Dr. David K. Zipfel - Liposuction - UltraSonic Liposuction

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	Ultrasonic Liposuction: Since the press and the marketing media have given attention lately to "ultrasonic liposuction", I think it is appropriate to elaborate a bit on the subject. Ultrasonic liposuction is merely an alternate means of "breaking down" fat and fat cells that are to be removed using a rather expensive machine that generates heat and high frequency sound wave energy rather than a mechanical energy ("elbow grease" if you will). This makes the task a little easier for the surgeon but no easier or better for the patient. Once the fat cells are broken down, whether by ultrasonic or mechanical means, the fat and cellular debris still have to be removed with conventional liposuction. We personally have used the ultrasonic technique on a number of patients and have found it to be rather unimpressive. It has been reported to cause less bleeding and swelling; but since we get virtually no bleeding and minimal swelling with the upscale conventional liposuction techniques of using small
	cannulas and "tumescent" local anesthesia, I must say that that claim is not true. We have also found that the ultrasonic technique doesn't really save time. (perhaps even a little slower) and, at least with the present level of ultrasonic technology, the results are certainly no better. Also, the incisions for the ultrasonic cannulas have to be bigger (to allow for the insertion of the plastic skin protects which have to be "screwed" into the incisions in order to prevent skin burning); and skin burns have accidently occurred, though not routinely. Ultrasonic liposuction has just recently been introduced into this country, though it has been used in European countries for over 10 years. I have heard the European surgeons speak on the subject and have conferred with some of them personally; and the majority opinion seems to be that it is not worth the time, the risk, or the expense. As in so many other developments, we must remember the principle that whatever is new is not necessarily better. On the basis of such purported and sensationalized "medical breakthroughs," instrument companies will continue to flourish, newspapers will continue to sell, and "Dateline" or "20-20" type TV shows will continue to gain viewership; but the public may not really benefit. Ultrasonic liposuction embodies a new technology but, in my mind, technology, which needs some real advances and refinements before it should be universally accepted as an improvement over what we already have. back to top go back to procedures home page?