Ultrasonic Liposuction Phoenix
Ultrasonic derives from the word “ultrasound”. Ultrasound energy is a vibrating energy that is not audible to the human ears.
Ultrasonic liposuction is a type of fat loss procedure that liquefies fat cells before their removal. This is done with the guidance of an ultrasound combined with ultrasonic waves to target fat cells. This type of cosmetic surgery is also known as ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL).
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) uses high-energy sound waves to blast apart and liquefy fat, leaving blood vessels, fibrous tissue, and muscle intact. This form of assisted liposuction is typically used for stubborn areas within the patient, such as the knees, neck, chin, feet and ankles liposuction. The energy released can be focused on that particular area in order to melt the fat with the heat produced.
There are two different types of ultrasonic liposuction:
- Internal Ultrasonic Liposuction
- External Ultrasonic Liposuction
Internal ultrasonic liposuction is a procedure in which the surgeon inserts a probe into the patient. The probe emits sonic vibrations, which break up fat in problem areas.
External ultrasonic liposuction employs a paddle-like tool to emit sonic vibrations outside the body and through the skin. This way, fat is eliminated without incisions. However, the vibrations involved in this type of surgery can potentially disrupt the patient’s nervous system in the targeted area and result in a loss of feeling. Through the external use of sonic waves, this can also result in bruising and skin necrosis. It is best to consult with your doctor to decide which method is most beneficial to you.
History of Ultrasonic Liposuction
Ultrasonic liposuction began in Italy in the early 1990s. Late in the decade the American Society of Plastic Surgeons saw this technique as critically important and waged an effort to train members in it. Ultrasonic energy is the energy of sound waves, specifically, sound waves higher in frequency than humans can hear. A common use of ultrasound is in dental cleaning.
Treatment Areas
The most common problem areas are the buttocks, abdomen, love handles (flanks), saddle bags (thighs), upper arms, inner knees and male breasts. Body contouring offers a way to get your body back that requires no recovery times, leaves no scars and needs no anesthesia.
What are the benefits?
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction promotes excellent results in those cases where conventional liposuction has limitations, such as areas with greater than average fibrosis (secondary liposuction) and areas like the back (dorsum) and even for male breast reduction (gynecomastia treatment).
UAL is sometimes used in place of suction-assisted liposuction (SAL). While SAL is the oldest and most tried-and-true version of this surgery, it has some limitations that UAL seeks to fill. It has the added benefits of:
- more precisely removing fat
- getting rid of stubborn fibrous fat, or “fat rolls”
- increasing skin contraction
- preserving surrounding nerves
UAL may also reduce surgeon fatigue, as it liquefies the fat before it’s sucked out. This may provide better results for people undergoing the procedure.
What are the risks?
While UAL is a more precise form of liposuction, there are a few downsides to this cosmetic procedure. First, there’s a greater risk of scarring compared to SAL. Skin loss, abdominal holes, and nerve damage are also possible. There’s also a risk of infection — just as with any type of surgery.
Another possibility is the development of seromas. These are fluid-filled pockets that can develop where liposuction takes place. They’re a result of a combination of old blood plasma and dead cells exiting the body from the lipoplasty.
One review of 660 UALs found other side effects, too. The following effects were reported:
- three cases of seromas
- two reports of hypotension (low blood pressure)
- three cases of contact dermatitis (eczema rashes)
- one report of hemorrhage
Liposuction is not recomended for people with the following:
- a weakened immune system
- coronary artery disease
- diabetes
- reduced blood flow
Ultrasonic Cavitation vs Ultrasonic Liposuction
Ultrasonic cavitation is sometimes confused with Ultrasonic liposuction; however, both are not the same. Liposuction is a surgical procedure and requires a cosmetic or plastic surgeon to perform the treatment.
Cavitation treatment is another form of a non-invasive procedure that’s used for fat removal. For this specific procedure, it’s the low-frequency, ultrasonic waves that break down your fat cells into smaller compounds known as fatty acids. Once your fat cells are in the form of fatty acids, your body is able to excrete them – unlike fat cells that love to stick around!
Ultrasonic Cavitation being a non-invasive and painless treatment requires no anesthesia or downtime. Mild discomfort during the procedure and momentary redness is normal and can be avoided by drinking plenty of water.