Beauty Doc Blog

UAL addresses stubborn fat cells and pockets that are resistant to exercise and diet. These fat pockets can form in areas such as the neck, chin, abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, ankles and calves. UAL is an enhancement to tumescent liposuction, the method currently used. Patients need to follow a proper exercise and diet regime to keep their new shape.

UAL is different from other liposuction techniques because it uses high frequency sound waves to liquefy the fat beneath the skin’s surface so it can be removed with gentle suction. Traditional and tumescent liposuction cannot liquefy fat cells so they are harder to remove. Because the fat cells are liquefied, more can be removed during a single session. This technique is particularly helpful in areas such as the back where dense fat occurs. Because fat cells are removed and destroyed, the surrounding blood vessels and connective tissue are not damaged.

A UAL involves several steps. The skin is marked to show where fat will be removed. Anesthetic solution is injected in the site to swell and numb the area, which is a tumescent technique. The next step is unique to lipoplasty and uses a thin, tube-like ultrasonic probe inserted beneath the skin through a tiny incision. The probe is moved in a crisscross pattern while sound waves make negative pressure and fat cells are imploded and liquefied. Gentle suction is used to remove the liquefied fat and anesthetic fluid.

After UAL, patients are usually instructed to wear a girdle or tight fitting garment for support for up to six weeks. Sometimes postoperative pain medication is not required because the anesthetic solution numbs the area for up to 12 hours. All patients have a different experience based on their situation and their plastic surgeon will discuss the anticipated results and best maintenance procedures with the patient. Results are permanent and even when patients gain weight, usually it does not occur in the treated area because there are less cells where fat can be deposited. However, patients can still gain weight after UAL.

Patients should be in good health, or average or somewhat above average weight and have resistant areas of fat. A board certified surgeon with specialized training should perform the procedure for maximum success. UAL is safe to date with minimal risks such as infection, change in skin pigmentation, fat or blood clots or change in skin texture. Seromas, or post operative fluid collections, may occur that are drained with a needle and syringe. Some patients may be adverse to the anesthetic or may develop redness. Most patients do not experience these risks and enjoy a slimmer, more attractive appearance after UAL.