Ultrasonic or ultrasound cavitation is the use of ultrasound technology to break down fat cells below the skin. It is a non-surgical method of reducing cellulite and localized fat.
This procedure involves applying pressure on fat cells through ultrasonic vibrations. The pressure is high enough to make the fat cells break down into a liquid form. The body can then get rid of it as waste through your urine.
The broken-down fat cells go from the body to the liver where they are excreted as waste. This method of treatment is used along with other weight loss programs to help with getting rid of excessive fat. It is a preferred method to other invasive procedures of eliminating body fat. It is important to note that your weight could return if you consume a high- calorie diet.
How Does it Work?
Ultrasonic cavitation tones the body using radio frequencies and low-frequency ultrasonic waves. These waves form bubbles around fat deposits under the skin. The bubbles then burst, breaking the fat deposits into the interstitial and the lymphatic systems where they are drained. The fat deposits are changed into glycerol and free fatty acids. Glycerol is then reused by the body while free fatty acids travel to the liver and are excreted as waste.
How long do ultrasonic cavitation sessions last? Since the procedure is customized according to an individual's needs, it might take longer for some than others. However, the standard treatment should be completed in one to three sessions with two weeks between every session depending on the treatment. Each session is around 45 to 75 minutes. It takes about 6 to 12 weeks to see the results of ultrasonic cavitation.
Which body parts are best for ultrasonic cavitation? Ultrasonic cavitation works best on parts with localized fat. Such areas include the abdomen, flanks, thighs, hips, and upper arms. This procedure cannot be performed on body parts like the head, neck, and other bony areas of the body.
Health Impacts of Ultrasonic Cavitation
Ultrasonic cavitation reduces the body’s fat deposits that could be hard to get rid of by exercising alone. However, this procedure cannot be used for weight loss treatment on its own. Ultrasonic cavitation is best for reducing cellulite and adipose fat. This improves body shape and contour and reduces circumference.
It is vital to maintain a low-calorie balanced diet and to perform physical exercise after completing the cavitation procedure. This will help to control your body weight and treat conditions like prediabetes in obese women.
People eligible for an ultrasonic cavitation procedure include individuals with steady Body Mass Index values (18.5k / m2 and 24.9kg / m2) and women with adiposity around the abdomen. The following individuals should not undergo the procedure:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Persons showing skinfold lower than 2 cm
- Infection or inflammation in the region where the procedure will be done
- Individuals with a history of malignancies
- People with a cardiac pacemaker or other metal implants
- Persons with coagulation disorders or taking medication that affects blood clotting
- Individuals with serious medical conditions like diabetes and osteoporosis
Ultrasonic cavitation is a safe FDA approved procedure. Since the procedure is non-invasive, there is no downtime needed. The destroyed fat cells do not grow back. The results of ultrasonic cavitation can last with continued weight maintenance activities.
Ultrasonic cavitation should not be used as a replacement for doing physical exercises. Doing regular exercises is more effective in reducing body weight and the risk of developing coronary medical conditions.
Pros and Cons of Using Non-Invasive Methods of Fat Reduction
Using non-invasive methods to reduce body fat has its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
- Requires little to no downtime
- Results last for a long time with a healthy lifestyle
- Causes minimum side effects
- Leaves no scars
- No anesthesia is needed
- Results occur gradually, so you can maintain discretion about the treatment
Cons:
- Lesser loss of weight compared to invasive methods like liposuction
- May be inefficient for individuals with a lot of weight to lose
- May require complementing with other weight loss methods for desired results
- It is impossible to know the exact amount of fat lost
You must continue consuming a healthy and balanced diet and getting adequate fluids after undergoing ultrasonic cavitation. Consider having a low-calorie diet by eating fewer carbohydrates and foods with a low glycemic index (e.g. fruits and vegetables).
