Indianapolis Institute for Plastic Surgery

The most recent advance in Liposuction is the use of the ultrasound. Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction is used to "melt" the fat before it is removed. Because it is not necessary to pull the fat cells out with higher pressure suction, Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL) decreases the trauma of suctioning the fat from the body. It is still necessary to suction this melted liquid fat but it is much less harsh on the tissue and requires lower pressure suction. For this reason, UAL has been advocated as a method to decreases recovery time, allow a larger volume of Liposuction to be performed. UAL also allows more effective Liposuction in traditionally difficult areas, for example, the back, flanks, love handles, and upper abdomen. Here fat is often more dense and harder to remove smoothly with traditional Liposuction techniques. UAL is felt to improve contouring ability for the surgeon in these areas. Another example, Ultrasonic Liposuction is particularly beneficial for patients who have a great deal of scar tissue, have had a previous Liposuction surgery, or have especially fibrous, or "tough," fat.

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) provides a very effective adjunct to traditional Liposuction and is used in conjunction with the traditional methods for specific areas and indications. It is, however, a more difficult technique with certain inherent risks and like any other new procedure must be used only after appropriate training and experience. Dr. Short is not only a board certified Plastic Surgeon, she also traveled to Europe to learn about this technique (where it was originated) before its release in the U.S. She incorporates both techniques in her Liposuction surgery to individualize the procedures and accommodate the needs of each unique patient.

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