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The procedure:

Ultrashape® is a treatment which uses focused ultrasound waves to selectively break down fat cells while protecting the skin, nerves and blood vessels, in order to reduce or contour areas of the body.

The treatment starts with an examination by a doctor who will examine and marl the area to be treated. The operator will then use a round hand-held transducer (a device that converts electrical energy into ultrasound energy) to deliver ultrasound beams over the marked region. During treatment, the beam of focused ultrasound energy penetrates the area to be treated and selectively destroys fat cells while having no effect on skin, blood vessels and nerves.  The broken down cells are absorbed by the patient's white blood cells and burned up by the body.

The ultrasound emitted during an Ultrashape® treatment is comparable to the ultrasound used in pregnancy but is generally more powerful and more focused.

This treatment should be painless and performed as an out-patient procedure. Treatment time ranges from 1 hour to 90 minutes and there is no recovery period.

The results:

Studies have shown an average loss in circumference of 2.5cm. These same studies do indicate a small percentage of people with little or no improvement. Fat released during Ultrashape® treatment may take up to 14 days to be transported away from the treated area. The transportation rate may be increased by exercise. After treatment most of the released fat will leave the body, but some will also be stored again. You may be advised to take a reduced calorie intake and carbohydrate for a while after the treatment.

The risks:

There have not been any documented side effects to date

Before you start:

Most people choose to have Ultrashape® because there is excess fat on the abdomen, flanks, hips or thighs.

You will not be considered for Ultrashape® treatment if there is any possibility of you being pregnant. The following conditions will also require a medical review prior to initiation of therapy.

Before considering Ultrashape® you are advised to speak to your doctor about any alternatives.

Also see:

• Fat implant/ fat transfer
• Buttock lift
• Thigh lift (or Thighplasty)
• Lower body lift
• Liposuction (or lipoplasty/liposculpture)
• Mesotherapy