Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty.

The use of ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL) to assist in the removal of subcutaneous fat has been practiced in Europe for nearly 15 years and over the last 7 years has gained popularity in the United States. Liposuction is now one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures by board-certified plastic surgeons. This article will review the UAL procedure, its history, regulatory issues, instrumentation and equipment needed. It will also review changes and recent updates, clinical protocol, complications, and future considerations.