Ultrasonic lipo over the heart?

[needtofixg]

Hello.

Is it possible that ultrasonic liposuction may damage the heart? I have read that some external ultrasonic devices have a warning that they should not be used over the heart. If this is true, why would ultrasonic liposuction which is even closer to your heart possible be safe?

Could these ultrasonic waves damage your heart or valves,etc..? Are there any studies on this.

Thanks.

[Litlriki]

Ultrasonic assisted liposuction (UAL) has been studied extensively, and while the complication rate is higher than with conventional liposuction, the problems are generally localized to the treatment area with increased risk of skin necrosis or injury, increased incidence of seromas, and peripheral nerve injury as the most common problems encountered.  I am not aware of any studies that showed damage to the heart using internal UAL. 

Rick Silverman

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Totally agree with Dr. Silverman.

Ultrasonic lipo uses instruments which emit ultrasonic waves just at the tip of the instrument in a very small area -- it is not an ultrasound machine which might be used to visualize internal aspects of the body.

Dr Jacobs