As a result of the rise in demand for non-surgical alternatives to liposuction, numerous new body sculpting alternatives are available to American customers. These treatments use machines that release bursts of cold air, radiofrequency energy as well as laser beams to rid the body of stretch marks and fat deposits that are stubborn.

Ultrasonic cavitation -- also known as ultrasound cavitation cavi-lipo, cavitation, or ultra cavitation -- is one of the latest methods for body contouring that are currently on the market. Here's what you should learn about this ever-popular fat-busting procedure.

What is what exactly is ultrasonic cavitation?

Ultrasonic cavitation is a non-invasive alternative to tumescent liposuction that utilizes ultrasonic waves to transform these fat cells into free fat acids which are easier to eliminate rid of.

The upper and mid-sections, the middle of the body, thighs, hips, and chin area can be targeted with these low-frequency ultrasound waves that penetrate into the skin and cause bubbles surrounding fat deposits. The bubbles then explode, causing the body to get rid of them through the urinary tract and lymphatic system.

Advocates of ultrasonic cavitation affirm that the technology tones and tightens skin, without causing any discomfort or significant downtime. The machine essentially fragments body tissue with very little fiber, but leaving the tissue structures around it intact. This is why it's utilized in conjunction with certain procedures and treatments for cancer particularly those that affect the pancreas or liver.

Not a weight-loss treatment

Ultrasonic cavitation is a procedure for circumferential reduction. This means that it isn't possible to measure your success by how much fat you've shed, but rather by the number of inches you've shrunk in your treatment area. Also, it's not going to provide the same fat removal power as liposuction, but it might aid in losing the love handles and upper arms.

The general rule is that the reduction in circumferential is sufficient for those who want to smooth, tighten, and tone an specific body area.

What to expect when you receive your ultrasonic cavitation treatment

For best results, most patients require between 10 and 12 treatments in-office. However, some patients have seen up to two inches (5 cm) of reduction in circumference after just five sessions. Each session of treatment lasts between 30 and 50 minutes.

To maximize the benefits the treatment, medical professionals suggest drinking plenty of fluids, adhering to a healthy diet, and exercising regularly in-between sessions. In fact, it's important that patients drink at least three 12 pints (1.5 L) of water before and after ultrasonic cavitation treatments in order to aid in the elimination of the fat acids.

You'll likely be told to follow a low-calorie, low-carb diet for at least one day prior to the procedure. This will allow to reduce the amount of fatty acid during the treatment , and immediately after.

For many patients, an option that offers long-term outcomes is well worth the additional money and time. Doctors who do ultrasound liposuction claim that the fat cells treated with low-frequency sound waves don't come back and therefore they provide an effect that lasts. It's still important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and exercise routine to keep the fat off.

Anyone who is afflicted with a pacemaker an vascular or cardiac disease or a serious medical condition may not be suitable for this treatment. Because of the risk of metabolic damage in the cavitation process, people with diabetes should avoid ultrasonic cavitation.

Ultrasonic cavitation vs. other body contouring options

The most significant differentiator among professional ultrasonic cavitation machine as well as other options for body contouring is the fact that its fat-busting mechanism involves ultrasound. There are some additional things that make it stand out from other options, though.

Knowing how ultrasonic cavitation stacks up to other treatments can help you ensure that you get the correct results for your body type, timeframe, and budget.

Laser liposuction

The major difference between two treatments are that the laser treatment -- that typically last several hours -- heat fat cells before they are extracted through the cannula. Similar to traditional liposuction, it typically requires anesthesia as well as downtime. What's more, ultrasonic cavitation tends to cost less than laser liposuction.

Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting)

If you think of CoolSculpting you might imagine a tech blasting fat with ice-cold air. Utilizing cryolipolysis technology CoolSculpting reduces fat cells down to 39 degrees F (4degC), which crystallizes them and allows the body to rid itself of fat cells naturally.

CoolSculpting is among the most researched body contouring options out there and its effectiveness is confirmed to a greater degree that ultrasonic cavitation. Both procedures are comfortable as they are non-invasive and pain-free.

Laser body contouring (SculpSure)

Another type of contouring the shape of your body is SculpSure. It utilizes the 1060 nanometer laser to target adipose tissue and heat it up to between 107-116degF (42-47degC). This causes structural damage of the fat cells, that are then eliminated naturally through the body's lymphatic system. There are a variety of treatments that are needed to achieve the best outcomes.

VASER liposuction

Although ultrasonic cavitation is often compared with the VASER procedure -- they both employ ultrasonic technology -- VASER is a procedure that requires a conventional cannula tube to physically remove fat cells. As a result, VASER can cause scarring, swelling, and even more severe bruises.

Body contouring surgery

Of course, there are methods to reduce fat using surgical procedures. One instance of Body contouring can be found in Athenix which makes use of the water-assisted liposuction machine to remove fat. It is then sucked out through traditional surgical cannulas.

In the same way, Sono Bello procedures use powered liposuction machines in conjunction with cannulas. These options for body contouring aren't as intense as traditional liposuction and tummy tucks, but they still utilize traditional surgical techniques to eliminate the fat. This allows patients to get the most effective results quickly -- typically after only one treatment session -- but they also result in more adverse consequences and a longer recuperation time more than ultrasonic cavitation.

Laser cold (Zerona)

The FDA-approved non-surgical body contouring option uses the use of a cold laser to create emulsions fat tissue in the treated areas. It can be seen as a mix between Laser liposuction and CoolSculpting. Patients must undergo six painless 20-minute treatments for the best outcomes.

It is best to leave it to the professionals

Getting advice from an experienced medical practitioner is the best method to make sure you choose the procedure the best fit for your needs. The first step of your journey towards body contouring must be to locate an experienced plastic surgeon with board certification that you can be confident in.