ULTRASONIC CAVITATION TREATMENT
What is ultrasonic cavitation treatment?
Ultrasonic cavitation, also called ultrasonic lipolysis, is a body contouring treatment that is used to remove fat deposits under your skin. This procedure is a safer alternative to surgical options, like liposuction. The treatment uses ultrasonic radio waves to break apart fat cells, which are then absorbed into your body by your lymphatic system.
Ultrasonic cavitation is different than other similar treatments, like ultrasound liposuction, because it doesn’t require any incisions. This means recovery is easier. It also means that results might be less noticeable.
Ultrasonic cavitation is meant to target small areas of fat and help contour your body. It isn’t a treatment for people who are trying to lose a lot of weight.
Ultrasonic cavitation appeals to many people partly because recovery time is minimal.
This treatment is advertised as a “lunch break procedure,” meaning that your appointment can usually be completed in less than an hour. You can drive immediately afterward, and you can even return directly to work after having it done.
How does ultrasonic cavitation work?
Ultrasonic cavitation relies on ultrasound technology to break apart fat cells. Ultrasound waves are sent deep into the layers of your skin, causing a disruptive vibration. Fat cells then break apart from each other and are dislodged from your dermal layers.
After a few days, the fat cells are absorbed by your lymphatic system and drained as waste from your body.
A 2019 study tested the effectiveness of ultrasonic cavitation for 50 women who were considered medically overweight.
Half of the women simply followed a low-calorie diet, while the other half had the low-calorie diet with radiofrequency and ultrasound body contouring procedures. After 5 weeks, the women who had been given ultrasonic cavitation showed a reduction in body fat mass. Interestingly, they didn’t lose more weight than the other group — they simply lost body fat.
Another study done much earlier in 2007 followed 30 individuals who were all given ultrasonic cavitation body contouring treatment.
Participants all saw a reduction in body fat mass after three treatments. The treated body fat area was reduced in size by one to three centimeters at the conclusion of the study.
This study also showed that study participants didn’t lose weight – they just lost fat.
What happens during an ultrasonic cavitation session?
The procedure for ultrasonic cavitation is pretty straightforward. On the day of your appointment, your therapist may ask you to undress in private and put on a gown, depending on the area of your body that you’re treating.
The therapist will sterilize the area of your treatment using alcohol. Using a handheld ultrasound device, they’ll slowly go over the target area of your body. You may feel a warm sensation during the procedure and hear a buzzing from the ultrasound machine. Treatment time depends on the size of the area treated. This will be determent once you go for an assessment
Targeted areas for ultrasonic cavitation
Some studies suggest that this treatment is most effective at reducing fat in “fibrotic” places in your body, which include the back and chest area.
Ultrasonic cavitation is also frequently performed on the:
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stomach
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hips
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face
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neck
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upper arms
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thigh areas
Ultrasonic cavitation side effects
Ultrasonic cavitation is considered a low-risk treatment for most people.
Common side effects include:
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redness
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bruising
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headache
What to expect after ultrasonic cavitation
After ultrasonic cavitation, you should be able to stand up and drive yourself home.
Pain and bruising are usually minimal. You’ll be instructed to hydrate as much as possible after the procedure to help your body flush the fatty cells through your lymphatic system.
But don’t expect to see results right away. Right after your appointment, your body might feel puffy or swollen. It takes time for your body to break down and dissolve the fat cells that have been dislodged. You may also require repeated treatments to see visible results. Most candidates for this treatment see their final result within 6 to 12 weeks. On average, treatment requires 1 to 3 visits for visible results.
Results of this treatment are permanent, as long as you maintain a healthy diet and exercise. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, fat deposits may return to areas that have been treated.