What are ultrasounds and what effect do they have? Ultrasounds are mechanical vibrations of a frequency higher than that of audible sound, whose range extends from 20 to 20,000 hertz. By mechanical vibrations we understand the transmission, through a material medium, of a series of compressions and dilations, at a determined frequency. The frequency of ultrasound used in therapy is between 0.75 and 3 MHz. The 3 MHz are preferably used in aesthetic medicine, as its effects are more superficial. The power of ultrasound used in medical therapy is usually a maximum of 3.5 watts/cm2, never exceeding 5 watts/cm2. With pulse emission, higher values can be reached for each pulse, but the average value does not exceed the indicated limits either. 1. Thermal effect The molecular agitation that ultrasound communicates to the tissues translates into the production of heat, the basis of its thermal effect, whose intensity decreases with depth. This heat is greater in stationary applications than in moving applications. In therapy, mobile applications are preferred, both because of the greater width of the treated area, and because they avoid significant local overheating. The application of heat in medicine, and especially in the case of ultrasound, is a heat that arises from the tissues themselves (as also occurs in high frequency) and has two important effects due to the hyperemia produced: the trophic effect, following the increased nutrients and better elimination of catabolites and anti-inflammatory effect, due to the greater contribution of defensive substances to the area. The thermal effect usually goes from 400 KHz to 3 MgHz. 2. Mechanical effect The molecular agitation produced by the ultrasound also presents two specific effects of interest: its action on the cell membrane, which supposes a coadjuvant effect in the normalization of the altered membrane potential, and a specific effect on the sensitive nerve endings, with analgesia at intensities small and pain when the applied intensity is great. The mechanical effect oscillates between 20 Hz and 40 KHz. 3. Biochemical effect Ultrasounds also have a chemical-type action, characterized by the general stimulation that it causes in normal metabolic reactions, which is an important reinforcement of the trophic effect at the cellular level. Cavitator Definition It is an ultrasound generator that emits at a very low frequency (40KHz) gaining in mechanical or percussive effect with poor thermal effect, reaching a maximum temperature of 45 degrees Celsius. Physiological effects of ultrasound The mechanism of action of ultrasound once absorbed by the body is complex, since it presents actions due to its thermal effect, its mechanical and chemical effect. The formation of bubbles caused by sonic vibration ( ultrasonics ) is called cavitation . Said bubbles can be stable, grow and collapse (implosion), thereby exerting a mechanical action on adipose tissue, destroying it in a non-invasive and painless way. Electroporation or Virtual Mesotherapy , consists of the use of medium frequency currents for the opening of transient micropores in the outer layer of the skin and in the cell membrane, which facilitates the penetration of the active ingredients of the cosmetic used, and increasing the effectiveness of the treatment. It is a very effective and painless alternative to needle mesotherapy. Our treatment combines the action of ultrasound and electropration simultaneously, which, together with the action of the active gel, acts on body remodeling and gives rise to a significant loss of perimeter , acting not only on localized adiposity but also on the cellulite and skin flaccidity. Adipose tissue is specialized for storing energy in the form of fat. It is mainly made up of adipocytes, which are also known as fat cells. The low frequency ultrasound technique uses ultrasound waves to send them through the skin, directly penetrating the adipose tissue. Upon entering the fatty tissue, it breaks it into small pieces that cause micro-bubbles that turn the fat into a liquid substance (this phenomenon is known as cavitation). The fluid is then easily expelled out of the body through the lymphatic and urinary systems. When doing sports, it takes at least half an hour for cavitation to take place naturally, however with ultrasound treatment, fat begins to break down from minute one. Treatment for localized weight loss It is a safe, effective and painless technique, designed to combat superficial fat, eliminate localized accumulations and improve the quilted relief. It is always applied exclusively by a qualified medical team. This system allows us to obtain better results than a conventional ultracavitation, since it incorporates two modifications, ultrasound and infiltration, which guarantee an optimal result. The ultrasounds used in the Sonocavitation protocol are applied to the skin to produce pressure changes in the interstitial fluid of the fatty tissue. In addition, this new therapeutic