In today's weight-conscious, health-obsessed world, weight loss technologies are more in demand than ever. However, traditional liposuction techniques are labor-intensive surgical procedures, and not effective on all areas of the body. If you are considering liposuction, an ultrasonic procedure presents an alternative to traditional surgical techniques. Below, you will find information on both external and internal ultrasonic liposuction techniques, as well as tumescent liposuction, the primary alternative.

External Ultrasonic Liposuction

External ultrasonic liposuction is a relatively new and non-surgical procedure. The areas of fat slated to be removed are injected with a fluid designed to carry ultrasonic vibrations- often simply water. Ultrasonic waves are then applied to the area with external paddle devices. These waves loosen and break up the fat cells using high-frequency vibration.

External ultrasonic liposuction creates minimal scar tissue and discomfort to the patient. It also carries a lower risk of Seromas, fluid pockets sometimes created by other liposuction procedures. However, the actual effectiveness of external ultrasonic techniques in reducing fat deposits is uncertain.

Internal Ultrasonic Liposuction

The most common form of ultrasonic-assisted liposuction is the internal variant. In this procedure, the cannula includes an ultrasonic generator which vibrates within the fat deposit itself, liquefying the fat cells. This renders the procedure more effective on tough, fibrous fatty deposits such as those on the back or in male breast tissue.

While the procedure is lengthy, it requires less time than tumescent liposuction, and involves even less blood loss. Once the fat cells are emulsified, they are removed in the traditional way, via suction through a cannula.

Excessive exposure to ultrasonic energy can result in scarring or burning, numbness, and formation of fluid pockets. Modern ultrasonic devices generally avoid these risks by using pulsed (rather than constant) application of waves. However, ultrasonic exposure to certain organs may still present a long-term risk.

Alternatives to Ultrasonics: Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction is the predominant alternative to ultrasonic procedures. It does not involve general anesthesia, but instead numbs large areas of subcutaneous fat via the injection of lidocaine.

Once the local anesthetic has taken hold, fat is extracted in the typical way: via an inserted tube or cannula which both breaks up and extracts the fat cells. It is considered superior to other techniques due to the relatively minor blood loss incurred during the procedure, and the removal of the need to narcotize the patient.

Whether via tumescent procedures or ultrasonic application, the results or liposuction are permanent and often dramatic. The body no longer produces fat cells after puberty- weight gain is a result of the expansion of existing cells- so the removal of such cells produces a visible difference immediately. While not without risk, ultrasonic liposuction is a leap forward in fat-removing technologies, and can help you reach your ideal weight, and your ideal you.

For more information, contact a local clinic, like Plastic Surgery Innovation PC.

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