505/242 0070 for more informationImmediate Release
CONTACT: Patrick Hudson MD PA
telephone: 505/242 0070
email: doctor@phudson.com
Albuquerque, NM (November 15, 1996): Albuquerque Plastic Surgeon Patrick Hudson, MD, says a study presented in Dallas this week at the annual meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) suggests a more efficient and less painful method of fat removal may soon be available.
The procedure is known as ultrasonic liposuction. Unlike current methods this approach allows the removal of large amounts of fat. The method has been in use in South America and Europe and clinical trials are now underway in the U.S. for review by the Food and Drug Administration. The study presented in Dallas was compiled by plastic surgeons from Nashville in cooperation with national plastic surgery organizations, including the ASPS.
"From what I saw this week, this approach is most promising. Traditional liposuction uses high pressure to separate the fat cells so they can be removed by suction. Ultrasonic liposuction uses mechanical sound waves to liquefy the fat cells. The fat cells are then removed by low pressure suction." Dr. Hudson said.
Nearly 200 patients have been treated in the clinical trials. Besides being able to remove more fat from patients, Dr.Hudson says the ultrasonic method may mean less blood loss, bruising and patient discomfort than traditional liposuction.
"Liposuction is one of our most requested procedures. Any advance in the method is one that will benefit thousands of patients in the Southwest."
The procedure will become more available to the general public after the equipment has been reviewed by the FDA. The long-term impact of ultrasonic energy is one of the issues under study.
Dr. Patrick Hudson is a regional spokesperson for the American Society of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPS) and is available to answer your questions about this or any other aspect of plastic surgery. The ASPS is the largest organization of board certified plastic surgeons in North America.
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