Letty's Liposuction Directory

The Pros and Cons of Ultrasound Liposuction

Author: Letty's Staff Writer

When I researched ultrasound liposuction I learned that there is some controversy about the method.

This article discusses both the strengths and the weaknesses of the technique, and attempts to give you some strong guidance in deciding if this type of liposuction is right for you.

Let's not delay one more second…

The Pros of Ultrasound Liposuction:

There are some distinct advantages associated with ultrasonic lipo. The following list is by no means an exhaustive one – these are the main highlights that I ran across when doing my research for this topic.

1. UAL (Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction) treated fat is easier to remove. Because fat is liquefied, as opposed to more solid fat removed by the traditional technique – fat will flow out of the area in a more smooth and easy way.
2. There is less bruising and bleeding in the UAL version. Surgeons don't have to wield the suctioning device so vigorously because the ultrasonic energy is breaking apart the fatty tissue for them. This increased gentle touch leads to less bruising and bleeding after surgery.
3. UAL selectively targets fat cells preserving underlying nerves and connective tissue. This means that recovery times are shorter and bruising and swelling is minimized.
4. Ultrasonic energy may shorten collagen fibers in underlying dermal tissues. This can give the appearance of firmer, tighter skin after the surgery and subsequent recovery.

In theory this sounds like... "Why would you ever have traditional lipo when you have ultrasonic liposuction?" But in reality there are some significant negatives associated with UAL that we will discuss next.

The Cons of Ultrasound Liposuction:

Let's talk about the risks that both techniques share in common first:

1. Infection.
2. Bruising and swelling.
3. Blood and fat clotting (embolism).

This isn't a complete list of potential side-effects associated with liposuction. There is a common myth about liposuction – and that is, "It's as simple as having your teeth cleaned." It is not. Liposuction is surgery – Period – and there are risks associated with it.

Ultrasonic liposuction has some additional risks specific to it:

1. Burning. The energy associated with the ultrasound probe is hot. Think of a clothes iron. If the iron is kept moving over the surface of the clothing the fabric does not burn. It is the same with ultrasound liposuction. It takes doctor experience to keep the probe moving during surgery so that tissues are not burned.

Some other "cons" associated with the technique include such things as:

1. Increased Cost. The equipment associated with ultrasonic liposuction is more expensive. This is because the ultrasonic energy mechanism is added to the mechanism as well. Expect surgeons to pass this expense along to patients.
2. Fewer experienced surgeons. Because the learning curve is a little longer for surgeons using ultrasonic lipo – fewer surgeons practice it versus those who perform traditional liposuction. Consequently it will take more time to find and vet a reliable surgeon who knows the "ins and outs" of this particular technique.

The Bottom-Line:

Ultrasound liposuction is not unlike any other types of plastic surgery. It has both strengths and weaknesses.

Therefore it is your "job" to sort out the benefits and weigh them against the additional risks. Is it better to have ultrasonic liposuction or traditional tumescent lipo?... This question can truly only be answered in front of your surgeon who will have your complete health profile in mind. It could very well be the case the traditional liposuction will accomplish your goals quite nicely. Or perhaps liposuction surgery is not an option for you at all.

The only way to know this for sure is to get proper consultation.

At Letty's Liposuction Directories we really feel that you would do well to be conservative in your approach to plastic surgery in general. Go into it with a level-head. Whenever you are over-zealous in plastic surgery you set yourself up to pay less attention to the details that can ultimately preserve your health and good looks.

Just don't be too hasty.

Ultrasound Liposuction References:

• Heltzel, Melissa. "Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty revisited: once fallen out of favor, UAL technique offers real benefits over traditional SAL, surgeon says." Cosmetic Surgery Times. Oct. 2004: 32. General OneFile (21 June 2011).

• Sattler, Gerhard. "Advances in liposuction and fat transfer." Dermatology Nursing. vol. 17.2 (Apr 2005): 133(7). Expanded Academic ASAP. GALE. (July 2010).

• Moss, Rose, Charles J. Moss, and David R. Broadway. "Body Contouring with Ultrasound-assisted Lipoplasty." AORN Journal 71.2 (2000): 370. General OneFile (22 June 2011).

• "Sound waves help break up fat." USA Today [Magazine] Oct. 1997: 15+. General OneFile (21 Jun 2011).