What is Ultrasonic-Assisted Liposuction?

Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction is also referred to as ultrasonic liposuction, or ultrasound assisted lipoplasty (UAL) and it is a method of fat removal using sound waves, which are above the human hearing range.  This is a much safer method of liposuction as the surgeon is able to guide the cannula more accurately whilst the sound waves are working at breaking down the fatty tissue.

ultrasonic assisted liposuction

This method is safer because less harm is caused to other tissues such as muscels blood vessels and nerves whilst the ultrasonic energy breaks down the fat cells, liquefying them and making them a lot easier to remove with the cannula.

The procedure involves the initial use of tumescent injections to the area to be treated before surgery commences, ensuring the efficient removal of fat.  These injections contain a blend of different fluids including a local anaesthetic such as Lidocaine and Epinephrine which will help to tighten the blood vessels and ultimately reduces bleeding.

As with any other method of liposuction, small incisions are made in the skin so that the cannula can be inserted and in this case with the ultrasonic attachment, so that the ultrasonic energy can break up the fat cells.  These fat cells are then removed via the cannula.  The incisions are usually covered with a sterile dressing to aid the healing process.

This can be a fairly quick method of fat removal.  The procedure itself takes between 30 minutes to 2 hours and if you have opted to have a local anaesthetic, you will be able to go home after just a few hours post surgery.  If a general anaesthetic has been used however, you may be required to remain in hospital for up to 48 hours.

As with both of these types of anaesthetic, you should not drive for up to 48 hours.

This method of liposuction started in Europe early in the 1990s and became increasingly more favourable in America from 1997.


Benefits and Advantages of Ultrasonic-Assisted Liposuction

This method of liposuction is often used to reduce cellulite as well as obviously remove excess fat resulting in weight loss.

It is often used for patients who are very overweight and require a substantial amount of fat to be removed.  This is mostly due to the tightening effect it can have on skin which had previously lost its elasticity.

This method of liposuction offers better results with a more effective and more complete removal of fatty tissue and fatty deposits from the fibrous areas of the body, in particular the hips, back, abdomen and the male chest. Liposuction can be used in other areas of the body also, and this technique provides a more complete fat removal end result with less loss of blood and less harm to other surrounding tissues.

Increased contraction of the skin and less bruising and swelling are massive advantages of ultrasonic liposuction when comparing it to the more conventional suction-assisted liposuction.  Skin shrinkage is particularly necessary when areas of loose skin on the abdomen are treated after pregnancy or after loss of weight.

Surgeons suggest that this liposuction technique gives a far smoother appearance and contour compared to conventional suction-assisted liposuction.

The recovery time for UAL is much shorter than when conventional liposuction is performed as there is far less trauma on the body.

This liposuction can be used as an alternative form of surgery such as a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty where skin needs to be removed, due to the fact that it can restore elements of skin elasticity.


Ultrasonic Liposuction Costs

Much of the ultrasonic-assisted liposuction equipment is disposable, however many surgeons will charge additional fees for this method, although some will only charge a small extra cost because they may use both the suction-assisted and ultrasonic-assisted methods.  Enquire with each surgeon and clinic, as liposuction costs can vary.


Ultrasonic-Assisted Liposuction Risks

There are always potential complications and risks involved in any surgical procedure and ultrasonic-assisted liposuction is no different. It is however, up to you to ensure that you are fully informed of all of the potential risks involved and that you can help to minimize these.

Risks are:

  • Scarring due to burns – UAL can create heat as a result of the energy being produced and burning can be a risk.
  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Fat clots
  • Anaesthetic risks
  • Change in skin sensation
  • Asymmetry
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Cardiac and pulmonary complications
  • Persistent pain
  • Seroma


Ultrasonic-Assisted Liposuction Recovery

Recovery after a local anaesthetic will be quicker than after a general anaesthetic.  You will be treated as a day patient if you opted for a local anaesthetic, however you will need to be monitored in hospital for a minimum of 24 hours if you choose to have a general anaesthetic.  In both cases you will be unable to drive home and should arranged for someone to assist you.

ultrasonic assisted liposuction

The tiny incisions made for cannula insertion are not usually sutured.  Unfortunately swelling is a likely and unavoidable element of the process of recovery after surgery and A miner amount of bleeding and bruising may occur.  Swelling should reduce within a few days to a week and the incisions will start to form scabs.

Any discomfort or pain can be controlled with everyday painkillers.

A compression garment is likely to be a requirement to aid healing.

You are likely to be able to return to your normal daily activities after approximately two weeks.

 

Read more on:

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Inner Knee and Inner Thigh Liposuction

Upper Arm Liposuction

Liposuction Scars

Guide to Liposuction Surgery

Liposuction Recovery Information

Pubic Liposuction

Liposuction Alternatives

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