When combined with precision-point dissection, this method offers surgeons enhanced control in releasing muscle, fascia, and fibrotic tissue during implant pocket creation or fat and glandular tissue in volume-reduction mastopexy.

The approach delivers effective hemostasis, limits fluid accumulation, minimizes thermal tissue injury, accelerates healing, produces drier incisions, and results in more aesthetically pleasing scars. Most notably, patients typically require no additional pain medication or antibiotics and can be discharged within six hours post-surgery.

Ultrasonic scalpels in surgical procedures

Ultrasonic scalpels, such as the Harmonic scalpel, Ultrasonic Surgical Scalpel, and Ligasure, have been widely used in laparoscopic surgery for over a decade. These devices harness high-frequency mechanical energy to cut and seal tissue with precision, offering significant advantages over traditional electrocautery.

The use of the Ligasure ultrasonic scalpel in breast augmentation surgery. Photo courtesy of Dr. Vu

Benefits of harmonic technology in breast augmentation

Painless breast augmentation using ultrasonic devices is a minimally invasive technique that offers distinct advantages over conventional electrocautery. It ensures low-heat, high-precision dissection with immediate hemostasis, which reduces bleeding, prevents lymphatic leakage into the implant pocket, and minimizes postoperative pain and inflammation.

Patients undergoing this technique typically experience: no postoperative pain, no need for antibiotics or painkillers, discharge within 6 hours, reduced risk of capsular contracture, faster healing and minimal scarring

The use of ultrasonic-assisted technology has transformed breast augmentation and mastopexy procedures into safer, recovery-free experiences, enabling patients to return to work much sooner.

The surgeon used an ultrasonic scalpel to create the implant pocket. Photo courtesy of Dr. Vu

With more than 15 years of experience, MSc., MD Ho Cao Vu has adopted ultrasonic surgical techniques in aesthetic breast procedures, abdominoplasty, and mastopexy, without using electrocautery. He exclusively utilizes the Harmo-5K technology, which promotes rapid wound healing, optimizes fibrous tissue remodeling, and significantly reduces the risk of complications.

Vu’s outcomes include: painless surgery, no bleeding and fluid buildup, no capsular contracture, and no unsightly scarring.

The Harmonic scalpel remains the only ultrasonic system with true sealing capability. It uses ultrasonic waves and an automatic feedback system to generate consistent, controlled heat. This minimizes the risk of burns and tissue damage, prevents bleeding and fluid accumulation, and avoids exacerbating the body’s inflammatory response.

Its benefits include: precise dissection, excellent hemostasis, minimal thermal spread, quick postoperative recovery (often within 6 hours).

Beyond breast augmentation, ultrasonic technologies like the Harmonic scalpel and Ligasure offer notable benefits in postpartum abdominoplasty, capsular dissection, implant rupture explantation/removal, implant pocket reconstruction and pocket expansion.

In all cases, patients are typically discharged within six hours and do not require antibiotics or pain medications.

However, successful application of these devices requires specialized training and significant clinical experience. Surgeons must complete formal education in countries with advanced surgical practices, such as Japan and the United States, and demonstrate a high case volume and success rate.

Dr. Vu holds a master’s degree from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City and has over a decade of experience in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery using the Harmonic scalpel. In 2010, he completed hands-on training at the Department of Plastic Surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, U.S. To date, he has successfully performed over 3,000 ultrasonic-assisted breast and abdominal surgeries.