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 Ultrasound-assisted
or ultrasonic liposuction helps to remove surplus fat from the body parts that
have not responded to heavy workouts and planned diets. When compared to
traditional liposuction methods, ultrasonic liposuction procedure is extremely
effective and offers numerous advantages to the patient. But this solution of
excess fat problem can not be viewed as a method of weight loss, and obese people
should begin their treatment with endocrinologist consults, diet and exercising.
In general, liposuction is a procedure of removing excess subcutaneous fat. It
allows one to reduce or completely remove local accumulations of fat and is
used to improve body contours.
Two most
common types of liposuction are vacuum and ultrasound-assisted liposuction.
During vacuum liposuction subcutaneous fatty tissue is destroyed using low
atmospheric pressure, followed by a direct suction of fat cells through a
system of tubes, inserted inside the body (through small incisions in the skin).
In ultrasound-assisted liposuction, a specialized cannula is used which
transmits ultrasound vibrations within the body. This vibration bursts the
walls of the fat cells, emulsifying the fat (i.e. liquefying it) and making it
easier to suction out. This type of liposuction is a good choice for working on
more fibrous areas, like the upper back or male breast area. It takes longer
than traditional liposuction, but not longer than tumescent liposuction. There
appears to be slightly more risk of seromas forming (pockets of fluid) which
may have to be drained with a needle. After ultrasonic liposuction, it is
necessary to perform suction-assisted liposuction to remove the liquefied fat. Liposuction
ensures good results in people with normal weight who have excess fat in
certain places. To achieve the desired effect, good elasticity of the skin is
important. If the skin is flabby, you may need additional surgery to remove
access skin.
Ultrasonic
liposuction can be performed in two ways:
- As traditional
invasive procedure, where fat cells are sucked through small punctures in the
skin;
- As non-invasive
(without puncturing the skin) procedure, where destroyed fat cells are removed through
lymphatic system.
In the
noninvasive method, the ultrasound affects the fat tissue without damaging the
dermis and the ultrasound tube emits waves aimed on a specific spot on the
skin. External ultrasonic liposuction disrupts the fat cells and their parts which
are then removed from the body by liver through natural metabolism. One of
these methods is, for example, Ultrashape or Ultracontour. It is usually
necessary to repeat the procedure three to six times.
On the contrary,
during invasive ultrasonic liposuction under total (or local) anesthesia a
cannula is inserted that emits ultrasound waves and at the same time sucks the
released fat tissue. At first there must be made several tiny skin incisions to
gradually suck the underlying fat through.
The
advantage of external ultrasound liposuction is its noninvasiveness and lower
price, while its disadvantages are great stress for the metabolism, the fact
that the effect is visible after longer period and the need to repeat the procedure.
Traditional ultrasound-assisted liposuction enables one time suction of greater
volume (usually up to 1.5
liters per session), is less time-consuming although
more expensive.
In general,
ultrasonic liposuction is used mainly in case of firm fat tissue with a lot of
ligament, for example hypodermis of back. The loss in size is approximately 5 centimeters in 3-6
months.
The
significant advantage of ultrasonic liposuction is that it helps to remove
thick fat deposits more effortlessly, mainly from hard-to-reach areas such as
the chin, cheek and neck regions, than was possible with traditional
liposuction procedures. It can be also used to remove surplus fat completely
from the abdomen, thighs, calves, inner knees, waist, buttocks, male breasts,
ankles, upper arms and armpits. The other advantages of ultrasonic liposuction
procedure are:
- It helps to
eliminate large quantity of fat cells permanently from the body;
- Avoids
severe damage to body tissues;
- Minimum
bleeding and abnormalities;
- Tightens
the skin around the treated area;
- Extremely
safe procedure;
- Enables
rapid recovery.
As with any
surgical procedure, there are risks and complications. The specific risks and
complications that are unique to ultrasonic liposuction include skin burns and
unknown long-term effects. Surgical training on ultrasonic liposuction is
critical, even when the surgeon is familiar with traditional or tumescent
liposuction. Most plastic and cosmetic surgeons are not yet familiar with the
use of ultrasound. Plastic surgeons agree that one procedure will not replace
another. Ultrasonic techniques will service to broaden the number of candidates
now suitable for liposuction.
A patient
needs to be in good medical condition in order to undergo this or other
elective procedures. A patient should have the ability to heal incisions and
adequately fight infections, and no medical contraindications such as a heart
or lung disease. Heavier patients are now candidates for this type of
procedure; however, obese patients with medical contraindications are not
candidates. Patients with excessive amounts of redundant skin are not
candidates for this procedure.
Contraindications
to ultrasound-assisted liposuction include:
- Young age (under
18);
- Pregnancy and
breast-feeding;
- Severe medical
conditions;
- Acute
diseases;
- Skin inflammation
in the treatment area (rash, sores, scars, etc.);
- Endocrine disorders
(e.g., obesity);
- Impaired immunity
with immunity-related health problems (e.g. diabetes) and influences (e.g. hormonal
medications intake).
When
planning to go in for ultrasonic liposuction for removing additional fat
deposits from your body, make sure to utilize the services of an experienced
and skilled cosmetic surgeon. It is also advisable to review the pros and cons of
the procedure, possible risks and complications and also the advantages
offered.
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