Ultrasound-Guided Plastic Surgery

Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Newport Beach, Upland and Ontario, CA

Ultrasound-guided plastic surgery is improving patient safety and treatment results through real-time visual feedback. Ultrasounds have long been used as a medical diagnostic tool, but with technological advances, imaging is now live, in real-time, and higher resolution, which combines for better precision in surgical procedures. With ultrasound-guided plastic surgery, our patients at Panache Plastic Surgery enjoy high-quality treatments with simpler recoveries and superior results.

We are deeply committed to providing supportive patient care with an emphasis on safety for beautiful, balanced results. We are led by Dr. Azra Ashraf, who is dual-board certified and highly trained in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. She is dedicated to advancing healthcare outcomes and has developed extensive expertise through specialized plastic and reconstructive surgery training, an advanced fellowship, and a Master of Public Health.

Please fill out our contact form or call us to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient Southern California locations:

About Ultrasound-Guided Plastic Surgery

Ultrasound imaging is a valuable tool in improving plastic surgery outcomes and minimizing complications in treatment. Non-invasive ultrasound machines use a handheld probe (called a transducer) to transmit pulses of high-frequency ultrasonic waves. Ultrasonic waves are sound waves that resonate at higher frequencies than what is detectable by the human ear, typically between three and ten MHz. Different tissues respond, absorb, and reflect the waves in distinct patterns, which allows the ultrasound machine to create detailed images of the body structures by reading the echos off of soft tissues inside the body. Different body treatments use different frequencies for better, more detailed imaging results. (1)

Other static imaging, like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, offer views of the body at a single point in time. An advantage of ultrasounds is they provide a live-action, high-resolution visualization of the body’s anatomy and soft tissues, including:

  • Skin and dermis layers
  • Subcautaneous fat
  • Muscle
  • Fascia
  • Nerves
  • Blood vessels
  • Fluid collection
  • Scar tissue
  • Injected fillers
  • Implants

The immediate visual feedback and real-time diagnostic information of internal structures provided by ultrasounds is a valuable tool to precisely guide treatment during surgery. Ultrasound imaging provides exact treatment depth information, allowing Dr. Ashraf to have more control in each maneuver. As a diagnostic tool and surgical aid, ultrasound technology assists in in selecting needle sites and implant locations, guiding the placement of incisions and surgical tools, improving the accuracy of nerve blocks for pain control, improving patient safety and reducing the risk of complications. (2)

Benefits

Plastic surgery procedures are greatly enhanced by ultrasound guidance. The many benefits of using ultrasound technology for aesthetic treatments include:

  • Non-invasive and painless
  • No ionizing radiation like other imaging techniques
  • Improved patient safety
  • Greater technical precision
  • Increased accuracy in treatments
  • Higher-quality results
  • Increased patient confidence and comfort
  • Fewer complications
  • Real-time visual feedback of internal structures and live body functions

Candidates

If you are seeking any transformative body improvements through plastic surgery, you can enjoy better, long-lasting results with ultrasound-guided plastic surgery. There is a wide spectrum of procedures that have enhanced technical precision with the use of ultrasound imaging. During the development of your personalized treatment plan, Dr. Ashraf will discuss your specific needs and how the use of ultrasound technology in your plastic surgery will lead to better outcomes and exceptional results.

Personal Consultation

Panache means exuberantly confident. We offer a wide range of treatments to help you feel confident and beautiful in your body. Your personal consultation is the first step towards total body enhancement. Ultrasound imaging may be used as a diagnostic tool to map your individual body anatomy and internal structures for optimized treatment planning. During your consultation, Dr. Ashraf will develop a comprehensive, custom treatment plan expertly tailored to your body, health, and desired results.

To begin your body refinement journey, please fill out our contact form or call us to schedule your personal consultation at one of our convenient Southern California locations:

Procedures

At Panache Plastic Surgery, we use ultrasound imaging as a diagnostic and surgical-guiding tool as part of our patient-centric care. Ultrasounds provide a clearer visualization of patients’ anatomy, including the location of tissues, fat, skin, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and implants. Enhanced knowledge of individual internal structures increases treatment accuracy and patient safety in procedures.

Dr. Ashraf utilizes ultrasound imaging in a wide variety of aesthetic treatments. During your procedure, she will apply gel to the skin and then guide a handheld probe over the treatment area, and the live images will appear on the monitor. With real-time visual feedback, Dr. Ashraf can safely apply surgical techniques and navigate instruments through sensitive areas to the precise target locations.

