As one of the most common cosmetic surgeries in the United States, it comes as no surprise that there are different methods of liposuction from which we can choose. Traditionally performed through a small incision made in the fat layer beneath the skin, using a hollow tube attached to a vacuum, traditional liposuction fat breaks up and then sucks fat out using a tool called a cannula. Thanks to continued innovation in the cosmetic market, new forms of this procedure have emerged that have grown into household names, such as laser and ultrasonic liposuction.
The names may seem self-explanatory, but to make your search easier, here is a brief explanation. Laser liposuction uses heat from a fiber optic laser at various wavelengths to melt body fat. Ultrasonic liposuction liquefies the fat using ultrasonic waves before removing the fat.
VASER Lipo is a brand name you may have run into when researching ultrasound procedures. This minimally invasive procedure uses ultrasound technology to reshape your body gently. VASER’s innovative technique can target fat while avoiding other tissue such as nerves and blood vessels.
The Procedure
When discussing ultrasound liposuction with your surgeon, it’s important to note that there are two different types.
Internal:
This procedure requires a large amount of tumescent fluid and uses a metal probe to deliver ultrasonic energy. A relatively large incision made through the skin into the layer of fat is required. Through there, the fat, as mentioned, is broken up using ultrasound energy and then sucked out of the body. Similar to other liposuction procedures, the fat is removed through a cannula.
External:
A paddle-like tool emits sonic vibration through the skin, so no incision is required. This may seem like the more comfortable option; however, the vibrations involved could disrupt the nervous system resulting in loss of feeling. Nonetheless, given that this procedure is entirely noninvasive and external, it carries fewer risks than VASER. Common brand names performing this treatment include Liposonix and UltraShape.
Why Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction
Before we answer this, let’s take a look as to why liposuction has become such a well known cosmetic surgery. Although this is not a solution for weight loss, this is an excellent alternative if you have fat deposits that won’t go away through diet and exercise.
As is the case with almost everything, as time goes on, continuous technological innovation makes things more efficient. Traditional liposuction carries high risks, such as puncture wounds, nerve damage, fat clots, and more. Ultrasound liposuction fills in the gaps associated with conventional liposuction by removing fat more precisely, increasing skin contraction, and preserving the surrounding nerves.
Most of these procedures are done on an outpatient basis, meaning that you can go home the same day. Unless the treatment removes fat from a large area, the recovery period is also quite brief. The main areas targeted through UAL are the abdomen, back, butt, legs, arms, and breasts. Talk to your doctor about your hard to get rid of fat and see if ultrasound liposuction is the right choice for you.