What is "ultrasound-assisted liposuction"?

What is "ultrasound-assisted liposuction"?

Steve Fallek (Plastic Surgeon & Medical Director, Face Focus Medical Spa, New York City) gives expert video advice on: What are the risks and complications associated with liposuction?; What incisions or scarring should I expect with liposuction? and more...

In the mid-90s, there was a push for ultrasound stimulation of the fatty cells and fatty tissues, and what they were hoping was that the ultrasound stimulation would rupture the fat and therefore make it easier for the liposuction to be performed and for more fat to be removed. There are two types of ultrasound: external and internal ultrasound. In both of these cases, ultrasound stimulation heated up the tissues and made it easier for the tissue to be removed. There were some concerns about potential burns involved in this radiation or energy being applied to the skin and the fat, but with some of the newer devices it has been proven to be safe and effective. Ultrasound liposuction pretty much works in the same way as regular liposuction. It just makes the plastic surgeon's job a bit easier.