Ultrasonic assisted liposuction (UAL) is a technique that uses high-pitched sound waves to agitate, loosen and liquefy fat. This makes it easier for the liposuction surgeon to remove fat especially compared to the mechanical force used in traditional liposuction techniques. The procedure can be either an internal or an external ultrasonic liposuction method.
The internal ultrasonic liposuction delivers the ultrasound waves through the cannula, which is the suction tube used to remove the fat. It requires an incision and the cannula is inserted into the areas where the fat removal is desired. The cannula is connected to an ultrasonic generator which creates and passes the ultrasonic energy through the cannula.
On the other hand, external ultrasonic liposuction uses paddles passed over the skin of the desired treatment area which radiate ultrasonic waves through the skin tissue to reach the subcutaneous fatty layer beneath.
Specific Risks of Internal UAL
There is a risk of developing blisters or burns if the plastic surgeon is inexperienced or is not paying enough attention and allows the tip of the cannula to come too close to the surface of the skin from the underside.
Although the internal ultrasonic liposuction machines were not deemed safe enough by the FDA for commercial use, there were machines that have already been sold and some plastic surgeons are still using them on their patients.
Internal UAL requires a general anesthesia which in itself is associated with many complications. Since it produces heat it inadvertently increases the temperature of nearby blood vessels causing blood clots in the veins. This reduces the amount of nutrients that can be delivered to the skin cells which inevitably will die.
There are also some concerns regarding heat produced by internal UAL and its effect on blood vessels that carries supplies to the cells in the overlying skin. The heat increases the temperature within the blood vessels causing blood clots which restrict oxygen to the cells leading to dead skin tissue.
Dangers of External UAL
There are several warnings about the risks and dangers of using external ultrasound machines. Fortunately the risks are more documented and as long as the device avoids areas like the heart, ovaries or large arteries it can offer an effective way to assist liposuction surgery. This means that external ultrasonic assisted liposuction should not be performed in treatment areas like the male breasts, female abdomen, or chin and neck areas where major arteries reside.
The appeal of using ultrasound to liquefy fat instead of breaking it down with mechanical force is tempting for many patients and surgeons. But the risks have been controversial with some studies claiming that internal ultrasonic liposuction is safe despite reports of complications. Meanwhile, many plastic surgeons have concluded that the risks are not worth pursuing this technique and recommend tumescent liposuction with a tiny cannula.
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