The Ultrasounic assisted lipoplasty, commonly known as “UAL” is a technique based on the use of a probe that emits high frequency waves that liquefy fat cells after which it is extracted by suction. Used in the layers of superficial fat, this probe contributes to improve cellulite, in the same way as when external ultrasound is used in the cabinet.

We will give you specific instructions to prepare for surgery, including directives about eating, drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding any type of medication. If you are incubating any disease, especially a skin infection, your procedure will have to be postponed. While you are making preparations, do not hesitate to arrange with someone to help you return home after your surgery and, if needed, to help you at your home for one or two days.

The first step in liposuction is presurgical marking. It consists of drawing with a marker the areas to be treated in conjunction with the patient awake. The areas of lipodystrophy (accumulations of fat), body depressions (areas of adherence, lack of volume), previous scars, cellulitis, asymmetries, etc. are indicated. It is very important since the patient agrees to the consensus in the consultation. Anesthetic options include local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you. Liposuction is performed through small, inconspicuous incisions. First, the lipodystrophy zones are infiltrated with a solution that contains adrenaline to keep the bleeding that can occur during liposuction to a minimum. Once infiltrated, sequential liposuction of each area to be treated is carried out until the desired symmetry is found. Finally, the incisions are closed with simple points and a custom girdle is placed according to the area that has been treated. To see the results, you must wait until the inflammation disappears. This period is variable depending on each person but is usually not less than three months. It is important that you maintain your stable weight during the first year and especially during this period you should maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly within your means.

Once the procedure has been completed, you should use a compressive belt for a minimum period of 1 month. This girdle helps control inflammation and facilitates the adherence of the skin around the new contour. In specific cases where liposuction has been extensive or the skin has excessive laxity, your surgeon may recommend the use of a second phase girdle for another 1 month.

We will give you specific instructions that may include:

1. How to care for the skin and the incisions.
2. Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the possibility of infection.

We perform liposuction in our office-based surgical suite using local anesthesia and intravenous sedation (twilight sleep). Our medical team monitors your physical status throughout the operation and during your recovery. The surgery usually takes about an hour, sometimes longer if there are multiple areas to be suctioned. You are then cared for in the recovery area for 1-2 hours before you are sent home.

Liposuction is normally safe. The scars of liposuction are very small and are strategically placed so that they are hidden from view. For men, the most common sites for liposculpture include the chin, and the area around the waist. Liposuction, can also be used to reduce the breasts of male patients, this condition is known as gynecomastia. In women, the areas in which this technique can be performed include: chin, neck, and cheeks; upper arm and breasts; The abdomen, buttocks, hips, and thighs also include the knees and ankles. Liposuction is not a substitute to reduce weight, it is a method to remove localized fat that does not respond to diet or exercise. Complications from liposuction may include irregularities of the skin’s surface, areas of uneven pigmentation, and asymmetry. Occasionally revisional surgery may be necessary (5%) but is easily accomplished with less recovery than the original surgery.

Healing is a gradual process but we recommend that you start walking as soon as possible (it helps prevent blood from pooling in your legs), but avoid more vigorous activity for two to four weeks. The sutures will be removed in ten days, you can be back in your work in three to five days, the time to resume the activity depends on the extent of your surgery, how you feel and what our surgeons recommend. Most of the inflammation and pigmentation (bruises) will go away in a month or two after surgery, some small inflammation may remain for a few months. We will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress and see if you need any additional procedures.

Liposuction is a highly effective technique to give you a new body contour with very few scars. The results can be permanent, if you control yourself with food and exercise regularly. If you gain weight, you will probably gain more uniform throughout your body, not simply in the areas located above. Most patients are very satisfied with the results of their liposuction, – they feel more comfortable seeing how their clothes fall again, if their expectations are realistic, you will feel happy with their new shape. A slimmer body contour can help you feel more comfortable and secure.