What is ultrasound assisted liposuction (ultrasonic lipo)?

Ultrasound assisted liposuction is a procedure that utilizes not only a cannula, aspirator, and tumescent fluid, but also a special device to apply ultrasound waves to the target area. There are several reasons why your doctor may recommend ultrasonic liposuction. For example, if you are going to have liposuction performed on an area of the body with dense fat, ultrasound waves can help break up the fatty tissues, allowing the doctor to achieve greater precision in the area.

The length of time and level of ultrasound used in an ultrasound assisted liposuction procedure will depend on the area of the body that is being targeted. The amount of fat and the type of fat in the target area will dictate how much time the doctor needs to spend applying ultrasonic waves to the area being treated. Ultrasonic assisted liposuction is a procedure that gives doctors greater precision and more power in terms of removing fat deposits from areas that resist attempts at diet and exercise.

How is ultrasonic lipo performed?

Ultrasonic liposuction is very similar in some respects to tumescent liposuction. However, ultrasonic sound waves are applied to the target areas on the body in order to break up fat more efficiently, allowing doctors more control and precision over the procedure.

When you arrive for ultrasound assisted lipo surgery, you will first be prepared for the surgical procedure. Your doctor may have you stand while he maps out the areas on the body to be treated. Then, you will be asked to lie down and either a general or local anesthetic will be administered. If you and your doctor have decided to use a local anesthetic, it will be applied only to the areas that will receive liposuction treatment. You may also receive a sedative at this time to make you more relaxed.

When it is time for your surgery, your doctor will first inject the tumescent solution into the target areas on your body. This solution will most likely contain saline, lidocaine (a numbing agent), and epinephrine. It will cause the fat tissues to swell and become numb, as well as diminishing the blood supply to the area and thus the bleeding that will result from the procedure.

After the tumescent fluid has been injected, the ultrasound waves are applied to the target area either using a specialized cannula or a device to apply the sound waves transcutaneously. If your doctor is using internal ultrasonic liposuction, he or she will move the special cannula back and forth to apply the ultrasound waves from inside the body. Then, liposuction using a cannula and an aspirator will be performed. The doctor will move the hollow tube back and forth under the skin through the fat tissues.

External (Extrinsic) Ultrasonic Liposuction

External ultrasonic liposuction makes use of high-frequency sound waves to disrupt fat transcutaneously using an external paddle. While internal ultrasonic liposuction applies sound waves using a specialized cannula, external ultrasonic lipo sends the same energy into the target area through the skin. This type of ultrasound lipo treatment is particularly useful for localized target areas on patients who are moderately overweight. Patients struggling with fibrous cellulitis can benefit from the use of external ultrasonic liposuction. It has been an effective tool for body contouring procedures.

Internal (Intrinsic) Ultrasonic Liposuction

Internal ultrasonic liposuction makes use of high frequency sound waves in a slightly different manner than external ultrasonic liposuction techniques. The ultrasound waves are applied to the target area using a special cannula designed to transmit them. Internal ultrasonic liposuction tends to produce more predictable results than external ultrasonic liposuction procedures.

What are the benefits of ultrasound energy assisted lipo?

Ultrasound energy assisted liposuction can be particularly beneficial when larger amounts of fat are being removed from the body because the use of ultrasound cuts back on patients’ bleeding. It is also useful when dealing with fat that is dense or areas on the body that have previously been treated using liposuction. When fat is dense, or when there is a large amount of scar tissue in the target area, ultrasound assisted lipo can simplify the procedure considerable and yield better results. Ultrasound assisted liposuction can also encourage the skin to tighten up following the procedure, allowing patients better results over time.

Disadvantages of Ultrasonic Lipo

Ultrasound assisted liposuction can potentially cause burns because the device used to deliver the waves do give off heat. However, skilled physicians who are trained and experienced at applying ultrasound during liposuction treatments will know how to avoid these issues. Some doctors inject cooling fluids into the target area to keep the temperature under control during treatment. Ultrasound assisted liposuction can also cause seromas or areas of fluid collection under the skin. This is particularly a problem if the procedure is applied to areas of the body where there is loose skin