Liposuction has evolved over the years and is now a much safer and more successful cosmetic procedure than ever before.
In the past, liposuction often resulted in many complications and not the smooth, sculpted fat removal procedure that people desired.
Fat was removed without the aid of any blood constrictors or fluids, resulting in tissue damage and massive blood loss.
Today, plastic surgeons have developed new techniques to help minimize risks and maximize results while keeping the patient's comfort and aesthetic desires in mind.
Ultrasonic assisted liposuction, or UAL, is one technique that is gaining popularity.
The procedure is one of the latest in high tech cosmetic surgery trends.
It is most often used to target difficult areas such as the love handles that develop on the lower back, flabby stomachs, and male breasts, also known as gynecomastia.
Before the procedure begins, a fluid consisting of anesthetic, saline solution and a blood constrictor is injected into the area to be suctioned to help loosed the cells.
An incision is created where the cannula, a hollow tube that will suction the fat, is then inserted.
Ultrasonic waves transmitted by the cannula turn the fat cells into a liquefied state, which aids in suctioning without damaging surrounding tissue.
The powerful waves are particularly useful when targeting areas that tend to develop more fibrous fat, such as the in the lower back.
This technique is much more precise, resulting in smoother contouring, less blood loss, and sometimes even a shorter recovery period.
Ideal candidates for this liposuction technique are non-smokers who are in fairly good shape, have a decent level of skin elasticity, and have realistic expectations.
No procedure can help you remove excessive amounts of weight, but rather they are a body sculpting tool that can help carve away stubborn lumps and fat deposits that are resistant to exercise and dieting.
As will all plastic surgery procedures, ultrasonic assisted liposuction carries certain risks and complications.
Like all liposuction techniques, UAL can potentially cause infection, blood clots, skin necrosis, scarring, and bleeding.
UAL can also cause severe burns due to the heat that is generated during the fat removal procedure.
Using caution when choosing to undergo surgery, obeying all of the plastic surgeon's instructions both before and after the procedure, as well as choosing a board-certified and skilled surgeon can help diminish the chance of developing one of these risks.
When choosing a plastic surgeon to perform your liposuction, check all certifications, degrees, and experience.
There are some surgeons who perform many different types of liposuction, or just cosmetic surgeries in general, while some specialize.
Research potential surgeons and consult with two to three before choosing which you think will best perform the procedure.
Liposuction, even UAL, is not a procedure for everyone but it can enhance the body image of those who can get it done.
Make sure you accept the potential risks and complications, as well as have realistic expectations about the results.
Liposuction cannot transform your body, but it can help you smooth away those little imperfections that have been plaguing you.