What is ultrasonic liposuction or ultrasound-assisted lipo?

people in Beverly Hills & Los Angeles are bombarded by radio advertisments about Smart Liposuction or Ultrasonic Liposuction. They ask me if this technicque of liposuction is superior to other methods of liposuction. I have personally trided several different methods of liposuction on my patients and its my professional opionion and smart liposuction or ultrasonic liposuction do'nt have any advantage to tumesecent liposuction. In fact, they have the added risk and complications of burning, nerve damage, and scarring.

Vaser is the trade name for ultrasound liposuction. I really like using the vaser -lipo for areas that are particularly fibers such as the upper or lower back. I can really get in and shape these areas much more effectively  with it's help than without. Additionally the fat that is loosened up can be harvested and re-injected into other areas like the breast and buttock for augmentation purposes. The amount of post operative pain in my opinion is also less because the ultrasound energy allows the tissue to be extracted with less tearing than typical liposuction. Good LuckJohn S Mancoll,MD

Ultrasonic assisted liposuction is now in its third generation of technology. Initially the probe was created at about 1.5cm in diameter. Companies have evolved this technology with the most state-of-the-art advancement being Vaser liposuction. Vaser liposuction utilizes a titanium probe that is 3.9mm in diameter for the body and 2.2mm in diameter for the face and neck. The patients undergo general anesthesia because large areas of liposuction can be performed at the same time. Vaser liposuction, in my opinion, has become the gold standard for patients for body contouring and can be performed in conjunction with abdominoplasty techniques or at the same time as a breast augmentation or breast lift. With this, the patient can still have a safe and comfortable recovery. Ultrasonic energy is used under the skin to specifically target the fat cell. Because it is utilized for fat only, the patients lymphatics, blood vessels, nerves, and collagen are spared damage. In contrast, traditional forms of liposuction do not offer the same degree of selectivity in targeting fat cells.

Hi, for your guindance, Suction Assisted Lipectomy (SAL) or Traditional Liposuction is a surgical technique in which the removal of fat deposits reshapes a specific part of the body, such as the face, neck, arms, abdomen, hips, or thighs.The popularity of this operation is based on its relative simplicity, which requires only a small incision, usually well-hidden in a normal fold of skin. This procedure generates the best results in younger patients, non-smokers, darker skin types, and non sun-worshipers.On the other hand, Laser Assisted Liposuction (whether ultrasonic or ultrasound) is used to precisely sculpt and contour the treated area. It is a variation of traditional liposuction that uses low-wave laser energy to liquefy fat before it is removed. This technique makes it easier to remove the fat, resulting in a less invasive procedure with quicker downtime. Find a board-certified plastic surgeon and discuss realistic goals and expectations. Best of luck! #RealSelf100

Thank you for your question. These two are the same technique and involve something like the product Vaser or SmartLipo. They involve melting the fat via ultrasound before sucking it out. They melt the fat, and also break up fibrous attachments. The latter has specifically been shown to have an advantage in performing liposuction on the back.

Ultrasonic liposuction and ultrasound-assisted lipo are the same thing.   There are many adjuncts to liposuction, such as ultrasonic liposuction and laser liposuction.  These adjuncts, such as the ultrasound or laser, are used to help to break up fat before it is suctioned out.   So all of these other types of liposuction still use somewhat traditional means of liposuction to remove the fat, they just use some form of energy to break up the fat inside the body before it is suction out of the body. 

Yes, these are the same things. UAL is a method of liposuction that liquefies the fat before removing it from your body with a cannula. It is particularly good for more fibrous fat, like in your back. 

These are the same techniques. There may not be any advantage for you to use assisted liposuction.  You need to see a board certified plastic surgeon to have an evaluation.  Tumescent liposuction is a very safe, predictable method of sculpting the body without the additional risks associated with ultrasonic tools.

A large number of liposuction techniques are
currently available for treating localized areas of fat. These techniques have
specific indications and are often associated with unique advantages and
disadvantages.

Ultrasonic liposuction which is also known as
ultrasonic assisted liposuction utilizes high energy sound waves to destroy fat
cells. This process is known as cavitation and results in the formation of an
oily material which is then removed by standard liposuction techniques.

In the vast majority of situations, ultrasonic
liposuction offers no significant advantages over tumescent liposuction.
However, when fat deposits are associated with fibrous tissue ultrasonic
liposuction may offer unique advantages. This technique is therefore often utilized in the flanks and chest of men.

If you’re considering ultrasonic liposuction, it’s
important to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. This surgeon should be
able to formulate an appropriate treatment plan for your condition.  

Ultrasound assisted liposuction is an option for many patients who are considering liposuction.   I think there is a lot of hype about liposuction technologies, so it's important to take some of the claims from manufacturers with a grain of salt.  However, I find that for certain patients, ultrasound can be a terrific option that allows me to accomplish better results.  Ultrasound assisted liposuction involves an ultrasound device that is used to break up the fat cells prior to suction being used to remove fat tissue.  Particularly in fibrous areas on the body or in areas where we would like to accomplish a little more skin tightening, this can be a very good option.  

Ultrasonic liposuction is a high energy system that facilitates fat removal by melting fat before removal. I prefer the power-assisted liposuction system because it accomplishes a similar goal with more precision and lower risk of complications. Performed by an expert, liposuction has the lowest complication rate of any cosmetic surgery operation.