Hearing and ultrasound-assisted liposuction: The effect on surgeon and patient

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction has become an important tool in body-contou ring surgery. Although ultrasound frequency is by definition outside the ra nge of normal human hearing, an audible sound is heard during ultrasound-as sisted liposuction. This study measured sound intensity during ultrasound-a ssisted liposuction performed with two commercially available systems. Soun d intensity was measured at the surgeon's ear, surgical site, and patient's glabella. All measurements obtained with both machines fell within accepta ble standards as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administrati on. Use of ultrasound-assisted liposuction does not pose a risk to the pati ent, the surgeon, or operating room personnel.