system uses frequencies of greater penetration that act from the "outside in" on the adipocytes, being able to further compress the surrounding fluids, without increasing the temperature. This enhanced energy acts only on fatty accumulations, without affecting the rest of the tissues. Prior to the application of ultrasound, an infiltration is performed with a solution (bi-distilled water and bicarbonate) that increases its effectiveness and acts from the "inside out" of the adipocyte. A small amount of this serum causes the fat cells to absorb the liquid, expand their size and increase the tension of their membranes, which are more easily broken by ultrasonic waves. Sensitized to the ultrasound emitted by the Sonocavitation team, they release shorter chains of free fatty acids, easier to metabolize and eliminate, without increasing blood triglycerides. Effect of Sonocavitation on fatty accumulations Sonocavitation is a physical phenomenon based on the percussive or "hammer" effect produced by ultrasound when in contact with a medium. Its application generates cavities or gas bubbles that increase in size and due to the spring effect, that is, negative/positive pressure changes, first implode and then burst or explode (compression/decompression effect). When this medium is adipose tissue, a set of reactions are triggered that end with the destruction of the adipocyte or adipocytolysis. After the percussive effect and then cavitation and popping, followed by shock waves causing two possible effects: Instantaneous rupture of the adipocyte membrane, cell death or adipocytolysis; which will be definitive, and hypertrophy of the remaining adipocytes. Very little lipolytic effect due to thermal effect, where there is alteration of the sodium-potassium pump, which increases membrane permeability, and induces a toxic elimination of liquids and a decrease in the size of the adipocyte. Metabolism of the released fat After the rupture of the adipocyte, half of the fat passes into the bloodstream, first into the venous system, then into the lymphatic system, becomes metabolic detritus, goes to the kidney for 3 to 5 hours and is eliminated in the urine. The other half of the fat, if there is time, will be subjected to sonication, micronization or emulsion. It is the mechanical effect of ultrasound that continues to penetrate and act on triglycerides, reducing them to hydrocarbon chains, which will be eliminated by liver detoxification. In a healthy patient, to avoid the redistribution of excess triglycerides, it is recommended to exercise 48 hours after Sonocavitation and immediately after lymphatic drainage with drainage vibrotherapy, carboxytherapy, mesotherapy, pressotherapy or subdermal therapy. Thus we increase the lipolytic effect on the adipocyte that has been weakened. Contraindications can be: Relative: metal prostheses Diabetic patients Absolute: Pacemaker tumors pregnancies Dizziness/Tympanoplasty liver diseases Diagnosis for the treatment of localized fat The first step is to take a comprehensive medical history in which all medical data, nutritional information, sports habits, family and personal history related to overweight, obesity and metabolic disorders must be collected. Then do a physical examination that allows to assess the characteristics of localized fat, the presence of other alterations such as cellulite, flaccidity and also do a general clinical examination. You can make an appointment for a free first consultation of assessment and medical history with one of our expert doctors. To choose the treatment, the aesthetic doctor will carry out a series of measurements: weight, height, abdomen and hip circumference and ultrasound of the fatty tissue. Enhanced Medical Sonocavitation is one of the best treatments to treat that localized fat that worries patients so much. How is Sonocavitation performed? The application of ultrasound requires placing the patient in a comfortable position, with the area to be treated uncovered and clean. The area to be treated is disinfected, then the area to be done is drawn with a sterile template, marking points symmetrically spaced from each other to infiltrate the hypoosmolar solution. Then the necessary amount is infiltrated at each point according to the area to be treated and taking into account the personalized case of each patient. If you want to know which cellulite treatment is best for you, you can request a free informative consultation with one of our expert doctors now. The patient is allowed to rest for 10 minutes to infiltrate the first area to be treated (such as the right trochanter) and position is changed to infiltrate the next area. A small amount of the inert or coupling substance, or the chosen gel or cream, is placed on the skin to enhance the sonophoresis effect. The device is connected and the desired intensity is selected; if the application is made with impulses, the chosen regime is also selected. As a general rule, ultrasound is used continuously