Can Lipo-cavitation remove fat from the waist?

Cavitation refers to an effect from certain types of ultrasound in tissue such as fat. However, the cavitation effect is difficult to control and it is very important to know exactly what the technology you are considering actually does. For any treatment you might be considering, you should ask: (1) Is it FDA approved? (I searched the FDA website and found nothing on lipo-cavitation as a specific technology (2) Are there clinical trials published in peer-reviewed journals to document the safety and effectiveness of the procedure? (Again, a quick search finds nothing for lipo-cavitation) (3) How does it compare to established, proven procedures? Liposonix is a focused ultrasound device that meets the above criteria.

If you are relatively fit then you are a good
candidate for #Vaser liposuction. It is a minimally invasive way
to get rid of stubborn fat and a good option for your waist as this procedure is easier to sculpt and contour the body. You can even
add a fat transfer procedure after. Common uses are for breast
augmentation and Brazilian buttock lift depending on the amount of fat
harvested. 
Please remember that liposuction is NOT a method of weight loss and
muscle toning, or an alternative to diet and exercise. It does not affect
one's metabolism. Regular exercise and diet is still recommended in
maintaining good and lasting liposuction results. Find a board-certified plastic surgeon and discuss realistic goals and expectations. Best of luck! #RealSelf100

Thank you for your question. Treatments like CoolSculpting and different Ultrasound techniques seem to be able to eliminate some fat in some people some of the time. None of these techniques are as powerful or reliable as liposuction, meaning tumescent liposuction. If you are not overweight, you are likely a good candidate for liposuction. Liposuction is a sculpting tool and is actually not a weight loss tool.

Liposuction may be suitable to remove fat from your waist, but if your aim is to create an hourglass figure, then you'd probably want to select a treatment that creates curves by adding, rather than taking away. For an hourglass figure, think about adding volume to your breasts and hips/buttocks. Breast augmentation and a butt lift with fat transplantation (aka Brazilian Butt Lift) can help. Talk to your surgeon - I'm sure they'll be able to recommend a suitable treatment for you during a consultation.

     Removal of fat by any method of liposuction can be effective.  This has less to do with the type and more to do with the surgeon.

It really depends on how it is done.  I use a multimodal therapy that combines ultrasound, laser and radiofrequency to get the best results.  These interventions are best for people with "problem areas" but not those that would be candidates for abdominoplasty or aggressive liposuction.  I hope this helps!

 

All the best,

 

Rian A. Maercks M.D.

If your surgeon is a board certified plastic surgeon and recommends this therapy it is probably reasonable for you.  If you feel a need to do so, please get other opinions.  I personally do not feel that ultrasound-assisted (UAL) or laser-assisted liposuction offer any better results than what I use, power-assisted liposuction, but that is just my opinion after 14+ years of practice.  I have used UAL (I have a UAL machine), not LAL. I guess that's why they call them opinions.  Best of luck to you.  

Liposuction is an excellent option for slimming and contouring of the torso. In my personal experience, this is far more predictable, precise and everlasting as compared to Coolsculpting and other technology

The waist (or love handles) is an area of the body that is effectively treated by either surgical or non-surgical options.  There are several non-surgical devices on the market that reduce fat .  They work by destroying fat cells using various modalities such as the device you referred to using ultrasound energy.  The destroyed fat cells are then removed by your body over time.  There are other modalities available as well such as cryolipolysis (freezing the fat), which is known under the brand name CoolSculpting.  However, it is important to understand that the advantages and disadvantages of non-surgical treatments compared to liposuction.  Non-surgical devices have the advantages of minimal discomfort with no need for anesthesia and no downtime from work.  However, their effect is limited and typically requires multiple treatments.  Therefore, there is not much of a price advantage and can actually be more costly than liposuction depending on the number of areas and treatment sessions needed.  
Conversely, liposuction works by mechanically removing the fat cells with a cannula, which can be viewed as minimally-invasive surgery.  The advantages of liposuction include a single treatment (one and done) with a drastic effect that requires a recovery period of about 1 week to return to normal activities.  The effect of liposuction is immediate, but there is swelling that takes weeks to months to completely resolve in order to see the shape.  If you are willing to have some downtime and mild recovery, liposuction will typically give you the most bang for your buck.  There are several different liposuction technologies, but the exact type is less important than the surgeon's ability.  There are many gimmicks and marketing tools surgeons use to attract patients.  Make sure you consult with a plastic surgeon that offers the full spectrum of aesthetic procedures to get the best possible advice on treatment options.
Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD 

FACT: Ultrasound energy breaks down fat cells.  So this energy used in non-surgical slimming machines can reduce fat.  This energy used in Ultrasonic surgical liposuction (VASER) breaks down fat cells which are then removed from the body.  So yes it does work.  There are options including Water-assisted liposuction that may be good for you to consider.  For defining liposuction, I have found the water technique to be very good for most women.  You may be able to have the procedure awake without anesthesia and return to work in less than one week.