Choosing the proper procedure for your body - Liposuction vs UltraShape

As technology advances we see more new buzz words about what is the best solution for the abdomen area, but it is important for a patient to know the benefits, risks and what is best for their particular situation. In our practice we have the two top solutions for tackling the mid-section, UltraShape is a non-surgical option that utilizes ultrasound technology and is the best non-surgical solution on the market. Liposuction, has a long history and continues to improve and be the most efficient way to get rid of a larger amount of fat. Both are effective for the right candidate.

LIPOSUCTION

The terms liposuction, liposculpture, lipoplasty, suction-assisted fat removal, and simply lipo all mean the same thing. and according to the most recent statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), liposuction is the most popular cosmetic procedure in America. Why?

The big benefit of this procedure is it is done without a knife (except where you need a small incision for the tube - about 1/8"), by using a small tube, called a cannula, under the skin the surgeon literally pulls the unwanted fat away. The surgeon tailors the procedure to the patient's body with the ability to loosen and remove a lot of fat.

There is a window of downtime, soreness and some bruising for 2-3 days, but Liposuction is still the most efficient way to remove fat.

ULTRASHAPE

UltraShape is a non-invasive, no pain, body contouring procedure, that’s FDA-cleared to treat areas of fat on the abdomen, hips, and thighs that have been resistant to diet and exercise. The machine delivers ultrasound technology through a hand-held device placed on the targeted area, which causes fat to burst and be eliminated through the body's natural metabolic process. UltraShape® is a comfortable treatment that instantly, selectively and permanently breaks down fat cells in the target area, leaving blood vessels, nerves and skin unharmed. The process can take 3 or more treatments and is successful in removing up to 33% of the fat in the area.

PROS AND CONS OF BOTH PROCEDURES...

Liposuction wouldn’t be the most popular cosmetic procedure if it didn’t have advantages over UltraShape™, such as:

immediate results
very little if no downtime
more aggressive fat reduction, several areas can be treated at same time
better contouring
fat can be recycled for grafting to the patients face or breasts

Resources: before and after photos

But UltraShape wouldn’t be ranked as the best non-surgical body contouring cosmetic procedures if it didn’t also have advantages, including:

a non-invasive technology
no or minimal down time
typically a lower fee, depending on the amount done and number of treatments
a treatment option for those who don’t want surgery

Resources: before after photos

LIPOSUCTION considerations:

possible surgical risks, greatly reduced with monitored IV sedation
2-7 days of possible downtime/bruising but not common
a rare potential for surface irregularities, best to work with an experienced Plastic Surgeon.

ULTRASHAPE considerations include: