Ultrasonic Liposuction

Ultrasonic liposuction is one such technique that uses sound waves along with a technique referred to as tumescent. Saline, anesthesia, and adrenaline are injected under the skin. Ultrasonic liposuction is favored over traditional lipo methods because of its ability to break up the fat deposits which are denser and less susceptible to those traditional methods. The ability to be able to remove larger amount of fat in addition to the side benefit of skin tightening for a more youthful appearance also counts for this favoritism. Ultrasonic liposuction is ideal for the treatment of areas where skin retraction is important, including the abdomen, back, and neck; however, traditional liposuction is still the preferred method for the treatment of certain areas of the body. Ross will advise which method is appropriate.

Ultrasonic liposuction is best for dense, fibrous areas, such as the male chest, upper abdomen, and “spare tire”. Because women generally choose to have liposuction performed on areas that have softer fatty tissues, we find that the standard “tumescent” technique is better for overall body sculpting. Ultrasonic liposuction is a method in which an ultrasound probe is inserted in to the fatty areas to help break up fat cells by bursting them with ultrasonic energy. While this might makes the plastic surgeon’s job faster and easier, in my opinion, it exposes the patient to additional unnecessary risks. Ultrasonic liposuction is a much less traumatic procedure, which means it is also much gentler than standard liposuction.

Fluid can collect in the suctioned area following surgery, but this problem is usually insignificant and treated successfully. Fluid Imbalance: Fat tissue, which contains a lot of liquid, is removed during liposuction. Also, physicians may inject large amounts of fluids during liposuction.

External ultrasonic liposuction uses a paddle shaped implement to emit high pitched waves from outside of the skin. External ultrasonic liposuction devices have been found to cause serious burns to patients, and many doctors have noted no difference using these compared with the tumescent method. For the former, however, requires more time for the procedure, so doctors will not really do it if there were no extra charges. External ultrasonic assisted liposuction utilizes a metal paddle that is applied to the patient’s skin, which directs ultrasonic energy into subcutaneous fat. A relatively new surgical procedure, the merits of external ultrasonic liposuction are widely debated within the cosmetic surgery community.

Fat loss that arises due to facial liposuction is relatively permanent. Fat cells that are removed by liposuction do not grow back. As long as the patient does not gain excessive amounts of weight, the new, more pleasing silhouette is permanent. Fatty acids are a known source of inflammation in the human body and may cause the body to lay down scar tissue and other unwanted reactions. Additionally, the tunnels and unsonicated liquefied oils and their by-products likely contribute to the formation of seromas (fluid ball collections) so commonly seen with ultrasonic liposuction procedures.

Surgeons have learned where the incisions can be placed so that they are as inconspicuous as possible after they heal. However, not all surgeons place incisions inconspicuously, so be sure to go over this with your surgeon at your consultation. Surgeons agree that one procedure will not replace another, and that Ultrasonic techniques will serve to broaden the number of candidates now suitable for liposuction.

Patients feel slight discomfort as they do with other types of surgeries. Patients should refrain from wearing bras with underwire for three months. Swelling and discoloration around the incisions generally subside in a few days. Patients should be aware that mastopexy requires long incisions on the breasts and may cause more scarring than breast augmentation.

Patients with excessive amounts of redundant skin are not candidates for this procedure. Patients are usually up and around within a day, return to work and most activities in 3 to 5 days. More strenuous activities should be avoided for 2 to 3 weeks. Patient follow-up care is at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. At these appointments, evaluate the patient for symmetry, waviness, and contour deformities.

Patients should be at least 18 years old and should not have significant medical problems such as heart disease, lung disease or diabetes. Liposuction is a surgical procedure and involves certain risks including the possibility of infection, bleeding, blood clots and adverse reactions to anesthesia and uneveness of skin contour.

Tumescent Liposuction is not a procedure that should be taken lightly. Tumescent fluids are injected into the fatty areas for a better identification when performing the ultrasonic liposuction . The generator and suction vacuum is then equipped with a canula with an ultrasonic probe. Tumescent liposuction requires three times as much fluid being injected as what is aspirated (the fat and fluid removed). Though relatively safe, fluid overloading – which can result in congestive heart failure – has been reported as well as toxic effects of the local anesthesia.

Tumescent fluid is put into the fat to help in its removal. It contains a dilute local anesthetic which provides for pain relief both before and after surgery, as well as epinephrine, which reduces blood loss during the procedure. Tumescent liposuction (called “super-wet liposuction technique” by some surgeons) allows the doctor to more easily remove the fat.

Plastic surgeons unfortunately use many confusing names for tumescent liposuction. The best way to keep all these names straight is to know that unless the term “ultrasonic” is included in the name, your surgeon is talking about tumescent liposuction. Plastic surgery can help modify one?s facial features to create an ideal look that is different and sometimes even better. It has become a fairly common procedure today to have one?s nose, eyes, face and any other body part modified through plastic surgery. Plastic surgeons agree that one procedure will not replace another. Ultrasonic techniques will service to broaden the number of candidates now suitable for liposuction.

UAL is a new technique in which a specialized liposuction cannula emits high frequency sound waves to liquefy the fat before it is removed. UAL (Ultrasonic Assisted Ultrasonic Liposuction) has been available for some 4-5 years but it is losing its popularity because it tends to burn and cause excessive tissue damage. The UAL is still useful for certain conditions such as gynecomastia and stiff fibrous tissue. UALT techniques are relatively new (from the past 3 years). Many have not learned nor mastered these techniques.

Vaser Liposelection System is a state of the art liposuction system that uses an internal ultrasound probe to liquefy the fat prior to liposuction. It allows a more efficient removal of fat and improved removal of superficial collections compared to traditional methods. VASER (ultrasonic liposuction) is fantastic with any area where I may be worried about sagging after fat removal, like the upper arm. The VASER cannula (thin metal rod) actually liquefies the fat, but preserves the normal architecture, allowing the tissue to shrink during recovery.