subject: What Is Custom Acoustic Liposuction? [print this page] Liposuction (also referred to as lipoplasty and suction lipectomy) is a constantly changing field. Just about every year, it seems like some new technique comes out in the constant search to make lipoplasties safer, easier and more effective than ever. This process of change, evolution and growth has been going on since the procedure was first invented in the 70's and 80's.
As such, there is a great deal of diversity in the techniques that surgeons use to remove fat during a lipoplasty. Although all forms of the surgery have their basics in common (vacuuming excess fat out of the body through tiny needles called cannulas), the specifics can vary quite a bit. Some techniques use lasers or ultrasound waves to help to break down or liquefy fat before it is removed from the body. Some other techniques use jets of pressurized water in an attempt to help to break up and wash away the fat.
One of the newest techniques is called Custom Acoustic Liposuction. Despite its newness, it shows great potential and a number of cosmetic surgeons are beginning to adopt it.
Custom Acoustic Liposuction (CAL) is performed with a special cannula. Whereas most cannulas used in a lipoplasty are simply moved around by the doctor's own power, the cannula used in CAL is designed to assist the doctor. It does this by vibrating at a special, low-speed frequency which some doctors claim helps it to move more easily through the patient's tissue.
The vibrations that the cannula produces occur not only in one plane, but in a complicated three dimensional pattern called nutational vibration.
These special vibrations could have a number of potential benefits. They could make the surgery quicker and easier, meaning a greater chance of success and less fatigue for the doctor. They could mean less patient trauma, and thus less pain and bruising for the patient. They could mean less time in the operating room, which is a good thing for all involved. In fact, some reports show that CAL may be able to perform some aspects of surgery up to a 25% faster than other techniques.
These same vibrations may also help to avoid triggering a patient's pain receptors, and they may make it easier to work on areas of the body with tough, dense or fibrous fat. This could be helpful in treating popular areas such as the male breast or the flanks.
As this surgical procedure continues to spread, we will be able to ascertain more closely whether or not it lives up to the great claims that are being made about it.
