EXTERNAL (done by a vibrating machine just prior to the liposuction procedure).

It can be performed with either the traditional, wet or tumescent methods.
Ultrasonic means high-pitched sound. This property has many uses outside of the operating room in “shaking things loose” as in the new ultrasonic toothbrushes. The ultrasonic principle is to loosen the fat, so that fat or oil can be vacuumed out of the body faster than it might with other methods.

Unfortunately, the ultrasonic equipment used (referred to as cannulae, or tubes) may overheat and has caused burns to patients. At times, Ultrasonic cannulae have perforated patients kidneys and gallbladders. Additionally, Ultrasonic Liposuction may cause “end hits”, a burning through of the surface skin. “End hits” occur when the ultrasonic cannula pushes on the skin from the inside out, resulting in blister formation and sometimes scarring. Ultrasonic Liposuction results in more seroma formation than other methods. Seromas are collections of fluid. These fluid balls are made in the tissue as a response to injury. Seromas may be long-lasting and unsightly. Moreover, Ultrasonic instrumentation is very expensive.