Hearing and ultrasound-assisted liposuction: the effect on surgeon and patient.

Abstract

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction has become an important tool in body-contouring surgery. Although ultrasound frequency is by definition outside the range of normal human hearing, an audible sound is heard during ultrasound-assisted liposuction. This study measured sound intensity during ultrasound-assisted liposuction performed with two commercially available systems. Sound intensity was measured at the surgeon's ear, surgical site, and patient's glabella. All measurements obtained with both machines fell within acceptable standards as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Use of ultrasound-assisted liposuction does not pose a risk to the patient, the surgeon, or operating room personnel.