Fat Cavitation
- Updated September 10, 2023
- by Honey Seida
Ultrasonic Cavitation, also known as Ultrasound Liposuction and Ultra Cavitation, is a non-surgical fat reduction process that uses non-invasive technology that has been scientifically shown to break down undesirable fat.
Fat Cavitation
Fat cavitation has revolutionized the field of non-invasive body contouring by offering a safe and effective solution for reducing localized fat deposits. If you are considering fat cavitation as a means to sculpt your body.
With its non-invasive nature, minimal discomfort, and gradual yet impressive results, fat cavitation has become a valuable option for those seeking to achieve a more sculpted and toned physique without the need for surgery.
Fat Cavitation and RF Skin Tightening
Radio frequency is a non-invasive heat therapy that helps with body tightening, contouring, and refining.
What Is Sound?
Sound is a vibration that is created from a medium (vocal cords, stereo, machines) which then forms mechanical waves. These waves are then passed through matter (air, liquid or gas).
What Is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound waves consist of sound waves that are greater than 20,000 Hz. This frequency is greater than we as humans can hear.
Sound Wave Behaviour
Sound waves behave in a similar way to light waves.
Reflection: occurs when the entire wave bounces off a surface or barrier. An echo is an example of a reflected sound wave.
Refraction: refraction is the change of direction of the sound wave and occurs when the wave encounters a different medium like water.
Absorption: where a material or object takes in the sound waves. This energy is then converted in to heat.
Density of Matter
- The density of the matter and the frequency of the sound wave will impact how deep the wave will penetrate.
- Energy is lost when it comes into contact with resistance.
- The denser the substance, the greater the resistance.
Frequency
- Frequency is a measure of how many waves per unit of time.
- A sound wave's frequency is measured in hertz.
- Humans can only hear between 20Hz to 20,000Hz (or 20kHz).
- One kilohertz is one thousand cycles and one megahertz is one million cycles per second.
Handpiece Selection
40kHz VS 1MHz
The frequency of the 40kHz handpiece is a low, and thus it travels a lot deeper into the skin.
This makes it the appropriate handpiece to use on most areas.
It is not advised to use the 40khz handpiece over the back as this atop the kidneys and liver.
The 1Mhz handpiece, however, has a high frequency and its penetration depth is shallower.
The 1Mhz is best used on:
- Lower back
- Hips
- Bra line
How Do Fat Cavitation and RF Work?
- Ultrasound uses low-frequency sound waves to target particular bodily areas.
- Glycerin is used as a slip medium on the skin.
- The handpiece is then massaged into the skin using pressure.
- The procedure is non-invasive and causes no pain.
- The client will hear the vibrations during the procedure.
- Ultrasonic is intended to help in the removal of fatty tissue.
Read more: RF and Skin Tightening
Factors Effecting Results
- Internal and topical hydration will boost the treatment's effectiveness.
- A diet heavy in water (fruits and vegetables) and low in sugar, fat, and carbs is advised for enhanced body contouring.
- Exercise is essential.
- Ultrasound requires a healthy lymphatic system to be able to eliminate toxins released during the fat cavitation and RF treatment.
- A minimum of 72 hours between treatments is necessary.
Treatment Indications
The following areas are indicated for ultrasound body contouring:
- Buttocks
- Legs
- Arms
- Abdomen
- Medial region (knee)
- Lumbosacral region (love handles)
Fat Calipers
Fat Calipers are a fantastic way to determine the amount of adipose tissue present, and therefore what corresponding level you should use:
- 30mm – 40mm – Level 3
- 40mm – 50mm – Level 4
- 50mm – 60mm – Level 5
Areas Not to Be Treated
Cavitation and RF should not be used on the following areas:
- Lower back over kidneys or liver with 40k hand piece (1Mhz Only)
- Breast tissue, both male and female.
- Face, head and neck, fine for product infusion.
- Bony areas or joints.
- Over main lymph nodes.
- Behind the knees.
- Over reproductive organs
Treatment Parameters
- Minimum number of treatments 6 – 10.
- Divide large areas into smaller areas of A5 size.
- Treat each A5 area for 10 minutes.
- One treatment may last from 10 - 40 minutes.
- 40 kHz hand piece for larger areas i.e. stomach, thighs, buttocks.
- 1MHz – small superficial areas and rib cage also over the liver and kidneys.
- Energy, the amount of power, should always be set on 5w/cm3.
- Level, the depth of penetration, is dependent on the amount of adipose tissue present.
- To increase efficacy, use in conjunction with radio frequency.
Fat Cavitation & Rf Contraindications
- Liver disease
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Any disease where the healing function is impaired
- Auto immune issues
- Poor lymphatic systems
- Pregnancy and nursing mothers
- Pacemakers
- Areas where there are metal pins and plates
- Allergic skin irritations
- Vascular issues
- Metabolic problems (hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia)
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Blood thinners (bruising)
- Hearing aids – need to be taken out and turned off. As sound waves can travel through the device and it may potentially explode
Common Side Effects of Cavitation and RF
- Erythema
- Swelling
- Histamine response
- Feeling sluggish
- Flu like symptoms
- Bruising
