What Are The Risks And Benefits Of Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction?

When exploring new techniques for any medical procedure

, doctors and scientists typically look for methods that are easier, quicker, cheaper, and more efficient overall. This is true of cosmetic surgery, particularly liposuction, a fat removal procedure. Many new techniques have been tested over the years, and the ones that worked and were beneficial were put into use. However, it is rare that one technique is efficient in every way. There are almost always disadvantages to counter the advantages, and it is up to each individual patient to determine if a technique's advantages are strong enough to be of use in each individual case.

One liposuction technique that has mixed efficiency is ultrasound assisted liposuction (UAL). This method uses an ultrasound attachment on the traditional cannula that emits ultrasonic waves to break up and emulsify the fat tissue before suctioning it out with the same cannula. Older versions of this process involved two different tools, one for the ultrasound and one for the suctioning, but it is quicker to use the current method.

However, speed is not one of the benefits of UAL when compared to other liposuction techniques. The ultrasonic waves do not break up the fat as quickly as manual movements or chemical emulsification do. The sole advantage of UAL is it the minimal amount of damage caused for the great amount of fat it can remove.

Because UAL uses fluids and does not use harsh manual movements, there is less tissue damage and less bleeding than in some lipo methods. There is also less damage because the liquefied fat requires less suction pressure. But the main benefit of using this technique is the large volumes of fat that can be removed at once, with up to 50% less bleeding than other techniques.

The ultrasound waves can also contract the skin during the surgery, which eradicates the need for compression garments during recovery. UAL is also good for breaking up tough, fibrous fat in areas of the body such as the face, neck, abdomen, back, buttocks, and calf. When traditional techniques cannot treat these areas, ultrasound assisted liposuction can.

Nevertheless, there are special risks associated with UAL. Because ultrasound uses a high amount of energy, burns and nerve damage that would not exist otherwise is possible. UAL also requires a larger incision than many other techniques in order to create a skin shield of sorts to protect surrounding skin from burns.

Another disadvantage to ultrasonic liposuction is the cost. Ultrasound equipment is extremely expensive and the majority of those costs are taken out of the patient. Equipment alone can cost $50,000, and must be replaced often.

When considering liposuction patients should weigh the importance of factors such as efficiency, safety, and cost, and then research which method fits their ideals best. For those looking for a safe technique or who need specialized treatment for difficult areas, UAL may be the right choice.

by: Christian Heftel

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