You may be a candidate for ultrasonic liposuction (UAL) if you have excess subcutaneous fat, which is resistant to diet and exercise or if you wish to change the contours of your body. Commonly involved areas are the anterior part of the neck (under the chin), upper arms and armpits, male chest/breasts, trunk, abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, inner knees, calves, and ankles. Patients desiring permanent improvement in contour abnormalities caused by excess fat may also desire ultrasound liposuction.
The use of UAL allows safer removal of larger amounts of fat than with standard liposuction. This increase in safety is due to the reduced amount of blood removed with UAL. This means that UAL can be very useful to moderately overweight individuals even though UAL is not a weight loss method per se.
Ultrasound assisted liposuction is intended to improve the contour and proportion of the treated areas, resulting in a more flattering figure or physique, in or out of clothing.
The procedures are done on an outpatient basis. General anesthesia is appropriate for UAL. Small suction tubes (cannulas) are inserted through very short incisions placed in inconspicuous locations near the fat deposits, and excess fat is removed. If extremely large volumes of fat are to be removed, you may be asked to donate one or two units of blood and take supplemental iron before surgery. Your own blood may then be used as a transfusion at the end of surgery. (The frequency of need for this type of transfusion is decreased by using UAL.)
The patient goes home with a compression garment covering the treated areas. Compression is advised for about a month as it helps reduce swelling and helps you achieve the final result more quickly. Once pain and soreness decrease, it is frequently more comfortable to wear Iycra or spandex exercise pants. Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. The advantages of UAL are reduced blood loss, decreased bruising, possible reduction in post?operative discomfort and overall faster healing. Bruising and swelling usually subside in 2-4 weeks. The final result takes shape over 2-3 months.
Additional procedures that may enhance the result are of ultrasonic assisted liposuction are Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), Breast Reduction, Breast Lift, Breast Augmentation, Thigh Lift, or Buttock Lift.
This procedure is considered cosmetic and therefore is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment. The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the stomach firm pad under the compression garment for
By: Kimberly | 12-09-2008
I had liposuction on tuesday, sep 9 2008. This is my 3 day after surger. Under my garment was a piece of firm foam pad that was over my abs, the nurse said it was okay to take this off, however; i am wondering if it needs to stay on under the compressiion garment. I had it on my stomach, flanks, love handles, inner & outer thighs, hips and knees?
I had a tummy tuck and lipo suction done. I am 10 ...
By: Birdie | 27-08-2008
I had a tummy tuck and lipo suction done. I am 10 weeks post. I feel like I was smaller 3 weeks ago. I feel like a am bigger now around my tummy area. Is this normal???
Returning fat on inner thighs!!
By: Ann | 24-08-2008
I am 5'3" and currently weigh 117. I am 51 years old. I had lipo last July (2007) on my inner and outer thighs and love handles. Recently, I've noticed fat returning on my inner thighs. I weigh EXACTLY what I weighed the day I came home for having the lipo. I walk miles daily and work with weights at the gym twice a week. How can this fat be returning? I am feeling so discouraged because I work so hard to look good. I don't want to go through the surgery again!! HELP...............why is the fat coming back!! Thanks, ANN
Will weight loss AFTER lipo target the non-lipo'd areas?? i.e. reverse of weight gain after lipo
By: lipo4athlete | 20-08-2008
I am going in for liposuction of my lower ab, hips, flanks, bra rolls, and back, but also really need to lose stubborn fat off my arms and thighs as well!! (just couldn't get it all done in one trip, so I had to prioritize)
My question (my hope) is: Will it be any easier for me to lose fat in those remaining stubborn areas - my arms and thighs - since they no longer have to compete with that whole mid-section? In other words, if weight gain tends to go to the non-lipo'd areas/does weight loss tend to come off these non-lipo'd areas, too? or just wishful thinking :/ ?
SMARTLIPO 5,000 dollars????????
By: MissEntreprenuer | 17-08-2008
Is 5,ooo dollars legitimatie for 3 different sections (thighs, buttocks, waist/ lovehandles (back)in performing SMARTLIPO?????
Elastic compression garment for Liposuction
By: khaled | 03-08-2008
I can`t withstand wearing the elastic compression garment , it`s really very tight & i can feel lumping in all my belly & blood concentration , it`s even doesn`t help me to defecate as it`s pressing over my stomach , can i take it off ? or use normal bandage instead ?? I just made the Liposuction operation 3 days back
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Health Articles
The Link Between Exercise And Depression
By: KJ Ross | 06/10/2008
Depression and lack of time are the two main reasons given for not exercising. Yet the same people will tell you how much better they feel in the summer when they can get out into the outdoors, into fresh air.
