Is Ultrasound Treatment To Lose Weight Advisable And Safe?

Posted on Sat, 13 Jun 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 13 Jun 2015 Answered on

Tue, 7 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a mild heart attack in 2009 and had a stent fitted. Since then I have been given the all clear and told my heart is in good condition. My question is can I undergo ultrasound treatment which breaks down fatty deposits under the skin and is this safe?

I am doing this to remove excess weight from around my stomach area and am using a reputable company for the procedure but they suggested I seek medical advice first because of my stent.

Regards

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes this is fine

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Ultrasound is safe and as long as you are using a reputable company with a good reputation you will be fine.
Good day to you and let me know if you have further questions.
K Robinson MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (3 days later)

Thank you

Does that mean that because I have had MRI scans that my stent will not be metal?

Can I also ask - are there any dangers associated with the fatty deposits being "zapped" and then leaving the body through the lymph glands? And I assume no risk of these getting into the heart?

Thank you

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
stents are not magnetic

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
The stents are metal but they are a non-magnetic type of metal so you can still get MRIs.
As long as you are using a reputable company there is no danger with the US. It just breaks up the fat and eventually it moves through the lymph system.
Of course it is always better and safer to lose fat with diet and exercise.
Please understand this procedure does not reduce the fat in your body, it just redistributes it, if you do not change your diet and exercise it will quickly re-accumulate.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (13 minutes later)

Dr XXXXXXX

Thank you for your response.

I guess I should of explained I exercise 5 times per week and have a good vegetarian diet - I am 5'9 and my weight is 12.2 stone.

I just want to lose a stubborn amount of fat around my belly area and this seemed like a good and safe option.

My concern was that when the fatty deposits are "zapped" the clinic told me that if they were not used by the body as energy within 3 days then they would remain in the blood stream and I was concerned how this may impact my arteries and Heart (if at all) and should this be a concern to me?

If you could answer this question it would be a great help?

Many thanks

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
goes to liver

Detailed Answer:
When they do this type of procedure, the fat that gets mobilized goes through the lymphatics into the circulation and is processed by the liver as if you ate a high fat meal. This will have no immediate ill effects on your arteries but you will need to continue to follow up with your doctor and make sure your cholesterol stays in the normal range. I do not think you need to be concerned about this damaging your coronary arteries
Dr. Robinson

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar