Ultrasonic-assisted Techniques for Liposuction

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, liposuction was the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in 2013. In that year, 363,912 liposuction procedures were performed. In 2012, liposuction was the second most popular procedure, with a total of 313,011 surgeries. This translates to a 16 percent increase from 2012 to 2013.

Without a doubt, this is a sizeable increase in the number of liposuction that the average cosmetic surgeon will be asked to perform. However, despite this growing number, no two patients are exactly alike. This means that they may have different goals or needs in mind, as well as different body shapes and sizes. Fortunately, there are some specialized techniques that cosmetic surgeons can use in performing liposuction procedures to accommodate all of these patients. One such example of this is ultrasonic-assisted liposuction.

Liposuction Techniques

The basic liposuction technique involves making a series of small incisions into the targeted areas of the body where the fat is to be removed. A thin, hollow metal tube, called a cannula, is then inserted into the body and the fat is gently vacuumed away. The procedure is usually done under local or twilight anesthesia.

Depending on how much fat is to be removed, the procedure generally takes anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes and can be done on an outpatient basis. Although a liposuction procedure will not tighten up excess skin, it can be done in conjunction with a skin tightening procedure, such as a tummy tuck or a thigh lift.

Ultrasonic-assisted Liposuction

In ultrasonic-assisted liposuction, a special type of cannula can be used that vibrates very rapidly and gives off ultrasonic energy. When the cannula comes in contact with fat cells, the ultrasonic energy liquefies the fat very rapidly, which makes it much easier to remove.

Alternately, the ultrasonic energy can be administered without having to make an incision into the skin. It uses a special transmitter that will warm up the skin in order to heat up the fat layers underneath. The liquefied fat will either be reabsorbed into the body or can be removed with a cannula. The advantage to heating up the fat beforehand is that there will be no need for any incisions if the fat is reabsorbed into the body. If a cannula is used after heating the fat, it can make the surgical procedure go more quickly, with less swelling and bruising from the cannula being moved around.

Risks from Ultrasonic-assisted Liposuction

The most common risks from ultrasonic-assisted liposuction are bleeding, bruising, and swelling at the incision sites. Patients should stop smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking any blood thinning medications within two weeks before the procedure in order to reduce the risk of excess bleeding both before and after surgery. Ice, cold compresses, and taking the herb Arnica montana will reduce the amount and length of any bruising and swelling after the procedure.

Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction takes advantage of the latest technology in order to help patients achieve the shape they wish, but with far less risk during the actual procedure.

To schedule a liposuction consultation, contact Jefferson Plastic Surgery.