After suction-assisted lipectomy, patients can generally go back to work within one to two weeks and can resume strenuous activity in two to four weeks. Swelling and bruising may persist for up to six months. The best and most longlasting results from liposuction are in those patients committed to a healthy lifestyle, which includes proper nutrition and physical activity. It is similar to traditional liposuction procedures. However, UAL uses ultrasonography to target and remove fatty tissues more selectively and with minimal impact on surrounding tissues and blood vessels.
Ultrasonic energy is used to fractionate or burst the fat cells.
The fat is then removed with relatively low-volume suction, resulting in less trauma to tissues. Incisions, however, are larger. Certain anatomic sites may respond preferentially to UAL treatment, including the hip, posterior back and central body regions. At present, however, fat removal from other body areas such as the face, neck, knees and inner thighs is still best accomplished with traditional suction-assisted lipectomy. In fact, traditional liposuction may be required in addition to UAL in many cases.