Minneapolis Plastic Surgery was the first clinic in the Twin Cities to offer ultrasonic body contouring, which uses sound waves to liquefy fat for removal from the body. The new procedure, which was developed in Italy in the 1980s, differs from traditional liposuction because it is a true "sculpting" technique for the body. Patients benefit from ultrasonic body contouring because it is more precise and controlled, and causes less disturbance to the surrounding cells. Bruising and blood loss are minimal, and the final appearance is more smooth.

The procedure works by delivering sound waves via a probe, or cannula, through a small incision under the skin to the fat. The sound wave energy emulsifies the fat, which is aspirated through the cannula and removed from the body. The number of incisions made depends on the amount of fat to be removed.

Ultrasonic body contouring differs from traditional liposuction, or suction-assisted lipectomy, which uses a mechanical suction to break up and remove fat. Surgeons combine these techniques including "tumescent" or "super-wet" lipoplasty, depending upon the individual case. With ultrasonic body contouring, patients can often return to work within a few days, depending upon the extent of the surgery. As with traditional liposuction, fat cells are removed permanently.

Other Body Procedures:

Liposuction - Ultrasonic Body Contouring and Tumescent Liposuction Breast enlargement (Augmentation) Breast Reduction Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Breast Reconstruction and TRAM Flap Reconstruction Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia) Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Abdominal Contouring Thigh Lift Upper Arm Surgery (Brachioplasty) Endermology Varicose Vein, Spider Vein Treatment