97dsCook1207

Dermatologic Surgery

1997 Abstract

9712-1207 Cook

Cook WR Jr.
Utilizing external ultrasonic energy to improve the results of tumescent
liposculpture. Dermatol Surg. 1997 Dec;23(12):1207-11. PMID: 9426670

Comment in:
Dermatol Surg. 1999 Jan;25(1):74.

Coronado Skin Medical Center, Inc., California, USA.

BACKGROUND: External ultrasound has been used safely for many years for therapy
and diagnosis by multiple medical specialists. It has also been utilized safely
to treat postoperative swelling after liposculpture. Recently, internal
tumescent ultrasonic liposculpture has been introduced. Since internal and
external ultrasonic devices utilize injected fluid to create an environment in
the fat that efficiently transmits sound waves, it seemed logical that external
ultrasound incorporated with tumescent liposculpture would be successful. This
study was designed to compare tumescent liposculpture combined with external
ultrasound with tumescent liposculpture alone. OBJECTIVE: A side-by-side
comparison of the results of tumescent liposculpture combined with external
ultrasound versus tumescent liposculpture alone was performed. METHODS: Thirty
patients were infused with therapeutic amounts of tumescent solution to achieve
anesthesia and vasoconstriction in the areas to be treated. External ultrasound
was then applied to one-half of the areas to be treated in a randomized fashion.
Either the left side or the right side of the body was treated with ultrasound.
Liposculpture was then performed using a variety of cannulas. Evaluations were
made of the temperature of the tissues, the ease of cannula movement by the
surgeon, and the time of performing the technique in each area. Postoperatively,
the amount of bruising and swelling were evaluated, as was the discomfort of the
patient. RESULTS: Clinical assessment results revealed that external ultrasound
combined with tumescent liposculpture was easier for the surgeon, requiring less
physical effort with less operating time, and less bruising, swelling, and
discomfort for the patient postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: External ultrasound
combined with tumescent liposculpture produced significant doctor and patient
benefit both operatively and postoperatively. Ongoing studies are currently
being performed to evaluate higher wattage ultrasonic units.