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Ultrasound
Assisted Lipoplasty
Is
ultrasound assisted lipoplasty right for you
What to expect
The
surgery
Your new look
If you're considering UAL . . .
Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty, commonly known as
"UAL," is a relatively new liposuction technique
that uses sound waves to "liquefy" unwanted fat.
Although it is not a substitute for traditional
liposuction, UAL can be an effective tool for
removing fat from fibrous body areas, such as the
male breasts or the back, or for removing larger
volumes of fat in a single procedure.
Dr. Kloehn has the most experience in this country
performing UAL. He has performed UAL for 9 years and
has traveled all over the world giving various talks
on UAL.
If you are considering UAL, this brochure will
provide an overview of the technique: when it can
help, how it is performed and what results you can
expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since
a lot depends on your individual circumstances.
Ultimately, you and your plastic surgeon will
determine whether UAL or traditional liposuction is
best suited for you.
Please ask your physician if there is anything about
the procedure you don't understand.
The best candidates for UAL
Liposuction can enhance your appearance and your
self confidence, but it won't necessarily change
your looks to match your ideal, or cause other
people to treat you differently. Before you decide
to have UAL or liposuction of any type, think
carefully about your expectations and discuss them
with your surgeon.
The best candidates for UAL are generally no
different than candidates for the traditional
liposuction procedure: normal-weight people with
firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat in
particular areas. UAL candidates should be
physically healthy, psychologically stable and
realistic in their expectations. Age is usually not
a criterion for liposuction, but older patients may
have diminished skin elasticity and may not achieve
the same results as a younger patient.
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 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 UAL 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 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 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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Planning your surgery
In your initial consultation, your surgeon will
evaluate your health, determine where your fat
deposits lie and assess the condition of your skin.
Your surgeon will explain the body contouring
methods that may be most appropriate for you. For
example, you may learn that an abdominoplasty or
"tummy tuck" may more effectively meet your goals;
or that a combination of traditional liposuction and
UAL would be the best choice for you.
Be frank in discussing your expectations with
your surgeon. Also, be sure to tell your physician
about any significant weight losses or gains you
have had at any time. You should inform your surgeon
if you smoke, and if you're taking any medications,
vitamins or other drugs.
Preparing for your surgery
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on
how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on
eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding
vitamins, iron tablets and certain medications. If
you develop a cold or an infection of any kind,
especially a skin infection, your procedure may have
to be postponed.
|
 Healthy, normal-weight people
with elastic skin and pockets of
excess fat are good candidates for surgery. |
While you are making preparations, be sure to
arrange for someone to drive you home after your
surgery and, if needed, to help you out for a day or
two.
Where your surgery will be performed
This procedure is performed at Aurora Surgical
Center.
Anesthesia for UAL
If you are having only a small amount of fat
removed, UAL may be performed under local anesthesia
combined with a sedative to make you drowsy. You
will be awake but relaxed and feel only minimal
discomfort. Some surgeons may prefer to use an
epidural block, similar to the anesthesia commonly
used in childbirth.
General anesthesia may be used if you prefer it,
or if your doctor so advises. In that case, you will
sleep through the procedure.
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The surgery
The time required to perform UAL may vary
considerably, depending on the amount of work you
are having done. However, UAL generally takes longer
than traditional liposuction because of the extra
"fat-liquefying" step involved.
To begin the procedure, salt water containing
l
|
 The cannula connected to the
ultrasound generator is inserted
to "liquify" the excess fat before it is removed
with vacuum pressure. |
|
ocal anesthesia and
adrenaline is injected
into the area to be
treated. Then, an
ultrasonic cannula
connected to an
ultrasound generator is
inserted beneath the
skin through a small
incision. The ultrasonic
energy causes the walls
of the fat cells to
break down, allowing the
fat to flow out of each
cell. The "liquified" fat combines with the injected
fluid to create an emulsion, which is removed from
the body by vacuum pressure. |
If you are awake,
you may feel some warmth and vibration during the
procedure. You will probably be given some fluid
through an IV (intravenous) tube to keep your fluid
level balanced. Typically, only a small amount of
blood is lost during UAL. However, if your surgeon
determines that a blood transfusion may be needed,
you can donate your own blood in advance of the
procedure.
After your surgery
After surgery, you will likely experience some fluid
drainage from the incisions. A drainage tube may be
inserted beneath the skin to prevent fluid build-up.
To help control swelling, you may be fitted with a
snug elastic bandage or compression garment to wear
over the treated area. The bandage or garment is
typically worn for up to four weeks, to help your
skin shrink to fit its new contour.
The side-effects of traditional liposuction
surgery -- pain, burning, swelling, bleeding and
temporary numbness -- can be expected from UAL as
well. The pain can be controlled with medications
prescribed by your surgeon, though you may still
feel stiff and sore for a few days.
It is normal to feel a bit depressed in the days
or weeks following surgery. This feeling will
subside as you begin to look and feel better.
^UP
Getting back to normal
Healing is a gradual process. Your surgeon will
probably tell you to start walking around as soon as
possible. You will begin to feel better after about
a week and you should be back to work within two
weeks following your surgery. Any stitches are
usually removed within the first week.
|
 Improvement will become
apparent after about six weeks, when most
of the swelling has subsided. |
Activity that is more strenuous should be avoided
for about three weeks as your body continues to
heal. Although most of the bruising and swelling
usually disappears within six weeks, some swelling
may remain for six months or more.
Your surgeon will schedule follow-up visits to
monitor your progress and to see if any additional
procedures are needed.
Your new look
You will see a noticeable difference in the shape of
your body quite soon after surgery. However,
improvement will become even more apparent after
about six weeks, when most of the swelling has
subsided.
If your expectations are realistic, you will
probably be very pleased with the results of your
surgery. You may find that you are more comfortable
in a wide variety of clothes and more at ease with
your body. And, by eating a healthy diet and getting
regular exercise, you can help to maintain your new
shape permanently.
^UP
For
more information, contact us at
262-691-7546
info@cosmeticplasticsurgeon.net |