Six Steps To Avoid Yeast Infection (Candida)
By: Bradley Smith | 06/10/2008
Yeast infections can not only be embarrassing but can have dreadful affects. Learn how to take control of this annoying fungus and get your body back under control !
Smart Tips For Weight Loss
By: Matt Chang | 06/10/2008
There isn't a magic bullet for losing weight. It's really a numbers game.
The Reality Of Sinister Black Mold Mischief
By: Aydan Corkern | 06/10/2008
This common spore can cause untold damage if not kept in check.
Tips on How to Lose Weight Fast and Effortlessly
By: Shakil Zaman | 06/10/2008
Being overweight can be a great burden and finding a way to get back to a normal and healthy weight can make a big difference in your life. The consequences of excess weight include lack of energy, loss of self esteem and confidence just to name a few. Unfortunately there...
Heart Rate Monitors - Why Should I Use One?
By: John Vanse | 06/10/2008
What is a Heart Rate Monitor?
Sometimes called a cardiac monitor, a heart monitor is an electronic device that is used to continuously track your heart rate. Using this information you can determine the target heart rate at which you will maximize the cardiac benefits from your exercise. There are more...
Why Cabbage is a Very Important Vegetable?
By: W. Darren - | 06/10/2008
The vegetable cabbage is very easy to grow and is readily available in the market. It is cultivated in most countries worldwide just like other common cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, brussel sprouts and cauliflower which are part of our day to day cooking. Cabbage is famous for its nutritional values,...
College Student and ADHD Medication Abuse Facts to Ponder
By: Jimmy Brownen | 06/10/2008
A study done in 2007 shows that misuse and abuse of medication prescribed by ADHD is fast becoming a nationwide problem. This study had participations of nearly 11000 4th year students from colleges all over the US. These students we promised that their identity will be concealed to ensure honest...
More from Dave Stringham
Rhinoplasty (nose Surgery) Can Help Improve Your Face's Proportions
By: Dave Stringham | 27/09/2008 | Health
Rhinoplasty, also called Nose Refinement Surgery, is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures performed today, as well as one of the most intricate. By adjusting and relocating parts of the nose, a rhinoplasty procedure can increase or decrease the size of your nose, adjust the shape of the tip and bridge, or even correct some birth defects or breathing problems.
Neck and Thigh Lifts are Safe and Effective Procedures
By: Dave Stringham | 24/09/2008 | Health
The effects of time and gravity can cause skin to sag or become droopy. You may find yourself with a double chin or cellulite on your thighs. While these conditions may be embarassing or cause you to be self-conscious, procedures are available to help!
Consider a Body Lift to Increase the Shape and Proportions of Your Entire Body
By: Dave Stringham | 23/09/2008 | Health
A body lift is similar to a facelift, except it involves the center of the body. Specifically, a body lift is the surgical contouring of arms, thighs, abdomen and breasts to remove excessive, hanging skin. The body lift procedure is designed for people who have lost large amounts of weight either through diet and exercise or gastric/intestinal bypass surgery.
Lip Augmentations Can Help You Have Fuller Lips With the Perfect Pout
By: Dave Stringham | 23/09/2008 | Fitness
Lip augmentation is a procedure that will help you get full, sexy lips. A lip augmentation has quick results and speedy recovery time, and can help increase your sexual and self-confidence.
Bariatric Surgery Can Help Achieve Massive Weight Loss
By: Dave Stringham | 23/09/2008 | Health
Weight loss surgery is major surgery. Its growing use to treat obesity and morbid obesity is the result of three factors: our current knowledge of the significant health risks of morbid obesity, the relatively low risk and complications of the procedures versus not having surgery, and the ineffectiveness of current non-surgical approaches to produce sustained weight loss.
Supplement Exercise and Working Out With Pectoral Implants
By: Dave Stringham | 23/09/2008 | Fitness
Pectoral implants, most frequently selected by men, are becoming an ever more popular choice to increase the appearance of chest muscles.
Pain From Excessively Large Breasts Can be Stopped With a Breast Reduction
By: Dave Stringham | 22/09/2008 | Health
Excessively large breasts can cause painful complications, including serious back problems, skin irritation, restrictions in activity, and self-consciousness. However, a breast reduction is a safe procedure that will help alleviate those conditions, as well as improve the shape and symmetry of the breasts.
A Forehead Lift Can Make You Look Younger and Refreshed
By: Dave Stringham | 22/09/2008 | Fitness
A browlift, also referred to as a forehead lift, is a procedure that will help reshape the area above the eyes, providing a more refreshed, youthful look.
Health 
