What kind of results can I expect?

Results can vary greatly from patient to patient. However, you should see:

1. Reduced circumference in the treated area (due to fat-cell release)
2. An overall contoured appearance (due to a combination of the benefits listed above)

Will it treat cellulite?

According to doctors on RealSelf, ultrasonic cavitation probably doesn't do anything for cellulite. However, as noted in our video above, there have been some anecdotal reports of cellulite reduction from people who have had ultrasonic cavitation. Still, there are better cellulite treatments out there. 

How many treatments do I need? How often should I be treated to see results?

Although most practices that offer ultrasonic cavitation claim you'll see results after the first session, they also caution that between 8 and 12 sessions are needed for optimum results. The exact number of treatments needed will vary due to factors such as age, weight, and the area being treated. Each treatment should take about 30–50 minutes. 

Is this procedure invasive?

No.

Is there any downtime?

No.

What are the different types of machines used for ultrasonic cavitation? Are there major differences between them?

"Ultrasonic cavitation" is a catchall term for noninvasive liposuction that works through low-frequency sound waves. Different spas and doctor's offices use different devices to perform their procedures. Though similar, the machines can differ when it comes to the precise frequency and concentration of the sound waves. Some commonly used machine brands are UltraShape and Cavi-Lipo.

VASER Liposuction vs. Ultrasonic Cavitation

While VASER and ultrasonic cavitations treatments both use ultrasound waves to remove fat, VASER is a type of surgical liposuction. It still involves incisions and a longer recovery period.

How long do ultrasonic cavitation results last?

Ultrasonic cavitation does not destroy fat cells; rather, it empties them of their contents, which means the cells are capable of storing fat again. A balanced diet is the only way to ensure lasting results. Those who take in more calories than they burn will see their improvement start to decrease over time.

Sources

Sources for this article include the manufacturer of UltraShape, RealSelf, and PRS Global Open, International Open Access Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.