Q about phyiscs of Liposuction (and Sonolumensence)

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In summary, the conversation discusses the use of Sonoluminescence (SL) in liposuction, and how ultrasound waves can separate fat from tissue through friction forces. The fat is then removed as a liquid, rather than a gas, dust, ash, or solid, due to the relatively low intensity of the ultrasound used. The cause of SL is still being debated or recently discovered.
  • #1
piareround
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I am kind of new here so I am not sure exactly where else to put this question. If the moderators or admins could think of a better place to move this, I would appreciate it:

Reading an article by Seth Putterman called "Sonoluminescence: How bubbles turn sound into light"(see **), that he mentioned that one of Sonoluminesence's (abbv. SL's) early uses actually in ultrasonically assisted liposuction
  1. Has any else here heard of SL being involved in process ultrasound in liposuction?
  2. How in terms of process could any ultrasound wave separate the fat from the tissue? Is it due to the shearing, resonance, or osmotic pressure, prehaps?
  3. How does the fat after the ultrasound look like a liquid and not a gas, dust, ash, or solid? In other words what is the residue that they have to suck out of the body and how does the ultrasound cause this to occur instead of burning it.

If you want to mention SL, that would be nice to talk about the process of how people understand it works in relation to liposuction; however, I do not expect this or the cause since the cause of SL is either still debated or just recently discovered (ie. in the past 5 years).


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*SL = Sonolumensence
**SJ Putterman, KR Weninger - Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics, 2000
 
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  • #2
piareround said:
Has any else here heard of SL being involved in process ultrasound in liposuction?

Nope.

How in terms of process could any ultrasound wave separate the fat from the tissue? Is it due to the shearing, resonance, or osmotic pressure, prehaps?

Simply 'shaking it loose' basically. Friction forces.

How does the fat after the ultrasound look like a liquid and not a gas, dust, ash, or solid? In other words what is the residue that they have to suck out of the body and how does the ultrasound cause this to occur instead of burning it.

I think you're imagining a much more intense ultrasound than what they actually use. An ultrasound bath of the kind they use in chemistry labs (and in jewelery shops for cleaning) creates strong enough mechanical forces to cause tissue damage if you were to stick your hand in it, but they don't get significantly hot at all.
 
  • #3
Sonoluminescence, also known as SL, is a phenomenon where small bubbles in a liquid are excited by sound waves and emit light. This process has been studied extensively in the field of physics, but it has also found practical applications in other fields, such as medicine.

One such application is in ultrasonically assisted liposuction, as mentioned in the article by Seth Putterman. This technique uses ultrasound waves to break up fat cells, making it easier to remove them from the body. The ultrasound waves are able to separate the fat from the surrounding tissue due to a process called cavitation, where the rapid changes in pressure cause the fat cells to rupture.

In terms of the process, it is mainly due to the shearing forces generated by the ultrasound waves. The pressure changes cause the bubbles to expand and contract rapidly, creating powerful shock waves that can break apart the fat cells. This process is not fully understood, but it is believed that the resonance of the bubbles also plays a role in the fragmentation of the fat cells.

After the ultrasound treatment, the fat appears as a liquid due to the breakdown of the cell membranes. The residue that needs to be suctioned out of the body is a mixture of the broken fat cells and other fluids from the body. The ultrasound waves do not cause burning, as the energy is dissipated in the form of heat and sound.

In relation to sonoluminescence, it is still a topic of ongoing research and debate on how exactly it works. However, some theories suggest that the extreme temperatures and pressures inside the collapsing bubbles can generate light through various mechanisms, such as plasma formation or chemical reactions.

Overall, the use of sonoluminescence in ultrasonically assisted liposuction is just one example of how this phenomenon has practical applications in various fields. Further research and understanding of the underlying physics can lead to more developments and advancements in this area.
 

1. What is the process of liposuction and how does it work?

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that involves removing excess fat from specific areas of the body. This is typically done through a small incision where a thin tube, called a cannula, is inserted and used to suction out the fat cells. The fat cells are broken down using a high-pressure vacuum, and the remaining tissues are reshaped to achieve a desired contour.

2. What role does physics play in liposuction?

Physics plays a crucial role in liposuction as it involves the use of mechanical forces to break down and remove fat cells. The high-pressure vacuum used in the procedure relies on the principles of fluid dynamics and Bernoulli's principle to create a suction force. Additionally, the manipulation of tissues to achieve a desired contour involves the principles of pressure and force.

3. How does sonoluminescence play a role in liposuction?

Sonoluminescence is the phenomenon where light is produced by sound waves passing through a liquid. In liposuction, ultrasonic waves are used to liquefy fat cells before they are removed. This process is called ultrasonic-assisted liposuction and relies on the production of heat and light from the sound waves to break down the fat cells and make them easier to remove.

4. Are there any risks associated with using physics in liposuction?

Like any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with using physics in liposuction. The use of high-pressure vacuum and ultrasonic waves can cause damage to surrounding tissues if not performed carefully. Additionally, the production of heat and light from sonoluminescence can increase the risk of burns if not monitored properly.

5. How has physics improved the safety and effectiveness of liposuction?

Physics has greatly improved the safety and effectiveness of liposuction by providing more precise and controlled methods for removing fat cells. The use of high-pressure vacuum and ultrasonic waves allows for a more targeted approach, reducing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues. Additionally, advancements in technology have led to safer and more efficient liposuction procedures, resulting in better outcomes for patients.

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