Will ultrasound kill fat grafts after lipo revision?

Question

Hi All, I just had a successful lipo revision procedure. My surgeon was able to address most of my areas that had fibrosis. My surgeon injected fat in dents after breaking up fibrosis. I still feel some fibrosis in those areas. I heard about ultrasound treatments with the Aspen multi-energy system. The makers claim it can help break up fibrosis from botched lipo. Is that scientifically credible? If I have ultrasound on the areas where fat was injected, will it melt/kill the fat grafts? Thanks

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

The entrepreneur who founded Aspen has been around for many years, but has not produced any study that could be published in a scientific journal (no controls, no cohorts, no blinding, essentially no science). Initially he targeted  breast implant capsular contracture, but has now expanded into post liposuction fibrosis. His claims are without merit or proof. There is no reason to think that ultrasound, which merely heats tissue, can lead to changes in the body's scarring. If you are out past a couple of weeks from your surgery, you should start with aggressive post-lipo massage and endermologie, both of which are mechanically based and proven to be helpful with modulating scarring.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your successful lipo revision procedure! Ultrasound treatments, including the Aspen multi-energy system, have been used for various medical and cosmetic purposes, including the treatment of fibrosis following botched lipo.

Ultrasound can help break up fibrous tissue by using sound waves to create vibrations that loosen the tissue and promote healing. However, the effectiveness of ultrasound treatments in treating fibrosis following liposuction is not yet well-established, and more research is needed to determine its efficacy.

Regarding your concern about the effect of ultrasound on fat grafts, it is possible that the ultrasound could affect the fat grafts in the treated areas. The energy delivered by the ultrasound could potentially damage the fat cells, causing them to die and be reabsorbed by the body. This could potentially compromise the results of your liposuction revision procedure.

Therefore, before considering ultrasound treatments, it is important to consult with your surgeon and discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure. Your surgeon will be able to evaluate your individual case and determine whether ultrasound treatment is appropriate for your needs.

It is also important to note that the healing process following liposuction can take several months, and it is normal to experience some degree of fibrosis and swelling during this time. It may be helpful to follow your surgeon's post-operative care instructions and maintain a healthy lifestyle to promote healing and optimize your results.

Best of luck !

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Your post requires more context in order to give a credible answer. I don’t think ultrasound is going to do much of anything. Results are primarily determined by patient’s individual candidacy for the procedure combined with the skill and experience of the provider. I suggest waiting six months for your results to be final before making an assessment on the outcome of your revision.
Fibrosis is generally a condition related to overly aggressive previous liposuction were the majority of fat has been removed creating palpable scar tissue without sufficient subcutaneous fat to buffer the scar tissue.
Fat grafting tends to be difficult in the situation because the body lax post tissue to support the grafted fat.
Tissue grafts should not be manipulated within the first several months in order to maximize survival.
I suggest you review your outcome and concerns with your provider.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Jose Segura, MD, PhD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello, thanks for sharing your doubt; the updated management of fibrosis in revision liposuctions, it is suggested to use ribotrypsin-based medication and the ultrasound applied where fat grafts were placed can favor its reabsorption, since the tissue is of poor quality in the area and its benefit is minimal. Other alternatives is to apply biostimulators to the skin to reduce fibrosis in the area. I hope you consider this opinión.

Will ultrasound kill fat grafts after lipo revision?

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Will ultrasound kill fat grafts after lipo revision?

Answers (4)

Answer: Alternative treatment

Answer: Alternative treatment

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction Revision

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