Ultrasonic Liposuction

Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction, or UAL, uses ultrasonic technology to rid patients of unwanted fat.

The use of ultrasonic waves for cosmetic surgery began in the late 1980s. Since then the equipment has evolved, leading to more efficient and safer techniques that minimize the risks of burns and complications.

How Does Ultrasonic Liposuction Work?

Ultrasonic liposuction uses high-pitched sound waves to agitate, loosen and liquefy fat in a specific area. It allows mixing of the fat with an injected liquid solution, making it easier to remove. UAL provides advantages when compared to traditional liposuction, which uses a method of poking and probing to loosen the fat and remove it.

Ultrasound breaks up tough fat in areas of the body that are difficult to remove with traditional methods. Fat in the legs and arms, for example, are ideal because these areas are mostly muscle and connective tissue that are used to movement and vibrations, so they are not prone to the risks that ultrasound has on sensitive internal organs.

Areas that are treatable with ultrasonic liposuction include the chin, upper arms and armpits, breasts, male chest (gynecomastia), torso, abdomen, waist, back, buttocks, hips, thighs, inner knees, calves and ankles.

Because of its ability to turn fat into oil, ultrasonic liposuction does not use mechanical action to break up the fat deposits. As a result, ultrasonic liposuction reduces tissue damage and bleeding.

Ultrasonic Liposuction Procedure

Small incisions are made to insert the cannula, which is used to liquefy and remove the fat. These incision sites are minimally visible when healed.

The ultrasonic sound waves produced by these devices are applied to the area to be treated in order to agitate and loosen the fat cells and deposits into a liquid state. Additionally, the fat is combined with an injected tumescent solution; this is a fluid that contains an aesthetic saline solution and epinephrine. The liquid fat emulsifies, making it easier to remove.

Following the ultrasonic liposuction surgery, the patient is placed in a compressive garment that will control the swelling and aid in the healing process. This garment will be worn for at least one week, at which time a pull-on garment will be provided. This second garment should be worn for approximately one month or as recommended by your surgeon.

Types Of Ultrasonic Liposuction

There are two main types of ultrasonic liposuction procedures: internal and external.

Internal Ultrasonic Liposuction or Internal UAL

Internal ultrasonic assisted liposuction refers to the procedure that uses a long metal probe, or cannula, that is inserted into fat through a large incision. The cannula can either be solid or hollow, and internal ultrasonic liposuction operations are usually performed with general anesthesia or heavy IV sedation. Internal Ultrasonic liposuction delivers ultrasonic energy directly to subcutaneous fat.

Ultrasonic waves assist the breakdown and removal of fat in the area being treated, shortening the necessary time the surgeon has to stay under the skin and avoiding damages to surrounding tissues.

External Ultrasonic Liposuction or External UAL

External ultrasonic assisted liposuction uses a metal paddle that is applied to the patient's skin, which directs ultrasonic energy into subcutaneous fat.

External ultrasonic liposuction differs from internal ultrasonic liposuction with regards to the source of the ultrasonic source. In the case of external ultrasonic liposuction, the ultrasonic waves are emitted from a hand-held device positioned directly outside the body right on the area to be treated. The fat underneath the targeted area is "pre-softened" and liquefied. Afterward, it is removed with liposuction.

Benefits of Ultrasonic Liposuction

• Although ultrasonic liposuction adds time to the liposuction procedure, it has the advantage of leading to less tissue damage, as well as less bleeding and the ability to remover large volumes of fat from the patient.
• Less force is needed to break up and remove fat; therefore, less bruising and swelling occur because less suction is required.
• UAL has the ability to remove large volumes of fat from a patient's body in a single operation with up to 50% less bleeding than other liposuction methods.
• It has the ability to break up tough and fibrous fat in areas of the body where fat cannot be removed through traditional liposuction methods, which can damage tissues.
• Ultrasonic liposuction has the possibility to break up cellulite.
• Ultrasonic liposuction is an outpatient procedure, this means that you will return home after the procedure.

Discuss with your surgeon the specific risks involved in ultrasonic liposuction. Ask him or her how the procedure works and what you can expect from it.

What Are the Side Effects of Ultrasonic Liposuction?

Although ultrasonic liposuction is relatively safe it does have some mild side effects. The most common are temporary bruising, numbness, swelling and tingling sensation. Patients should ask their doctors about side effects that may affect their particular situation.

Ultrasonic Liposuction Risks & Concerns

A unique risk of ultrasonic liposuction is the possibility of blisters or burns. This can happen if the ultrasonic liposuction surgeon is inexperienced and lets the tip of the probe point up right under the skin. Select a qualified ultrasonic liposuction specialist, so you can have a successful outcome.

The incisions needed in ultrasonic liposuction are not as small as the ones needed with other liposuction methods. As a result, patients of ultrasonic liposuction might have slightly larger scars.

Planning Your Ultrasonic Liposuction Procedure

Use our Surgeon Locator to find an ultrasonic liposuction surgeon near you.

When meeting with your ultrasonic liposuction doctor, ask about pre-ultrasonic liposuction recommendations, recovery time, post-operative care and recommendations.