Ultrasonic liposculpture is a fat removing procedure used by fewer and fewer technicians, since the risks associated with ultrasonic liposculpture are greater than those associated with tumescent liposuction. Though the technique was demonstrated back in the 1990’s to be safe enough for FDA approval, it is not in wide use anymore and the United States no longer manufactures the equipment used in ultrasonic liposculpture. In most instances where UAL (ultrasonic liposculpture) was likely to be utilized, doctors are now turning toward PAL, or power assisted liposculpture.
The theory behind ultrasonic liposculpture is to used sound waves to liquefy fat cells so that they can be vacuumed out of the body using cannulas. Physicians found that while the equipment was effective at melting the fat cells it lacked the precision necessary to guarantee safe and pleasing results. Ultrasonic liposculpture could be used externally or internally. When used externally to melt fat, the same energy could cause burns, blisters, and damage to skin, nerves, and other cells. When used internally, the energy could be more focused on fat cells so less surrounding tissue damage resulted.
Again there was still an issue of precision. On occasion, the UAL would liquefy unintended fat deposits. Once these deposits were melted a surgeon would have no choice but to remove the deposits and attempt to compensate for the change in contour. This was much of the cause for unevenness or deformity. Beyond the side effects of blistering and burning in the skin, the procedure also produced a higher than normal rate of seromas. Seromas are caused when the body fills the vacant cavity (where the fat was) with fluid. These pockets had to be drained frequently while the body recovered.
Power assisted liposculpture is different in that instead of using sound energy to break up fat deposits it uses vibration from the end of a cannula to break apart the fat deposits so they can be suctioned away. This procedure of course is not without its own risks. First, the procedure can produce more strain for the surgeon and more pain and soreness for the patient. Second, and it is important to note that this is not a common occurrence, the cannula can break apart inside the patient and requires removal by surgery. This happens rarely and many precautions taken from manufacturers and surgeons alike to make sure cannulas and other instruments are replaced before they fail.
UAL is also a more expensive option than tumescent liposculpture as the equipment is more expensive and the procedure takes longer. Though introduced in the early 1990’s, the UAL technique is still more prominently used in other countries. In the United States there are also many other techniques and technologies used in liposculpture intended to provide options, reduce risks and achieve the best results possible for patients. It is important to remember that you are likely to attain the best results from a surgeon you feel comfortable with. Likewise, a surgeon is likely to achieve the best results by utilizing the technique he or she is most skilled at and trained on be it ultrasonic liposculpture or otherwise.
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