Cavitation is a technique used in aesthetic medicine to eliminate the accumulation of body fat through the application of low frequency ultrasound.
This process causes the implosion of micro gas bubbles, generating shock waves that end up breaking the fat cells. The contents are released in liquid form and are eventually eliminated from the body through the lymphatic and urinary systems.
What does cavitation do with fat?
Cavitation uses low frequency ultrasound. Ultrasound emits sound waves that penetrate the skin and reach the subcutaneous layers where the adipose tissue is located.
At the same time, ultrasound causes the formation of gas bubbles in the interstitial fluid, which is the fluid that surrounds the fat cells.
These bubbles grow, like a balloon, until they finally implode. This leads to a release of energy that ruptures the fat cells, releasing their contents into the interstitial fluid.
Finally, this content is transported by the lymphatic system and the circulatory system until it is naturally eliminated by the body.
Therefore, cavitation eliminates localized fat, achieving the great objective of reducing body volume. For this purpose, a handpiece is used which is slid over the area to be treated after application of a conductive gel or cream.
Currently, different types of medical-aesthetic cavitation devices are available on the market. Their characteristics vary in power, frequency and mode of application.
However, there are three main types of cavitation: low frequency cavitation, high frequency cavitation and HIFU.
- The low frequency penetrates deeper. This might seem to be an advantage, but it actually becomes a disadvantage because it does not allow to act on a limited area.
- On the other hand, the high-frequency one, such as Sisneo’s Cavitacell V2, does not reach such deep layers, but allows treating small and superficial areas.
- Finally, HIFU uses high-intensity ultrasound, which allows for greater precision.
Although cavitation alone can give very good results, the combination with other treatments such as radiofrequency or electroporation will multiply the result.
When does cavitation become noticeable?
As always, the use of cavitation and the duration of treatment will depend on the individual. The amount of fat to be removed will also influence this decision. Although it will not be until after 2 or 3 sessions that noticeable results will be seen, changes in body volume can already be seen in the first session, which are also permanent, as long as they are accompanied by a healthy lifestyle.
It will be useless to invest money in a cavitation treatment if we do not follow a healthy diet and do not exercise, because in the end there will be a rebound effect. This is very important for the final client, who is going to undergo the treatment, to know, but it is also very important for the professionals who are dedicated to this.
Advantages over other techniques
If we compare with other techniques, we will realize that cavitation has no rival, but because no other treatment acts in the same way.
For example, due to its characteristics, radiofrequency could approach the results of cavitation, but in reality it will not achieve such a high degree of body volume reduction.
Cavitation offers benefits such as the actual reduction of body volume in the treated areas, improves the appearance of the skin due to the heat effect and stimulates the lymphatic system, which can help eliminate toxins from the body.
This reduction has been scientifically demonstrated through various studies. One of them¹, conducted in 2018, revealed a reduction in abdominal circumference of between 2 to 4.6 cm.
It is very important to note that cavitation is not a weight loss treatment. No medical-aesthetic treatment is, in reality. Cavitation aims to eliminate localized fat and in doing so we will achieve volume reduction, body shaping and a better appearance.
Contraindications of cavitation
Cavitation is a treatment that is, in principle, safe but should be performed by an expert professional and avoided in some situations.
For example, it should not be applied in pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with heart or circulation problems, nor in people with cancer, liver or kidney diseases.
In addition, it may cause some mild side effects such as redness, swelling or tenderness in the treated area.
Why does fat accumulate?
Our body accumulates fat because it uses it as a thermal insulator and energy reserve. This is unavoidable. However, when this fat reserve exceeds normal levels, it can become dangerous and can promote various health problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
There are several factors that contribute to the accumulation of fat in the body, although the most prominent are excessive calorie intake, genetics and hormonal changes.
If you want to know more about how fat accumulates, we talk extensively about localized fat in this article.
The preferred locations for fat are the thighs, hips, abdomen and buttocks. It does not accumulate equally in all people. Unfortunately, there is no common recipe, nor does it accumulate in the same way in men and women.
In addition to health, the dreaded fat causes rejection and can sometimes undermine people’s confidence. Fortunately, we have many ways to combat it, although they require effort and a lot of patience.
Bibliography:
- Juhász M, Korta D, Mesinkovska NA. A Review of the Use of Ultrasound for Skin Tightening, Body Contouring, and Cellulite Reduction in Dermatology. Dermatol Surg. 2018 Jul;44(7):949-963. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000001551. PMID: 29846343.
