Ultrasonic liposuction or ultrasonic assisted liposuction (UAL) is the technique used to dislodge fat from a body’s subcutaneous space. This technique was developed on 1987. The fat is ruptured by using ultrasound and withdrawn by suction and simultaneously the skin gets tightened. Normally machines for ultrasonic liposuction comprises of an ultrasonic generator, cannula or wand for suction and also an ultrasonic probe. During the procedure of ultrasonic liposuction, a generator produces ultrasonic, meaning high pitched waves. Piezoelectric crystal is also used to convert electric energy into heat and ultrasonic rapid vibrations. The waves are then passed to the end of the wand or suction cannula. Ultrasonic energy sets free combined mechanical energy that is vibratory, along with thermal energy. When its tip comes in contact with fat cells, they are broken down and the fat gets emulsified, which is removed. Creation of hollow pocket inside the fat layer, underneath the skin is termed cavitations. It is caused by the formation and collapse of microscopic bubbles, produced by extreme vibrations of the probe.

If only an ultrasonic wand is used for the procedure, then it needs two steps, where fat is emulsified by the wand and then on the next step, fat is removed by suction. If a suction cannula that is a wand as well is used, then emulsification of fat and then its suction can be done together in a single step, thus saving time also. The high frequency sound waves are used to melt fat in difficult to treat body areas like cheeks, chin, neck, calves, knees and ankles.

Types Of Ultrasonic Liposuction
There are basically two kinds of ultrasonic liposuction that can be done using traditional, tumescent or wet methods:
Internal ultrasonic liposuction: Transmits ultrasonic waves directly into the subcutaneous fat using vibratory cannula or the paddle/wand/metal rod, which is inserted inside the skin by making an incision.
External ultrasonic liposuction: Delivers ultrasound waves into the subcutaneous fat using the paddle instrument or vibrating machine directly to external or overlying skin.

Risks Of Ultrasonic Liposuction
Since a great quantity of heat is generated in the course of ultrasonic liposuction, as it is a high-energy disturbance, it leads to higher risks of burning, blistering, as well as scarring. As the temperature in blood vessels is increased it can cause blood clots. If these blood vessels are the ones, which provides oxygen to a particular area of skin, the skin will die. Peripheral nerves can be injured causing persistent numbness, as sensory nerves are bruised. Ultrasonic liposuction can result in seroma, which is a fluid-filled cavity underneath the skin, filled with a yellow fluid or serum. The condition can last for a varied period of weeks to months, as a result of damage of neighbouring tissues. The ultrasonic devices for external use must not be employed over heart, big artery like carboid artery, ovaries, female abdomen, male chest, chin and neck. Furthermore, the creams and gels used for enabling the passage of ultrasonic device over the outer skin can result in allergy. Internal ultrasonic liposuction is expensive while external ultrasonic liposuction is more time consuming.