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LIPOSUCTION
ultrasonic liposuction compared with traditional liposuction
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Ultrasonic liposuction may have a number of advantages over traditional liposuction. The most significant is that the operation can be used to  remove large volumes of fat. Traditional liposuction is used for sculpturing smaller volumes. During traditional liposuction the small blood vessels in the fat are torn and therefore blood loss can be significant In ultrasonic liposuction there is less capillary tearing and therefore much less blood loss. Some reports suggest 30-50% less blood loss.
In traditional liposuction the skin contracts very little. Ultrasonic liposuction may cause skin contraction and retraction especially in areas like the neck.
In the early stages and with the two stage method of ultrasonic liposuction the process may take longer. It is expected that as surgeons become more experienced and the equipment better it will take less time. Some studies also suggest that with ultrasonic liposuction there is less pain and discomfort. The ability to refine shape and sculpt is better with ultrasonic liposuction and it is much less strenuous for the surgeon.
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The complication rate appears less for ultrasonic liposuction although there are complications that are unique for ultrasonic liposuction. Because there is less damage to the small blood vessels, patients experience less bruising and perhaps less irregularity with ultrasonic liposuction.Patients may be happier because the results are seen earlier, usually weeks instead of months after surgery.
Technically the surgeon must use a straight suction cannula in ultrasonic liposuction . This is a disadvantage when working in curved areas. Also the incisions are slightly larger because of the plastic skin protectors used reduce the risk of burns.
Having said this it is well to remember that all research reports are in their early stage and that some areas may always be better treated with traditional liposuction.
- This table may help you compare the two procedures
- as used by Dr. Hudson.
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ultrasonic
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traditional
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| volume removed |
medium to large
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small to medium
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| skin contraction |
yes
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no
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| pain & discomfort |
less, different
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more
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| complications |
fewer
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more
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| bruising & irregularity |
less
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more
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| see a result |
weeks
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months
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| bleeding |
less
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more
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| speed of suctioning |
same, perhaps faster
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same
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| ability to refine shape |
better
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less good
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| surgeon physical effort |
less
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more
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| cost |
same
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same
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