Researchers Warn That Not Much is Known About the Long-Term Effects of Body Sculpturing by Ultrasound-Induced Lipolysis
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Sep 09, 2025 7 hours, 36 minutes ago
Medical News: A Popular Fat Reduction Trend Under Scrutiny
In recent years, ultrasound-based body sculpting has gained immense popularity as a non-invasive way to reduce fat without surgery. Marketed as safe and effective, these procedures—ranging from high-frequency to low-frequency ultrasound—are widely used in cosmetic clinics worldwide. Yet researchers from the Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine, Utah, USA caution that while immediate cosmetic results are visible, the long-term consequences on overall health remain largely unknown. According to this
Medical News report, the scientific community is only beginning to understand how the body processes fat that is destroyed or released through these treatments.
Researchers Warn That Not Much is Known About the Long-Term Effects of Body Sculpturing by Ultrasound-Induced Lipolysis
What the Researchers Examined
The research team led by Jacob Warner-Palacio, Zackery Paxton, Alexis Hassiak, Spencer Willardson, Dustin Edmonds, Luke Sanders, Parker Feltner, Noah Schultz, Christina Nelson, Kyle B. Bills, and David W. Sant conducted a review of published clinical studies and mechanistic experiments on ultrasound-induced lipolysis. Their aim was to understand what happens to fat cells once they are broken down and whether the released fatty acids are safely processed or could pose hidden risks.
While the studies reviewed showed reductions in waist circumference ranging between 0.5 and 3.12 inches, and modest weight losses of around 0.5 to 2.5 pounds after three treatment sessions, the critical question of what happens to the liberated fat remains unanswered. Some theories suggest that the fatty acids are oxidized and used for energy, while others warn they may be re-stored in other fat depots or even stress the liver and cardiovascular system.
Two Main Types of Ultrasound Fat Reduction
High-Frequency Ultrasound (HFU) and Low-Frequency Ultrasound (LFU) work in different ways. HFU often uses intense, focused energy to heat fat cells until they die—a process called coagulative necrosis. LFU, on the other hand, relies on mechanical vibration to rupture fat cells, spilling their contents into the bloodstream. Each method leaves behind large amounts of free fatty acids and cellular debris that must be cleared by either immune cells, the liver, or other organs.
While most patients experience only temporary side effects like redness, tenderness, or mild swelling, the researchers emphasize that studies rarely measure important metabolic markers such as triglycerides, cholesterol, or insulin sensitivity after treatment. This lack of monitoring means potential long-term risks—like ectopic fat storage in organs, low-grade inflammation, or altered metabolism—cannot be ruled out.
Possible Aids but No Guarantees
Some practitioners recommend combining ultrasound treatments with lymphatic drainage, massage, or aerobic exercise to help the body clear out the released fats mor
e efficiently. Early studies show these strategies may reduce the chance of fat being redeposited elsewhere. However, there is still no standardized protocol, and more clinical trials are needed to confirm whether such adjuncts truly make the procedure safer from a metabolic standpoint.
Why More Research is Needed
The biggest limitation highlighted by the researchers is the lack of long-term data. Most studies end within 24 weeks and focus solely on cosmetic changes, ignoring systemic effects. Without rigorous tracking of metabolic health markers, it is impossible to know whether ultrasound-induced lipolysis could contribute to chronic conditions over time.
Conclusion
Ultrasound fat reduction has become a go-to option for those seeking slimmer waistlines without surgery. However, the review strongly cautions that while cosmetic benefits are clear, the medical community does not yet understand the broader consequences. The body must process large amounts of free fatty acids after treatment, and if this process is inefficient, it could lead to fat being redeposited in harmful places or cause chronic inflammation. Until long-term, well-controlled studies are conducted, patients should be aware that these treatments may carry risks that have not yet been fully studied. The conclusion is that although ultrasound-induced lipolysis is widely considered safe in the short term, the absence of data on metabolic effects means that its true safety profile is still uncertain. People considering such procedures should weigh the cosmetic appeal against the possibility of unforeseen health outcomes in the years ahead.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed International Journal of Molecular Sciences
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/17/8689
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