New York City · Ultrasonic Liposuction

Central Park Plastic Surgery^{SM .} New York ^. New York City ^. Manhattan ^. E-mail ^. 212.496.6600

All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk
Since it was first described in the medical literature in 1991, UAL has been performed on several thousand patients worldwide. However, long-term effects of ultrasound energy are not known and extensive research and clinical trials are need to establish fully the safety and efficacy of UAL. So far, clinical investigators have reported good results from the technique.

UAL is normally safe when ultrasonic liposuction surgery patients are carefully selected, the operating facility is properly equipped and the physician has completed an appropriate, hands-on UAL training course.

Fat cells, pictured at left, appear balloon-like. When ultrasonic energy is applied, the cell walls break down, allowing fat to flow out of each cell.

As with traditional liposuction, serious medical complications from ultrasonic liposuction are infrequent. However, possible complications include clots that block blood flow, infection, excessive fluid loss that can lead to shock, excessive fluid accumulation that must be drained, skin injury, perforation injury to the skin or other organs and adverse reactions to anesthesia.

One potential complication specifically related to the UAL ultrasonic liposuction technique is thermal skin injury or burn caused by the heat from the ultrasound device. Also, temporary collections of fluid beneath the skin surface (seromas) are more common with UAL.

Also, you should be aware that at present, the tube-like instruments or cannulas used to perform UAL ultrasonic liposuction are slightly larger than the cannulas used for traditional liposuction. The longer incisions that are needed for UAL require that they be placed carefully in hidden areas. For this reason, some surgeons prefer to use the traditional liposuction technique in areas where an obvious scar may result.

Cosmetic complications from all types of liposuction include: irregularities of the skin's surface, areas of uneven pigmentation, and asymmetry. Some cosmetic problems can be treated with additional surgery.

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Liposuction Patient Information  
Highlights: About Liposuction
                      Preparing for Liposuction Surgery
                      Pre-Operative Instructions
                      Post-Operative Care
                      Compressive Garments
                      Activity Restrictions
                      Liposuction Recovery Time
                      Resuming Normal Activities

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The shape of THINGS to come^SM - Dr. Zevon is a board certified plastic surgeon practicing in New York City. At his plastic surgery office in Manhattan, he performs cosmetic surgery procedures such as liposuction, tummy tuck, face lift, and eyelid surgery. Dr. Zevon also specializes in breast surgery procedures such as breast augmentation, breast implants and breast lift. Visit Dr. Zevon's extensive archive of plastic surgery before and after photographs.

New York City · Ultrasonic Liposuction: Board-certified plastic surgeon Scott J. Zevon MD maintains this website to provide general health information to the public, not medical advice to individuals. If you are interested in an ultrasonic liposuction procedure, please contact us at our Manhattan plastic surgery office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Zevon.