When patients find it difficult to lose weight in problem areas such as the thighs, backside, arms, or stomach, liposuction is a great option. Diet and exercise aren't always effective in trimming down problem areas, and, as a result, many people turn to this effective alternative.

Liposuction removes fat from the parts of the body where liposuction is conducted. Popular areas include the chin, arms, cheeks, inner and outer thighs, hips, butt, knees, and tummy. Thousands of patients safely undergo liposuction each year. Here is a quick review of popular liposuction techniques, including suction-assisted and power assisted liposuction; and finally, the focus of this blog post: ultrasonic liposuction.

Suction- Assisted Liposuction

This is the traditional and most common method used in liposuction. Using vacuum pressure, the surgeon removes fat through a cannula.

Power Assisted Liposuction

This differs from suction-assisted liposuction. Power assisted liposuction uses the same tool, a cannula, but the tip of the cannula vibrates to make the fat removal process easier and less traumatic. The plastic surgeon uses a back and forth motion with the tip of the cannula in order to pass through thick tissue and suction out the fat.

Ultrasonic Liposuction

Ultrasonic liposuction is different from other forms of liposuction. Like the other liposuction techniques, ultrasonic liposuction employs use of a cannula. This specialized cannula emits soundwaves from the tip to liquefy the fat before suctioning it out of the body. This liquification of fat makes it far easier to remove fat, and it also results in less damage to surrounding tissues and skin.

Benefits of Ultrasonic Liposuction

Ultrasonic liposuction (UAL) decreases discomfort for patients during and after the surgery, making the recovery period more comfortable. Ultrasonic liposuction also gives the surgeon a greater ability to extract fat. When it comes to dense, thick tissue, this technique is much more effective than other techniques. It is a great option for those who are simply looking to address problem areas.

Ultrasonic liposuction also results in less blood loss and damage to tissues in the surrounding areas. This means that the patient will experience less bruising and swelling after the procedure. This can make the recovery time faster and improve the final results of surgery.

Ultrasonic Liposuction Recovery

The recovery time for patients varies greatly with ultrasonic liposuction. Some cases only take a couple of days, while others take a couple of weeks. This all depends on the different areas that are treated, how much fat is removed, and the overall health of the patient. These factors vary from individual to individual, so it's best for patients to consult their plastic surgeon in order to get a proper time frame for recovery.

To receive optimum results, it is also important for patients to stay hydrated. Rest will hasten the healing process. After liposuction, diet and exercise to maintain and perfect shape will become significant.

For further questions and concerns about ultrasonic liposuction surgery, as well as alternative liposuction techniques, feel free to contact Dr. Paul Pin's Dallas practice.