Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL) is a method of liposuction that has been practiced in Europe and South America for a number of years. It is similar to traditional liposuction techniques in that fatty tissue is removed from the body through small (less than one centimeter) incisions for the purpose of improving body contour. However, with UAL the fat is first fractionated by the application of ultrasonic energy. The ultrasonic energy is delivered to the fat via a long narrow probe which is inserted through the same small incisions used for traditional liposuction. The ultrasonic energy targets the fat cells, leaving the surrounding structures, such as blood vessels and connective tissues, apparently undamaged. The fractionated fat can then be removed using low-volume suction.

Ultrasonic energy is transmitted to the fat via a long narrow probe which is connected to a handpiece, held by the surgeon. The handpiece is connected to an ultrasonic generator which converts electrical energy to ultrasonic energy. When the ultrasonic energy comes in contact with the fat, the high frequency vibration effectively bursts the fat cells allowing release of fractionated fat from the cell. This fractionated fat mixes with the body fluid and the wetting solution infused by the surgeon to form a stable fatty emulsion which is a creamy light yellow color. This can then be removed from the body with relatively low-volume suction. This results in less trauma to tissues, therefore less bleeding, bruising and discomfort leading to shorter periods of convalescence.

As with any surgical procedure there are possible risks and complications. The risks and possible complications of UAL are essentially the same as with traditional liposuction techniques. Bleeding and infection are very rare with either technique (a good estimate would be less than 1% of cases have either of these problems.) Contour irregularity (or unevenness of the body contour) is possible with either technique. With any large amount of liposuction, there is the possibility of accumulation of fluid in an area which was suctioned. This is called a seroma and is easily treated by drawing off the fluid in an office setting. Overaggressive liposuction by any technique, especially when carried out very close to the skin, can compromise the blood supply to the overlying skin. This could lead to loss or scarring of the skin. There is also the potential for burns at the entry site or along the path of the probe. This problem should be extremely rare.

The answer to this question depends largely on what areas and how much fat you have suctioned. In general, the more aggressive the removal and the more areas patient have suctioned, the more “strict” the post-operative regimen. In general, patient can expect some discomfort during the first week or so. Most people describe it as discomfort rather than actual pain. Many say it feels like a deep bruise. The skin over the areas suctioned is often numb for a variable length of time. Most surgeons require their patients to wear some kind of post-operative compression garment such as a girdle or an abdominal binder. This is used to compress the tissues to lessen swelling and bleeding. Most surgeons have patients wear this for anywhere from two to six weeks after surgery.