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What Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty Can Do
Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty, or UAL, is a liposuction technique that uses sound waves to liquefy fat. UAL is not a substitute for traditional liposuction, but it can be used to remove fat from certain body regions or regions with a larger volume of fat. Sometimes UAL is used in conjuction with traditional liposuction for maximum results.

Who Might Consider UAL.
If you are a normal-weight person with firm, elastic skin with pockets of excess fat, you may be a candidate for UAL. Although the procedure may enhance your appearance and self-confidence, remember that no surgery can change your looks to ideal. UAL can make an improvement, however.

Planning.
Once you decide to have UAL, Dr. Garcia will explain the entire procedure to you. Discuss with him all of your expectations, and don't be afraid to ask any questions. There should be no mystery involved in the procedure. By the time you're ready for surgery, you should be as familiar with the procedure as you can.

Precautions.
Remember that UAL is a surgical procedure and as such carries with it an element of risk. Although Dr. Garcia is a talented, accomplished plastic surgeon, sometimes complications do occur. These include rare instances of clotting, infection, excessive fluid loss, excessive fluid accumulation, skin injury, burning (from the ultrasound device), organ perforation or reactions to the anesthesia. Remember that, although UAL has been safely performed on thousands of patients since 1991, the long-term effects of ultrasound energy are still unknown. Current studies, however, have reported positive results. Also remember that the UAL procedure necessitates a bigger scar than traditional liposuction. Because of this, some surgeons may elect to perform traditional liposuction in certain areas.

Preparation.
Dr. Garcia will give you specific guidelines on what to eat and drink and what vitamins or medications you should take or avoid prior to your surgery. If you smoke, quit at least two weeks before and after surgery. Smoking impedes the healing process and may increase scarring, thus leading to less than optimal results.

Procedure.
At the beginning of the procedure, a solution of salt water, anesthetic and adrenaline is injected into the treatment area. Then an incision is made, and a tube-like instrument, called a cannula, is inserted into the incision. A generator sends ultrasound energy through the cannula and into the treatment area. Fat cells are then broken down, and the fat flows out of the cells. The combination of fat and the injected fluid is then removed through the cannula with vacuum pressure. The length of the procedure varies from patient to patient, but generally UAL takes a little longer than traditional liposuction.

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