Is Ultrasonic Liposuction a Better Choice?
Ultrasonic liposuction is a relatively new procedure, designed to improve upon the old methods. The procedure itself involved using sound waves to liquefy the fat content of a certain area of the body before it is removed through the traditional suctioning methods.
Surgeons sometimes use this form of the procedure when dealing with areas of the body that are notoriously difficult to treat,
such as the neck, cheeks, and calves. Many plastic surgeons will use it as an addition to tumescent lipo, especially in patients who could greatly benefit from a more precise approach to their contouring.
When a patient is being prepared for ultrasonic liposuction, the first step is for the doctor or an assistant to inject them with tumescent fluid. This fluid is made of a mixture of anesthetic, epinephrine, and a salt water solution and it will be injected directly into the area of the body the patient wishes to be treated. The purpose of the fluid is to prevent loss of fluids during the rest of the procedure, which can lead to complications. It also makes the fatty tissue deposits somewhat easier to remove through the suctioning process.
Next, the sound waves get their chance to work. Set to a highly pitched frequency, these sound waves are sent directly to the cannula—the vacuum tube used in all forms of liposuction. The doctor will move this tube over the fat cells themselves and they will liquefy under the pressure from the sound. This makes is much easier for the doctor to remove the fat from the body.
There are a number of reasons why a doctor might choose to use ultrasonic liposuction with his patients. First and foremost, as discussed, it gives the doctor a better chance of success with parts of the body that are notoriously difficult to treat.
As an added benefit, it usually increases the amount of fat the surgeon can remove with the suction tube, which of course is something any patient would be pleased to hear. Finally, there is some evidence that this procedure actually tightens the surrounding skin, which reduces a common complaint after the procedure, which is that of saggy skin in the area of removal.
Those patients interested in ultrasonic liposuction should make an appointment with a plastic surgeon in their area to inquire more about the procedure and whether or not the surgeon believes it can help them.
