Effect of external ultrasound postliposuction: a side-to-side comparison study

External ultrasound (EUS) has been used as a therapeutic modality for more than 30 years by multiple medical specialists, primarily for stimulating the repair of soft tissue injuries and relieving pain. It has also been used to treat postoperative swelling after liposuction. There are no controlled studies documenting the objective and subjective effects of EUS following liposuction.

The purpose of this preliminary study was to evaluate the role of EUS in the relief of postoperative symptoms following traditional tumescent liposuction.

Twenty-five patients underwent tumescent liposuction of the abdomen or hips. Within 2 weeks after the procedure, a double-blind study was initiated in which EUS therapy was applied at therapeutic energies to one-half of the treated area, while the other side was treated with placebo settings. Patients were treated biweekly for a total of six to eight treatments. Both objective and subjective parameters were assessed during the subsequent side-by-side evaluations by the patient and observer.

After four treatments, 18 of 25 patients had the same postoperative symptoms on each side. Two had fewer symptoms on the EUS side and five were worse on the EUS side. After completion of all treatments, 17 of 25 again had the same symptoms on the therapeutic and placebo sides. Three had improved symptoms and five were worse on the EUS side. The subjective findings revealed that all patients believed the treatment helped significantly on both the placebo and EUS-treated sides.

EUS after liposuction of the abdomen at the study parameters provided no objective benefit compared to placebo in postoperative recovery. Patient acceptance and perception of benefit are high. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal timing and energies required for therapeutic value.