Ultrasonic-Assisted Lipoplasty (Suction Lipectomy)

We would like to provide some basic information regarding ultrasonic liposuction (suction lipectomy). However, the best way to obtain specific information is to have a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. Please call (800)505-3627 for a consultation. Office hours are Mon., Wed. and Fri from 1:30-5PM.

Ultrasounic assisted lipoplasty, commonly known as "UAL, "is a relatively new liposuction technique that uses sound waves to "liquefy" unwanted fat. Although it is not a substitute for traditional liposuction, UAL can be an effective tool for removing fat from multiple areas of the body such as the male breasts, abdomen, back or "love handles". Often, traditional liposuction is performed in conjunction with UAL.

The best candidates for liposuction

All surgery carries some uncertainties and risk

The Consultation

Preparing for your surgery

The surgery

After your surgery

Getting back to normal

The best candidates for liposuction
Liposuction can enhance your appearance and improve your self-confidence. Before you decide to have UAL or liposuction of any type, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with a member or our medical team. The best candidates for UAL are generally no different than candidates for the traditional liposuction procedure: normal weight people with firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat in particular areas.

UAL candidates should be physically healthy, psychologically stable and realistic in their expectations. Age is usually not a criterion for liposuction, but older patients may have diminished skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as a younger patient.

All surgery carries some uncertainties and risk
Since it was first described in the medical literature in 1991, UAL has been performed on several thousand patients worldwide. However, long-term effects of ultrasound energy are not known and extensive research and clinical trials are needed to establish fully the safety and efficacy of UAL. So far, clinical investigators have reported good results from the technique.

Recently ultrasound assisted liposuction was introduced and has resulted in dramatic improvement in treatment of the "love handle" deformity and male breast enlargement. This technique has also reulted in neck and abdomenal skin tightening. Be sure and ask if you are a candidate.

Complications from liposuction may include irregularities of the skin's surface, areas of uneven pigmentation, and asymmetry. Occasionally revisional surgery may be necessary (5%) but is easily accomplished with less recovery than the original surgery.

The Consultation
A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering correction of gynecomastia. During this meeting, one of our board-certified plastic surgeons will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific goals for surgery.

You should arrive at the consultation prepared to provide complete information about:

• Previous surgeries
• Past and present medical conditions
• Medications that you are taking, including Aspirin, nutritional supplements, steroids, and herbal remedies.
• Allergies
• Smoking history, if any

During your physical examination, the doctor will determine where your fat deposits lie and assess the condition of your skin. We will also discuss alternatives and the risks, goals, and limitations of each.

The physician will explain the body contouring methods that may be most appropriate for you. Suggestions for other procedures may also be discussed. Often times an abdominoplasty also known as a tummy tuck may more effectively meet your goals.

In any case, we will work with you to recommend the procedure that is right for you and will come closest to producing the desired body contour.

Preparing for your surgery
When the date for your procedure has been set, we will provide you with specific instructions for the days immediately before and after surgery. A number of points may be covered, including:

• Avoiding certain medications that may complicate surgery or recovery. Such as Aspirin, and Aspirin type products, Vitamin E and Gingko
• Stopping smoking for a period of time (2 weeks) before and after surgery
• Arranging for help and special care following surgery

The Surgery
Generally we perform liposuction in our office-based surgical suite using local anesthesia and intravenous sedation (twilight sleep). Our medical team monitors your physical status throughout the operation and during your recovery. The surgery usually takes about an hour, sometimes longer if there are multiple areas to be suctioned. You are then cared for in the recovery area for 1-2 hours before you are sent home.

If you and the doctor select general anesthesia the surgery will be performed in a hospital as an outpatient procedure.

To begin the procedure, large volumes of local anesthesia is injected into the area to be treated. Then, a metal cannula connected to an ultrasound generator is inserted beneath the skin through a small incision. The ultrasonic energy causes the walls of the fat cells to break down. The "liquefied" fat combines with the injected fluid to create an emulsion, which is removed from the body by vacuum pressure.

After your surgery
You will be cared for in the recovery room for at least one-hour after surgery. Discomfort is minimal; you will have a compression garment (girdle) on which must be worn as directed. Typically the garment is worn for up to four weeks after the surgery. This will decrease the amount of swelling and compress the skin to fit it's new contour. Pain medication will be prescribed for the discomfort.

Getting back to normal
Healing is a gradual process. You should be back to work within 3-5 days following your surgery. Stitches are usually removed within 10 days.

Strenuous activity should be avoided for about three weeks as your body continues to heal. Although most of the bruising and swelling usually disappears within six weeks, some swelling may remain for six months or more.

To schedule your consultation, click here or call (800)505-3627.