Ultrasonic liposuction a newer area of cosmetic plastic surgery. The early European results have been confirmed in the US and may surgeons see this as a signifcant advance.
The technique is similar to traditional liposuction but may allow removal of larger amounts of fat with less damage to the surrounding tissue. Ultrasonic liposuction may be especially helpful for older patients, and men. It allows removal of larger amounts of fat.
The fat is broken up or liquefied with ultrasound. This allows it to be removed more easily and perhaps with less loss of blood. Some of the suggested uses include:
body sculpturing in the same way as regular liposuction, especially in fibrous areas like the back, abdomen, hip or outer thigh.
breast reduction, results still awaiting clarification but seem hopeful. At this time it is not used routinely, and regular liposuction is still preferred for liposuction breast reduction by most surgeons in the United States.
gynecomastia, removal of large breasts in men
alternative names: ultrasonic liposuction, ultrasound assisted lipoplasty, UAL