You may be a candidate for ultrasonic liposuction (UAL) if you have excess subcutaneous fat, which is resistant to diet and exercise or if you wish to change the contours of your body. Commonly involved areas are the anterior part of the neck (under the chin), upper arms and armpits, male chest/breasts, trunk, abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, inner knees, calves, and ankles. Patients desiring permanent improvement in contour abnormalities caused by excess fat may also desire ultrasound liposuction.

The use of UAL allows safer removal of larger amounts of fat than with standard liposuction. This increase in safety is due to the reduced amount of blood removed with UAL. This means that UAL can be very useful to moderately overweight individuals even though UAL is not a weight loss method per se.

Ultrasound assisted liposuction is intended to improve the contour and proportion of the treated areas, resulting in a more flattering figure or physique, in or out of clothing.

The procedures are done on an outpatient basis. General anesthesia is appropriate for UAL. Small suction tubes (cannulas) are inserted through very short incisions placed in inconspicuous locations near the fat deposits, and excess fat is removed. If extremely large volumes of fat are to be removed, you may be asked to donate one or two units of blood and take supplemental iron before surgery. Your own blood may then be used as a transfusion at the end of surgery. (The frequency of need for this type of transfusion is decreased by using UAL.)

The patient goes home with a compression garment covering the treated areas. Compression is advised for about a month as it helps reduce swelling and helps you achieve the final result more quickly. Once pain and soreness decrease, it is frequently more comfortable to wear Iycra or spandex exercise pants. Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication.

The advantages of UAL are reduced blood loss, decreased bruising, possible reduction in post?operative discomfort and overall faster healing. Bruising and swelling usually subside in 2-4 weeks. The final result takes shape over 2-3 months.

Additional procedures that may enhance the result are of ultrasonic assisted liposuction are Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), Breast Reduction, Breast Lift, Breast Augmentation, Thigh Lift, or Buttock Lift

Be frank in discussing your expectations with your surgeon. He or she should be equally frank with you, describing the procedure in detail and explaining its risks and limitations.

This procedure is considered cosmetic and therefore is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment. The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.