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2. "What sets ultrasonic
liposuction apart from traditional tumescent liposuction?"
Answer: What makes this so unique is the ability to gently liquify
or emulsify the fat without injuring the adjacent structures. This is
a non-mechanical method of dissolving the fat that also appears to tighten
the skin. There has been less blood loss, less bruising and decreased
tissue trauma observed. Ultrasonic liposuction allows us to also remove
fat in areas that were previously unable to have tumescent liposuction,
such as the back, upper abdomen and male breast.
3. "How long has this
procedure been available?"
Answer: Ultrasonic liposuction has been performed on thousands
of patients outside the United States since 1989. Recently, ultrasonic
liposuction has been introduced into this country.
4. "What are the possible risks and complications of ultrasonic
liposuction?"
Answer: As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications.
The specific risks and complications that are unique to ultrasonic liposuction
include skin burns and unknown longterm effects. A detailed list of
the risks and complications is contained in the informed consent.
5. "What medical conditions might exclude me from being a candidate?"
Answer: Certainly this is elective cosmetic surgery and a patient
needs to be in good medical condition in order to undergo this or other
elective procedures. A patient should have the ability to heal incisions
and adequately fight infections, and no medical contraindications such
as a heart or lung disease. Heavier patients are now candidates for
this type of procedure; however, obese patients with medical contraindications
are not candidates. Patients with excessive amounts of redundant skin
are not candidates for this procedure.
6. "Is camera equipment utilized with this procedure? If not,
how can you 'see' what you are doing?"
Answer: The ultrasonic liposuction equipment is highly sophisticated.
The fat is dissolved by the ultrasonic waves that are emitted from the
end of a cannula. This liquified fat is then gently aspirated away.
While endoscopic techniques have been utilized to inspect the areas
in which the fat has been removed, it is not necessary on a routine
basis. This is because the results are immediately visible just as when
ice or snow melts in the sun.
7. "Does ultrasonic liposuction cost more than traditional tumescent
liposuction?"
Answer: Yes, ultrasonic liposuction does cost more than traditional
liposuction. Because more areas can be treated in one setting and because
it takes more time, the cost is necessarily greater. The ultrasonic
equipment is also much more costly than traditional tumescent liposuction
devices. The benefits of ultrasonic liposuction justify the additional
time it takes to perform the procedure and the additional financial
expense. Often the additional cost is offset by the reduction in the
number of procedures required
8. "What about the clinical trials?"
Answer: Mentor has developed an ultrasonic machine that will
be available for ultrasonic-assisted lipoplasty. This Contour Genesis
System will undergo clinical trials and be submitted to the FDA for
review. Dr. Stevens has been selected as one of ten plastic surgeons
in the U.S. to be part of this clinical trial. The clinical study will
look at the safety and efficacy of the Mentor Contour Genesis System.
Dr. Stevens is presently using the LySonix MDA Ultrasonic System which
has 510K FDA approval.
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