Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction

Ultrasonic liposuction, or UAL, is a procedure that uses high-pitched sound waves to liquefy fat in a specific area before it is removed. UAL is a type of liposuction that is primarily used for fat removal in hard-to-treat areas such as the chin, neck, cheeks, knees, calves, and ankles. It usually serves as an addition to tumescent liposuction for patients who require more precise body contouring.

The Ultrasonic Liposuction Procedure

UAL is a form of liposuction that uses ultrasonic sound waves to essentially “melt” fat deposits into a liquid state. When combined with the injected tumescent fluid, the liquid fat emulsifies, making its removal much easier.

Tumescent Fluid Injections

The first step in the ultrasonic liposuction procedure is the injection of tumescent fluid, which is a mixture of anesthetic, salt water solution, and epinephrine, into the area being treated. This helps prevent fluid loss during the fat removal process and makes the deposits easier to remove.

Ultrasonic Sound Waves Liquefy Fat

During ultrasonic liposuction, fat removal is initiated by sound waves produced by a generator. The ultrasonic waves are transmitted to a thin, vacuum-like tube, called a cannula. When the cannula comes into contact with the fat cells, they quickly liquefy, and are easily vacuumed out.

Benefits of UAL Fat Removal

There are several benefits associated with UAL fat removal, including the ability to treat areas that have denser fat deposits and to remove larger volumes of fat at one time. Ultrasonic liposuction has the added advantage of tightening the skin during the process, making it a great alternative to a tummy tuck or body lifts meant to get rid of excess, baggy skin. UAL is often used after tumescent liposuction as a “fine-tuning” method, since it allows for more precision.

Ultrasonic Liposuction Risks

Because a large amount of heat is created during ultrasonic liposuction, there is a greater risk of burns, blistering, and scarring. A UAL surgeon with liposuction experience will know how to avoid this problem, but the danger should still be noted. Another risk is a condition called seroma, which occurs when the body tries to fill the void created by fat removal by producing excess fluid. This fluid must be removed continuously with a syringe until the cavity has closed.

What Areas of the Body Does UAL Treat?

Ultrasonic liposuction can be used in all areas that traditional liposuction treats, but it works especially well on areas that require more precision. The stomach, midsection or “love handles,” male breast tissue, chin, and neck all respond well to UAL, as do areas that have been previously treated with liposuction but are in need of further contouring.

Find an Ultrasonic Liposuction Surgeon in Your Area

To minimize your risk of side effects, and to maximize your fat removal results, it is crucial that you find a qualified plastic surgeon who is specifically trained in ultrasonic liposuction. UAL can be a transformative treatment when performed by a skilled professional.