Ultrasonic Liposuction
Ultrasonic liposuction uses high-pitched waves of sound to liquefy fat in targeted areas prior to its removal. It is employed primarily on difficult-to-treat areas such knees, calves, and ankles, and also the chin, cheeks, and neck where the tissue selectivity of the procedure is useful. It is often an adjunct treatment to tumescent liposuction for those patients needing a more precise degree of body shaping.
Dr. John Smoot, and Dr. Wendell Smoot, San Diego, California area cosmetic surgeons, know that nothing is more discouraging than the failure of diet and exercise to eliminate fatty areas from our bodies. In their many years of practicing cosmetic surgery and performing liposuction procedures, they have been gratified to help countless patients rid themselves of that last vestige of stubborn fat that just will not go away by other means.
Ultrasonic Liposuction
Ultrasonic liposuction, a type of liposuction, employs ultrasonic sound waves to essentially “transform” fat deposits into liquid. The procedure depends on the nature of fat. The number and distribution of fat cells in the human body is relatively set at puberty. When a fat increases, the number of cells does not increase, but, instead, the cells themselves grow larger. These enlarged cells are fragile and burst more easily than other types of cells, so when ultrasound is applied to fatty tissue, the fat cells burst while more resilient cells like blood vessels and connective tissue remain intact. When the “melted” fat is combined with an injected tumescent substance, the liquid fat emulsifies, causing it to be removed much more easily.
Fluid Injections
Ultrasonic liposuction's first step is injecting the tumescent fluid, a combination of anesthetic, epinephrine, and salt water, into the area being treated. This injection discourages fluid loss while fat is being removed and makes fat deposits easier to access and remove.
Ultrasonic Waves Change Fat to Liquid
Ultrasonic liposuction uses a special cannula (suction tube) with a tip that can generate ultrasound waves. When the cannula contacts the fat cells, they rapidly liquefy, mix with the tumescent solution, and are vacuumed out.
Benefits of Ultrasonic Fat Removal
Several advantages are associated with fat removal by this means, including the removal of denser fat deposits with ease. Ultrasonic liposuction may also tighten the skin, a clear advantage, as excess, baggy skin is reduced. Ultrasonic liposuction is characterized by its ability to fine-tune results since it allows for more precise body contouring.
Associated Risks
Since high heat is generated during ultrasonic liposuction, risk does exist for burning, but modern ultrasonic liposuction cannulae are less likely to cause this than earlier models, and our experienced surgeons also use techniques to minimize these undesirable outcomes. A second risk is called seroma, a condition in which excess fluid accumulates in the void left by removed fat. This excess fluid may be extracted with a syringe or a drain may be installed.
What areas are best suited for Ultrasonic Liposuction?
Ultrasonic liposuction is appropriate for all regions of the body that traditional liposuction addresses, but it is especially useful on areas where precision is needed, or where the fat is difficult to remove. The tummy, love handles, male breast tissue, chin, and neck all have great potential for this procedure; areas that have already been treated with other types of liposuction can also benefit from the added shaping that ultrasonic liposuction can offer.
If you or a loved one believes that ultrasonic liposuction could be of benefit, please contact the offices of Dr. John Smoot, and Dr. Wendell Smoot to schedule a cosmetic surgery consultation or call 800.715.5052; we can help you determine what approach is right for you. A variety of financing options for your cosmetic surgery are also available.
Wendell Smoot, M.D.
John Smoot, M.D.
Reza Sadrian, M.D.
Carol Hollan, M.D.
9850 Genesee Ave. #300, #380
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone No: (858) 587-9850
Fax: (858) 622-2066
If you live near La Jolla or elsewhere in San Diego and would like to learn more about abdominoplasty or liposuction, contact our practice today.
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