Patrick K. Sullivan, MD, FACS
Double Board Certified Providence, Rhode Island Plastic Surgeon
One of “America’s Top Doctors” & “The Best Doctors in America”
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Body Sculpting with Ultrasonic Liposuction
Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty, commonly known as "UAL," is an advanced 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 fibrous body areas, such as the male breasts or the back, or for removing larger volumes of fat in a single procedure.
The use of UAL allows safer removal of larger amounts of fat than with standard liposuction. This increase in safety is due to the reduced amount of blood removed with UAL. This means that UAL can be very useful to moderately overweight individuals even though UAL is not a weight loss method per se.
Liposuction is intended to improve the contour and proportion of the treated areas, resulting in a more flattering figure or physique, in or out of clothing.
Ultrasonic Liposuction is done on an outpatient basis. Intravenous sedation or general anesthesia is appropriate for UAL. Small suction tubes (cannulas) are inserted through very short incisions placed in inconspicuous locations near the fat deposits, and excess fat is removed.
The patient goes home with a compression garment covering the treated areas. Compression is advised for about a month as it helps reduce swelling and helps you achieve the final result more quickly. Once pain and soreness decrease, it is frequently more comfortable to wear Iycra or spandex exercise pants. Initial discomfort is controlled with oral medication. The advantages of UAL are reduced blood loss, decreased bruising, possible reduction in post operative discomfort and overall faster healing. Bruising and swelling usually subside in 2-4 weeks. The final result takes shape over 2-6 months. Additional procedures that may enhance the result are of ultrasonic assisted liposuction are Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), Breast Lift, and Breast Augmentation.
This procedure is considered cosmetic and therefore is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment. The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.
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