How Is an External Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction Performed?

External ultrasound-assisted liposuction (EUAL) is a technique by which the fat cells around the abdomen or thighs are disrupted.

External ultrasound-assisted liposuction (EUAL) is a technique by which the fat cells around the abdomen or thighs are disrupted. EUAL uses high-frequency ultrasonic fields to prepare the fat cells for surgical removal by liposuction.

The advantages of using high-frequency and high-intensity external ultrasound before liposuction are as follows:

• Enhanced fat extraction
• Decreased patient discomfort
• Decreased blood loss
• Negotiates scar tissue that other kinds of liposuction can’t penetrate

Other methods of liposuction are:

• Suction-assisted liposuction: This is the traditional method of liposuction in which the surgeon removes fat cells by inserting tube (cannula) connected to a vacuum pressure unit. The surgeon directs the cannula through tiny incisions into areas to be suctioned.
• Power-assisted liposuction: In this technique, a cannula with a back-and-forth motion tip passes through the tissue to suck out fat and scar tissue.

• EUAL is beneficial in patients with fat concentrated around arms, thighs, hips, and buttocks.
• EUAL, in conjunction with other procedures, may help in treating extremely obese patients.
• EUAL is also helpful in removing more fibrous areas, which cannot be removed by liposuction alone.
• It helps access fat through scar tissue.
• EUAL is also helpful in reducing large male breasts (gynecomastia).
• It's safe in body contouring.
• EUAL is effective in liposuction of thighs.

• Patients with poor general health and chronic conditions should avoid this surgery.
• Patients with an extreme level of obesity should not undergo this surgery.

Before the procedure

• Consult the surgeon and discuss your goals, the options, risks, benefits, and costs.
• Your doctor will ask to restrict certain foods and limit alcohol consumption.
• You will describe your medications, including over-the-counter medications, herbal medications, and dietary supplements.
• You must undergo some laboratory tests to detect any underlying problems.
• Your surgeon will describe the procedure and get your informed consent.
• The areas to be addressed will be marked by the surgeon.
• Antibiotics are administered one hour before the surgery.

During the procedure

• Your surgeon might administer local or general anesthesia, depending on the areas to be corrected.
• The site is sterilized with povidone-iodine or betadine.
• Your surgeon will use a EUAL machine to disrupt the fat cells in the areas to be corrected.
• A transducer attached to the machine is placed on the site, which is moved in continuous circular strokes to apply the energy.

After the procedure

• Your doctor may prescribe acetaminophen and antibiotics for a few days after the surgery.
• You may note some leakage after the surgery.
• For high-impact sports you must wait for two weeks.
• Patients should wear compression garments continuously for two to four weeks.
• The practitioner may ask you to do light exercises or walking within a few days of the procedure.

The following rare complications may be observed with EUAL:

• Skin burning
• Bruising
• Built-up of fluid in the areas of surgery
• Skin necrosis (cell death)
• Fibrosis (scarring and thickening of tissue which makes it harder)
• Pigmentation alteration and
• A person’s ability to function may be severely affected.
• Performing liposuction around the neck or upper chest can create depressions or cavities
• Blockage of blood vessels caused by air bubbles