What is ultrasonic liposuction?
Ultrasonic liposuction transmits high-energy sound waves to fat cells, causing the cells to rupture. This liquefied fat is then removed through the basic liposuction technique. The ultrasound energy may be transmitted from an external or an internal source. Ultrasonic liposuction was first used in the early 1990’s and was a major advance in treating fibrous areas (such as the chest or flanks) and previously treated areas. However, there are several important disadvantages to ultrasound that make it inferior to tumescent technique. The ultrasound is a high-energy system and is more likely to damage the adjacent tissues such as the skin and nerves. Its complication rate is higher. It also is more time-consuming than other liposuction techniques and extends the length of operations.
Ultrasonic liposuction fits into two categories. No. 1 is internal ultrasonic liposuction where the liposuction tube has a probe at the end of it that emits ultrasonic waves, which cause the emulsification of fat. Emulsification of fat is similar to making fat more liquid so that it can be suctioned. This is especially helpful in liposuctioning fat that is very thick or scarred. The second way that ultrasonic technology can help with liposuction is external ultrasonic liposuction. With this method, the area to be liposuctioned an external ultrasonic probe is applied to the skin leading to internal emulsification of the fat. The emulsified fat is then suctioned in a routine fashion. The probes used in external ultrasonic liposuction are similar to the probes used to perform ultrasound examination of a pregnant woman. In this case, however, ultrasound energy is much higher.
