Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Blog | Dr. Linderman

Ultrasonic Body Contouring (UBC) is an innovation in liposuction technique that takes advantage of the peculiar characteristics of fat cells to target them preferentially during liposuction.

It may seem counterintuitive, but the number of fat cells in the human body is set during puberty, with the body replacing a certain number of cells every year to maintain a consistent number and distribution. Fat deposits grow not because there are more fat cells, but because the individual cells store more fat and become distended. It is this distension that allows UBC to target them preferentially.

In UBC, a special cannula (or suction tube) is used that generates ultrasonic waves through the use of a piezoelectric vibration tip. The energy of the ultrasonic waves causes the distended fat cells to lyse (or burst), making them liquid and more easily removed by suction, while the more compact and sturdier cells in the area, such as nerves or vascular and connective tissues, resist the ultrasonic waves and are less likely to be removed during the procedure.

Ultrasonic Liposuction is particularly effective in areas where the fat is more fibrous making removal more difficult with traditional liposuction. Such areas include fat of the posterior hips and back. It is particularly effective in removal of fat found in men in the abdomen, love handles and chest region.

The advantages of this procedure include:

• Less damage to surrounding tissues
• Less pain and bruising
• More effective removal of fibrous fat
• Shorter recovery time
• Smoother contours following treatment

These results have been confirmed both through clinical studies and through numerous patient experiences. Not only is the procedure easier on your body, but it provides better results, as the lessening of trauma to the body leads to smoother extraction of fat and smoother skin following healing.

Do not confuse UBC with other liposuction techniques, such as power-assisted liposuction (PAL), in which a mechanically driven tip is used to dislodge tissue indiscriminately to make the procedure quicker and easier for the doctor, but may cause additional tissue damage leading to significant bruising, pain, and tissue damage, and may require a longer recovery period.

For most people, UBC represents significant advantages over traditional liposuction techniques. To learn more about this innovation, please contact Dr. Linderman at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Indiana today for a complimentary consultation.

Labels: body contouring surgery