Dear Dr. Winder:
Q. I've been reading lately about an ultrasound treatment prior to liposuction surgery that creates "better" results. Can you tell me about this?

A. Yes . . . I am pleased to announce that we have just purchased and are now using External Ultrasonic Assist (EUA) equipment on our many liposuction patients. EUA is defined as a way of preparing an area of the body for surgery by loosening intercellular connections; it is done with a device that delivers formatted ultrasound energy to a wetted cellular environment. It's main advantages are:

1. Fat can be removed more rapidly with minimal blood loss;
2. The patient experiences less discomfort, albeit usually minimal;
3. Postoperative bruising and swelling are decreased;
4. Patients experience a more rapid recovery;
5. Irregularities in the skin following liposuction that are created by the cannula used to suction out the fat are decreased (waviness, rippling). Once these irregularities occur, they are extremely difficult to correct. With this new equipment, we can achieve better contours with smoother results!

Physical therapists have used this same technology safely for many years, practically risk free. We use the same basic procedure which involves the application of an ultrasound lubricant, followed by the application of the equipment for approximately 15 minutes per area to be suctioned. Even though the patient's OR and anesthesia time is reduced, it takes more of the surgeon's time with this pre-treatment; this is the only real disadvantage to this treatment. However, we feel it is time well spent in order that our patients get the very best possible results.

Read more about the liposuction procedure.

Done Correctly, Liposuction is still safe!