Ultrasonic Liposuction

The use of ultrasound waves helped to make certain liposuction procedures easier, but not faster. Main advantages to an ultrasound assisted liposuction (UAL) procedure are typically: less tissue damage, less bleeding, and large volumes of fat removed. This comes at a cost, however, of complicated equipment and a lengthier operation.

The key to ultrasonic liposuction is the introduction of an ultrasound attachment to the traditional liposuction cannula (probe). Thus, in UAL, the cannula acts as both the ultrasound probe and the suction probe. The ultrasonic waves are used to break up the fat and liquefy it into an emulsion. The result is that the fat becomes oil mixed in with the traditionally injected fluids. The use of ultrasound therefore reduces tissue damage and bleeding because no mechanical action is necessary to break up the fat. Plus, less suction is needed to pull out the fat when it is in a liquid state. Original ultrasound liposuction pioneers in Europe used a two-stage process of ultrasound emulsification followed by suction. Today, cosmetic surgeons in the United States use the quicker one-stage technique with ultrasound and suction built into one cannula. Though this method is faster than a two-stage ultrasound technique, it is still slower than traditional liposuction.

There are also different risks and precautions necessary for an ultrasound liposuction surgery. Since ultrasound is a high-energy disturbance, the risk of burns and nerve damage is increased. Usually the incisions required for this technique are bigger to accommodate some sort of skin shield that protects the adjacent areas of skin from being burned by the probe. The first and second generation of ultrasonic liposuction devices had some hidden dangers that didn't become apparent until they were in widespread use. Internal organs could be inadvertently damaged by the powerful waves. The newest third generation devices are safer, but far more expensive. Equipment costs alone can reach $50,000 USD, compounded by training costs. Older equipment can usually be purchased at discounted prices. So opting for the safer and less damaging procedure often means paying a lot more. Regardless of the age of an ultrasonic cannula, they need to replace regularly and are expensive. The ultrasonic waves damage the probe with each use, and even the newest probes must be discarded after as little as twenty operations. Such mounting costs can be prohibitive and are always passed onto the patients.

An emerging generation of devices uses an external ultrasound emitter to treat areas before engaging in a more traditional liposuction procedure. Though these devices avoid the chance of a local tissue burn, it requires a large amount of ultrasound energy to pass down through the skin and can damage the outer layers of the body. The results of such external systems are currently under debate, with some doctors claiming success while others say it's just a gimmick.

So, why ultrasound in the first place? If it's expensive and adds complications, then most people wouldn't want to do it, right?

The reality of the situation is that ultrasound-assisted liposuction can treat problems that traditional methods can't. For one thing, large volumes of fat can be removed in one operation with up to 50% less bleeding. There have also been reports that ultrasound methods actually contract the skin as the procedure is underway. That's an attractive quality that could eliminate the need for compression-garments required for traditional therapies.

Ultrasound can also help break up tough fats in the face, neck, abdomen, back, buttocks, and calf. In areas like this, the tough and fibrous fat cannot be removed with traditional methods without great damage to the tissue. There's also the possibility that ultrasound liposuction can be used to break up cellulite.

So, even though it is more expensive and a bit more dangerous than traditional liposuction, an ultrasound assisted liposuction procedure could be right for you under certain circumstances.