Fr. Grippaudo et al., Effects of traditional and ultrasonic liposuction on adipose tissue: A biochemical approach, PLAS R SURG, 106(1), 2000, pp. 197-199
Little is known about the interaction of ultrasonic liposculpture with fat
tissue. The surgical technique is well established and its clinical effects
are satisfactory. However, the in vivo effects on adipose tissue remain to
be determined. Previous studies have shown that ultrasound waves break fat
cells. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether ultrasound waves
can cause the release of fatty acids from the molecular structure of trigl
ycerides. A double-blind study was designed with samples obtained from trad
itional and ultrasonic liposuction of an equivalent area in the same patien
t. Samples were checked for triglycerides and for free fatty acids. Triglyc
eride values were always higher in the sample that had undergone ultrasonic
procedure. No significant differences were observed between the free fatty
acid chromatograms of the two kinds of samples analyzed. Data showed that
no changes occurred in the triglyceride molecule when using ultrasound wave
s in the experimental conditions.