An ultrasonic probe transmits ultrasonic energy along a shaft from a proximate end to a distal end. The ultrasonic probe includes at least one notch on its distal end. Fibrous tissue, such as septa that connect skin layers to muscle layers of animal tissue, can be positioned within the notch so that it is in contact with at least a portion of the distal end of the ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic energy conducted through the ultrasonic probe to the distal end will sever the fibrous tissue in the notch. The ultrasonic probe is also designed, in embodiments, to fragment or emulsify adipose tissue, as part of an ultrasonic assisted lipoplasty (UAL) procedure.