drained – occasionally more than once – in order to resolve completely.

Blood clots have occasionally been reported. These occur more commonly in procedures that take an extended period of time and in patients who have a predisposition to easily forming blood clots. The best way to prevent a blood clot is walking early and often after your procedure. We also use various devices during surgery to help prevent blood clots (especially if you are under general anesthesia for your procedure).

There are also risks associated with anesthesia and medications including allergic reactions, nausea and vomiting. Again, complications from liposuction procedures are uncommon and we take every possible precaution to prevent any of these (or others) from happening. At Image Surgical Arts, your safety is always our number one priority.

How long does liposuction surgery take?

It depends on the number of areas being treated and the level of definition you are after. A focused single-area procedure may take under two hours, while more extensive or high-definition cases run longer. Dr. Harris will give you a realistic time estimate during your consultation.

Can liposuction be done under local anesthesia?

Yes. Depending on the scope of your procedure, liposuction may be performed under local anesthesia with or without sedation. Dr. Harris will recommend the right approach based on how many areas are being treated and what will keep you most comfortable.

Will liposuction leave visible scars?

The incisions used are very small and placed as discreetly as possible. Most patients find that any marks fade considerably over time and become difficult to notice. Dr. Harris is careful about incision placement and takes that level of detail seriously.

How soon can I go back to work?

Most patients with desk jobs feel ready to return within a few days. Those with more physical roles will need to wait longer. Dr. Harris will give you a specific timeline based on your procedure and recovery.

Is liposuction a good option for men?

Yes, and it is growing in popularity. Liposuction techniques can be adapted for male anatomy and goals, and high-definition liposuction is particularly well suited for men looking to bring out definition in the abdomen, chest, and flanks.

The Bottom Line

It takes a village, as they say. Critical as it is to choose the right surgeon, remember that you will be working with his or her entire team. The team will guide you through your surgical journey, from first visit to follow-up. Their qualifications and demeanor will determine how well things go for you and how you feel afterward about your overall experience. Meet our top notch staff here. At Image Surgical Arts, we believe you deserve our best, never less, and we work hard to deliver just that to every patient. 

Our office is pleasant and welcoming and our patients describe us as friendly and caring. We’re here to help you get comfortable with the surgical process and that means making sure you have all the information you need. We love to answer questions because we know that the best care starts with listening to a patient’s concerns. So if you're ready to speak with us about your liposuction options, please don't hesitate to call or request an appointment!

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