Ultrasound liposuction is the newest rage (1997)
in plastic and cosmetic surgery.
1997
What we as plastic surgeons and I in particular have learned is that
ULTRASONIC LIPOSUCTION allows fat
To be more easily removed
with less trauma to the skin and tissues
with less blood loss
allowing more fat to be removed per operation
and last but not least - with less effort on the
part of the surgeon
Individuals
used to be quite thankful after traditional liposuction. They are now as a rule - THRILLED -
with the results of surgery. I found it hard to believe
that patient satisfaction has increased so dramatically !
THE DOWN SIDE
I find that there is
more recuperation time in doing vigorous exercise
more tingling and even tingling to the point of significant discomfort
numbness lasts longer (up to four weeks more)
swelling in the skin lasts longer
In spite of this point people are EXTREMELY
PLEASED with the results of surgery. The skin seems tighter as a result of this type of surgery.
Very difficult areas are able to be treated. Fat that is sponge like is able to be removed.
While internal ultrasonic liposuction is not needed in every case, when needed it certainly can enhance the result of surgery.
Ultrasonic liposuction is an addition to traditional
liposuction that has been practiced since 1982. Dr.
Illouz of Paris popularized the current method of
liposuction in the late 1970s and early 1980s. While
it was thought that this new form of liposuction would
pose a threat to the excellent safety record that
traditional liposuction has enjoyed, so far the problems
have been minor (see above) but the results even more
impressive. Due to its safety and efficiency, standard
liposuction has become the most frequently performed
operation done by plastic surgeons.
In summary, the use of ultrasound and the performance
of ultrasonic liposuction is here to stay. The use
of the additional ultrasound makes surgery easier
for the surgeon and the patient. It also allows
treatment of difficult areas to be more easily operated.
We anticipate and so far we have found that the
addition of ultrasound will tighten the skin to
a degree far more that had been hoped and there
is also less bleeding.
On the horizon are even better methods of fat
removal. Within the next few years we will see the
development of microwave fat removal. Indeed who
knows, the magic pill for obesity just may be a
microwave wand!!!
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