Ultrasonic energy applied to fat in order to perform “negative-energy” liposuction sounded ideal for those looking to trim the fat surgically. Perhaps it sounded too ideal. Whether performed internally or externally, ultrasonic liposuction has proven questionable enough that nobody seems entirely convinced the procedures remain viable.

First taken up in Europe in the early 1990s, ultrasonic liposuction became controversial soon enough, mostly thanks to complications including safety risks and medical complications. The complications became widespread enough that Europeans first enthused soon gave it up, and its acceptance in North America was hampered when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration passed on approving internal ultrasonic liposuction devices.

Ultrasonic liposuction was taken up first in Europe in the 1990s. The procedures became controversial enough thanks mostly to complications such as safety risks and medical complications, particularly with internal ultrasonic liposuction devices. They became widespread enough that Europeans gave them up in short order, while North American acceptance was hampered when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration refused to approve internal ultrasonic liposuction devices.

In not so simple terms, the safety of the procedure has been a primary reason why it has fallen out of favor almost as fast as its initial supporters took it up. Complications such as dermal necrosis, postoperative seromas (fluid-filled cavities beneath the skin), and foam blisters were found often enough in several medical surveys that liposuction surgeons determined the procedure was not as safe as tumescent liposuction.

The internal procedure sends ultrasound right to the fat cells through a skin incision, while the external procedure involved laying a paddle instrument on the skin above the areas in question. Aside from the European experience and the American disapproval of internal ultrasonic liposuction, the internal procedure proved to have questionable to no benefit and fell out of use more rapidly.

Aside from the problems discussed above, ultrasonic liposuction was known to cause blood clots in small blood vessels; and, peripheral nerve damage, especially when used on the arms, legs, neck, and face;

The external procedure’s problems prompted manufacturers-whose devices are usually used by conventional physical therapists-to consider warnings against using the apparatus for ultrasonic liposuction of the male chest and female abdomen, the neck, and the chin areas, in addition to existing warnings against using them adjacent to the heart or the ovaries. Indeed, equipment breakdown is cited frequently as a primary risk in the procedure, sometimes provoking secondary exploratory surgery to locate and remove cannulae (the reed-like tube used in the procedure and inserted into the patient) broken by the sonic vibrations over repeated usage.

Some medical thinkers such as Melton believe ultrasonic liposuction may yet be improved to the point where it becomes a viable procedure with reduced risks. However, based upon the published writings now in existence in print and online, external ultrasonic liposuction may prove the more viable such procedure, even if it takes a few more years to work out the problems.

There are many techniques a liposuction surgeon can employ to help you achieve your desired look. Ultrasonic liposuction is only one of many, learn more about liposuction procedures at www.laserliposuctionprices.com