BRIEF FACTS ABOUT ULTRASONIC CAVITATION
Another name for ultrasonic cavitation is ultrasound cavitation. It is a cosmetic treatment used to break fat masses in your body. It is a better alternative to liposuction, and also less invasive.
How safe is it?
Ultrasonic cavitation has minimal risks. However, it does have a few side effects.
Some patients may experience slight pain and bruise, while others may have dimples, waves, and loose skin shortly after treatment.
How convenient is it?
Ultrasound cavitation is a convenient form of treatment due to the rareness of side effects and minimal recovery.
The only part that might require much of your time will be locating and consulting a licensed provider who is experienced in ultrasonic cavitation.
How effective is it?
A 2016 study by Nojomi et al., published in the Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran supports ultrasonic cavitation as a less invasive and suitable alternative to surgical liposuction.
WHAT IS ULTRASONIC CAVITATION?
Ultrasonic cavitation is also known as ultrasound cavitation or ultrasonic lipolysis. It is a cosmetic procedure that is used to harvest fat deposits form beneath your skin. Brand names for ultrasonic lipolysis include Ultrashape or Liponix.
Ultrasonic cavitation is safer than liposuction, and other surgical options. The doctor breaks your fat cells with the use of ultrasonic radio waves. Your lymphatic system will then absorb these broken fat cells into your body.
What differentiates ultrasonic cavitation from other treatments is that it doesn’t require incisions. So, you get to recover without stress. What’s more? The results of your treatment might be less noticeable to anyone.
Ultrasonic cavitation is suitable for:
- People who are in good health generally
- Non-smokers
- People who are within 15 pounds of their ideal weight
It is important to note that ultrasonic cavitation is a ‘contouring treatment.’ It is not meant for overweight people. It targets just small fatty areas of your body.
WHAT IS THE COST OF AN ULTRASONIC CAVITATION PROCEDURE?
Ultrasound cavitation is an elective procedure. This means that you will make out-of-pocket payments for the treatment and other related costs. Insurance does not cover ultrasound cavitation and other body contouring procedures.
The cost depends on:
- The type of machine used for the treatment
- The number of treatments that you need
- How experienced your healthcare provider is
You can typically expect to pay $ 70 to $120 per session.
There aren’t much extra costs for this treatment. And, treatment can be done without anesthesia.
Many people like ultrasonic cavitation due to its minimal recovery time.
Treatment is quick and can be completed within an hour. This explains why it is informally called the “lunch break procedure.” You can drive home on your own immediately after treatment or can resume at your workplace after having it done.
PREPARING FOR TREATMENT
Your doctor will instruct you on what to do before coming for treatment. You must follow these instructions carefully.
Ensure that you disclose all relevant information to your doctor before your treatment. These may include:
- Any underlying health conditions that you have
- Any medications that you are currently taking
- Any herbal supplements that you are taking
Put away alcohol at least 48 hours before treatment.
Your doctor may also ask that you avoid ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at least 2 weeks before the procedure.
HOW DOES THE TREATMENT WORK?
As the name implies, the treatment is based on ultrasound technology.
The doctor, with the help of noninvasive ultrasound equipment, sends layers of ultrasound waves deep into your skin layers. The entry of the ultrasound waves into the layers of your skin causes disruptive vibrations which break the fat cells apart from each other. The broken fat cells are then dislodged from the layers of your skin.
Your lymphatic system absorbs the broken fat cells after a few days and drains them from your body as waste.
Recent studies have proven the effectiveness of ultrasonic cavitation.
A 2019 study published in the Journal of Diabetic and Metabolic Syndrome examined the effectiveness of ultrasonic cavitation on 50 overweight women.
In the study, half of the subjects were placed on a low-calorie diet, and the other half were placed on a low-calorie diet combined with ultrasound contouring procedures.
Treatment went on for five weeks. Results showed that those who had received ultrasonic cavitation lost more fat mass than those who did not. The interesting thing is that they lost only fat mass and not weight.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A TREATMENT SESSION?
Not much is involved. It is a straightforward procedure.
Upon your arrival at the facility, you may be asked to change into a paper gown. This depends on which part of your body will be treated.
The area to be treated will be sterilized with alcohol. Then, with a handheld ultrasound equipment, your doctor will treat the target area.
You may experience some warm sensation during treatment while the machine gives off a buzz. The treatment takes up to 40 minutes but doesn’t exceed an hour.
What areas of the body can be treated with ultrasonic cavitation?
A 2013 Clinical study published in the International Open Access Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons suggests that ultrasonic cavitation works best in “fibrotic” regions of the body, which includes the chest and the back area.
Common treatment areas also include the:
- Hips
- Face
- Stomach
- Thigh areas
- Upper arms
- Neck
DOES ULTRASONIC CAVITATION HAVE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
It is a low-risk treatment with few side effects. These include:
- Headache
- Redness
- Bruising
Sometimes, depending on your skin type, the fat may or may not be absorbed evenly after treatment. This may cause the appearance of valleys, bumps, and lumps on your skin. The good news is that these side effects can be resolved easily.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER AN ULTRASOUND CAVITATION?
You can easily drive yourself home after treatment.
Side effects such as bruising and pain are minimal. You may need to hydrate as much as you can after the treatment. Hydration will flush the fat cells from your body through your lymphatic system.
It is important to note that the results will not show up right away. You might feel some puffiness and swelling in your body right after treatment. Your body needs some time to break the fat cells and dissolve them.
Some patients may need repeated treatments before results become visible. And, as verified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, the final result may show up within 6 – 12 weeks. You may require an average of 3 – 6 treatment sessions to see results.
Results from this treatment last for a lifetime. You only have to exercise and maintain a healthy diet. Leading a sedentary life may cause the accumulation of fat deposits in already-treated areas.