Procedures that have enhanced outcomes from ultrasound imaging as a surgical aid include but are not limited to:

  • Breast surgery: Ultrasound imaging provided a detailed visualization of the breast tissue to aid in breast augmentations, reductions, lifts, and reconstructions. Dr. Ashraf uses ultrasound-guiding as an aid for exact breast implant placement for beautiful, natural-looking results. We also use ultrasound screenings for long-term monitoring of silicone implants and to check for ruptures.
  • Body Contouring: In body sculpting procedures, ultrasound imaging provides clear visualization of the excess skin and stubborn fat tissues being targeted with abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck), arm and thigh lifts. In liposuction treatments, it guides the tip of the suction device for precise removal of fat deposits.
  • Face and Neck Procedures: Ultrasound mapping of facial layers, structures, and skin depth improves results for neck, face, chin, and eyebrow lifts and rhinoplasty procedures.
  • Fat transfers: Real-time visualization of where the cannula is placed during fat transfers and Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL) improves the precision of the fat injection site. This leads to improved results with less overall fat reabsorption and reduced risk of dangerous fat embolisms (when fat makes its way into the blood stream).
  • Injectables: Ultrasound guidance greatly improves the placement and results of injectables and fillers. Before treatment, it is used to map the unique facial anatomy and structure to identify the exact location to inject. During treatment, it precisely guides the needle placement and shows the filler placement in real-time. Afterward, it can even aid in safely and effectively dissolving and removing fillers by showing exactly what tissue layer the filler has settled to.
  • Reconstructive Surgery: Breast and other reconstructive surgeries see improved results from the ultrasound visualization of problem areas, fluid collection, and scar tissue.
  • Regional Anesthesia: Ultrasound-guiding improves accuracy in the needle placement for the administration of local anesthetic. Precise application of nerve blocks allows for better pain management and overall patient comfort.

Recovery and Results

Ultrasound-guided plastic surgery improves precision in the application of surgical techniques for increased patient safety and better overall outcomes. More accurate treatment allows our patients to enjoy easier recoveries, minimal complications, and superior, long-lasting results. During the recovery phase of treatment, ultrasound imaging is used to evaluate internal healing and monitor swelling in the treatment area, allowing for precisely aligned recovery protocols and timelines.

Corresponding Procedures

Another cutting edge use of ultrasound technology is ultrasound liposuction. The treatment uses the higher-frequency sound waves to liquefy stubborn fat before it is gently suctioned out. This is more precise than traditional liposuction, and the soundwaves promote collagen production in the skin for tightening effects.

Cost of Ultrasound-Guided Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach and Ontario, California

At Panache Plastic Surgery, we offer affordable treatment options so you can be the best version of yourself. Your custom treatment plan is unique to your body, concerns, and desired outcomes. You will receive an all-inclusive price quote based on your individual plan. We are proud to offer financing options to make treatment more accessible to qualifying patients. To learn more about all of your payment options please fill out our contact form or call us at one of our convenient Southern California locations:

FAQ

How is ultrasound-guided plastic surgery better?

Plastic surgery treatment is enhanced by ultrasound imaging with improved accuracy and increased patient safety. Ultrasounds provide real-time visual feedback of the body anatomy and soft tissue. Dr. Ashraf uses this technology for more technical precision in surgical procedures and techniques.

Are ultrasounds safe?

Ultrasounds are non-invasive(3) and safe when used by our trained professionals. Ultrasounds use sound waves instead of the harmful ionizing radiation of other imaging techniques like X-rays or CT scans.

How do ultrasounds work?

Ultrasounds use a hand-held probe guided over the treatment area to create real-time images by reading the echoes of sound waves reflecting off different tissues in the body.

Is this the same ultrasound that is used for monitoring pregnancies?

Yes, it is the same technology used for pregnancy monitoring. Ultrasound technology safely creates images of the body’s soft tissue and is used in a wide range of medical applications. The frequency of the ultrasonic waves varies depending on the treatment area. In plastic surgery, ultrasound imaging greatly increases surgical precision which optimizes patient outcomes.

Will ultrasound imaging hurt?

Ultrasound imaging is non-invasive and does not cause pain. In certain plastic surgeries, ultrasound-guiding is used to improve the placement of regional anesthesia and nerve blocks for better pain management throughout the treatment process.

References

  1. Carovac A, Smajlovic F, Junuzovic D. Application of Ultrasound in Medicine. Acta Informatica Medica. 2011;19(3):168-171. doi:10.5455/aim.2011.19.168-171
  2. Swanson E. The Expanding Role of Diagnostic Ultrasound in Plastic Surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2018;6(9):e1911. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000001911