A review and examination of ultrasound for lipoplasty

Ultrasonic lipoplasty occurs through a complex and describable but currently unquantified series of processes. Ample opportunity exists for the creation of deleterious effects, such as burning tissue and destroying blood vessels and nerves; however, as reported by others, the skilled user seems able to avoid these problems. The possibility of free radical-induced cancer being caused by ultrasonic lipoplasty seems extremely unlikely to the authors. Still, the authors cannot categorically rule out the possibility of significant long-term, harmful, biologic effects caused by free-radical production. All the authors have been able to do is produce an extremely generous upper bound on hydrogen peroxide production and note the uphill climb that any free radical would have to surmount to do lasting damage. Also, users should ensure that no preexisting cancers are present in the fatty tissue or adjoining tissue. Finally, these and other issues, concerns, and hypotheses would all benefit from significant tests on appropriate animal models.