Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction (UAL)
Ultrasonic assisted liposuction (UAL) is a type of procedure that relies upon ultrasonic sound waves to break down the fatty tissue that is being targeted for removal. Ultrasonic sound waves are beyond the range of normal human hearing. Breaking down the fat in this manner facilitates the surgeon’s ability to extract the fat from the body through a suction tube known as a cannula. The precision use of this ultrasonic energy enables the surgeon to exercise greater precision, sculpting the body with the goal of giving your new curves a more natural look. Ultrasound assisted technologies also help to minimize the risk of accidental damage to the surrounding tissues.
Are you a good candidate?
Good candidates for ultrasonic liposuction are those people who are in overall good general health, who don’t smoke, who have a good degree of elasticity in their skin, and who have tried to lose weight through dieting and exercise, but still have stubborn deposits of fat that won’t come off through natural means. Ideal candidates should already weigh within 30 percent of their optimal body weight. While ultrasound assisted liposuction can be used to help moderately overweight people achieve their ideal body weight and body fat, it is not recommended as a fast-track weight loss method.
If you suffer from any chronic conditions such as diabetes, poor blood circulation, or heart, lung, or liver disease, or have a family history of blood clots, then ultrasonic liposuction may not be right for you.
Ultrasonic Liposuction Procedure
During this procedure, ultrasonic sound waves are used to melt or break down the targeted deposits of fat in the body. Breaking down the fat makes its removal much easier. Once the fat has broken down, it is suctioned out through a cannula, or thin tube, which is inserted underneath the skin via a small incision.
There are two types of ultrasound assisted liposuction (or UAL): internal and external. During an internal UAL procedure, ultrasonic energy is transmitted to the fatty tissue through a cannula which is inserted into the skin. During an external UAL procedure, ultrasonic energy is transmitted to the fat cells by placing a special instrument, shaped like a paddle, against the skin. External ultrasounds are not as common today as they once used to be, since internal UAL procedures have been found to be far more effective.
Once the fat has been broken down, the cannula uses a suction force to suck the fat out of the body. Upon removal of the desired amount of fat, the cannula is then removed. Depending on how small or big the incision was, it may or may not be closed with sutures.
Complications & Risks
One advantage of ultrasound assisted liposuction is that it causes less trauma to the surrounding tissue. Other advantages of ultrasound-assisted procedures over traditional liposuction are that it tends to reduce blood loss and result in a shorter recovery period. Many surgeons have noted that ultrasonic liposuction helps them to provide smoother contours as compared to other forms of liposuction. However, ultrasonic liposuction is not without its share of risks.
Seromas, or areas of fluid collection under the skin, are among the risks of ultrasonic liposuction. According to some studies, up to 15% of ultrasonic liposuction patients experience a seroma as a side effect. Fortunately, seromas are treatable. The risk of burns or blistering is also greater with ultrasonic liposuction than other methods, due to the heat that the ultrasonic device generates. However, this complication is not as prevalent as it once used to be, thanks to the advent of newer ultrasonic liposuction technology available today.
Recovery Time
After undergoing liposuction, most patients are able to return home the same day, although some will be asked to spend a night in the hospital before going home. Get plenty of rest during the first few days. The targeted area where the fat was removed from may be bruised and may be very tender for several weeks following the operation. The majority of patients will typically return back to work within one to two weeks. You should start to see the results within a few weeks, although it is possible for swelling to persist for several months.
Ultrasonic Liposuction Cost
Ultrasonic liposuction is generally more expensive than the price of traditional liposuction, due to the costs of the more expensive equipment that is being used. According to information provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the national average price for a ultrasonic liposuction procedure is about three thousand dollars. Of course, this price may vary depending on the scope of your specific procedure, the experience level of the surgeon, and other factors.