when it is used as thermotherapy, because this way its possible overdose due to the heat produced is effectively controlled, especially at the periosteal level. The time switch is placed and the application is started. The normal thing is that it is done with the head slightly pressed on the area to be treated, sliding it slowly and gently throughout the area, always in a centripetal direction, to help vascular drainage. A coupling substance will be added to the extent that is required, until the end of the preset time. At the beginning of the treatment the patient may notice an annoying noise but later he adapts and does not notice it. At the end of the session, the treated area and the head of the device are thoroughly cleaned and immediate drainage is performed with specialized devices. The doses of ultrasounds depend on the area to be treated and its condition. The application time ranges between 10 and 20 minutes per area, depending on the intensity and, above all, the extension of the process. Sonocavitation Results The results obtained through this optimized version of ultracavitation, called enhanced Medical Sonocavitation, are manifested in a progressive improvement in the quality of the orange peel, which becomes evident from the first sessions and by the reduction in volume of accumulated fat, that begins to be visible after several days from the first session. The number of necessary sessions must be assessed by the aesthetic doctor based on the specific characteristics of each patient. A session is usually held every three weeks, up to a total of three or four. Each one lasts approximately between 30 and 50 minutes, depending on the areas to be treated. These sessions are combined with pneumatic pressotherapy treatments, subdermal therapies, or manual draining massages, performed every four or five days to facilitate drainage and improve venous-lymphatic return. They are also combined with radiofrequency treatments to stimulate collagen and maintain the firming of the skin in the treated area. Advantages of Sonocavitation It does not require sedatives and is very well tolerated. It allows to eliminate fatty nodules that are found both on the surface (orange peel) and at a greater level of skin depth. It does not harm the surrounding tissues. It is a versatile treatment that can be applied to almost all types of adipose tissue and body areas. Localized fat anatomy The skin, which is the largest tissue in the body, is made up of three layers. Located horizontally and from outside to inside are: Epidermis (superficial layer). Dermis (middle layer). Hypodermis or subcutaneous cell tissue (deep layer). Other structures such as hair, nails, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands are added to these layers. skin structure the epidermis The epidermis constitutes the superficial or external layer of the skin and is a thin layer. However, it is the layer of the skin responsible for isolating the rest of the body from the outside, it is a resistant layer because the superficial cells of the skin are cornified to give it greater resistance. the dermis The dermis is made up of loose connective tissue composed of fixed cellular structures (fibroblasts, among others), fibrous proteins (collagen, elastin), amorphous ground substance (water, mucopolysaccharides, salts, and glycoproteins) and migratory cellular structures (lymphocytes, plasma cells, leukocytes). It is traversed by blood vessels, lymphatics and nerves. localized fat Localized fat is formed by deposits or accumulations of fat cells or adipocytes, normal in shape and function, in a certain area of the body contour, causing a consequent local increase in volume and a loss of body harmony. It is characterized by being resistant to rigorous diets and physical activity programs. It does not depend on the degree of obesity, since it can occur in thin, normal weight or overweight people. The most common locations are the abdomen, the hips, the buttocks, the inner side of the knee, the chin, the arms, the calf, the ankles, the back, and the cervico-dorsal region. There is a genetic and hormonal influence that predisposes to the deposit of fat in different regions: Localized abdominal or central fat : It is more common in men and postmenopausal women. The fat is located at the level of the abdomen and flanks. It is called centripetal obesity or the “apple-shaped” disposition. This type of fat is more related to changes in health, since it can be associated with hypertension, diabetes and increased cardiovascular risk. Localized peripheral or gynoid fat : Fat is preferably deposited in the hips and buttocks. It can be associated with cellulite. It is called “pear-shaped”. The increase in fatty tissue can occur due to an increase in the volume or number of adipocytes. Both mechanisms may be influenced by genetic, hormonal, dietary factors, etc. With age, the distribution of fat changes. Causes Genetic factors acquired factors hereditary factors