External ultrasonic tumescent liposuction - A preliminary study

BACKGROUND. External ultrasonic tumescent liposuction represents a new application of ultrasound energy to the standard tumescent liposuction procedure. Hoping to retain the in vivo properties of ultrasonic delivery while avoiding the growing number of invasive complications, external ultrasonic tumescent liposuction is a new technique with the potential of improving traditional tumescent liposuction therapy. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this preliminary study was to evaluate the role of external ultrasonic tumescent liposuction as an adjunct to traditional tumescent liposuction. METHODS. Ten patients underwent standard tumescent liposuction with the addition of 10 minutes of preoperative ultrasound therapy applied to one-half of their targeted treatment regions. Both objective and subjective parameters were assessed during the subsequent side-by-side evaluations. RESULTS. Six of the 10 cases had a measurable increase in the amount of supernatant fat extracted per unit of aspirate volume fi om those regions pretreated with ultrasound energy. In five of the 10 cases, the operating physician noted slightly easier cannula maneuverability through adipose tissue on the ultrasound side. Roughly half of the patients had an improved postoperative course, with less swelling/edema, less bruising or ecchymoses, move skin retraction, and less postoperative pain/discomfort. CONCLUSION. The favorable results of this preliminary study warrant further investigation and research into external ultrasonic tumescent liposuction as an adjunct to the traditional tumescent liposuction procedure. (C) 1997 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.