The author describes a revolutionary body contouring technique based on the surgical use of ultrasonic energy. It allows the selective destruction of only excess adipose tissue. The technique is based on three fundamental steps: (1) preparation of the areas to be treated with a large infiltration of a special solution, (2) treatment of the areas with ultrasonic energy through special titanium probes, (3) manual remodeling of the treated areas to eliminate the fluid from the bursted adipocytes (fatty acids). The advantages of this new technique are selective destruction of just the undesired tissues, elimination of the fluid from the adipose tissues, and the possibility of a real
lifting
of the skin of the treated areas, and a reduction of physical strain on the surgeon. The author has already treated more than 280 patients with excellent results and without contraindications or undesired side effects. The fundamental steps of ultrasonic liposculpturing, including a description of the physical principles on which the technique is based, are presented.
Key words Liposculpturing - Ultrasound - Cavitation - Autologous collagen - Cellulite
Editors' note: The Editors have agreed that this paper is intriguing and deserves to be respectfully considered by readers of this journal. The Editors caution the readers, however, that the role of ultrasound in liposculpturing must be further evaluated in terms of its possible unexpected or unfavorable effects on tissues and/or organs adjacent to the fatty tissues being treated. Further followup studies by Dr. Zocchi, his colleagues, and others on such possible side effects are certainly to be encouraged!