Switch assemblies for handheld ultrasonic surgical instruments. The switch assemblies may include a first switch arrangement that is operably supported on a forward portion of a handle housing of the surgical instrument and is selectively movable relative to at least one first switch contact. The switch assembles may further include a second switch arrangement that comprises at least one of a right switch button that is movably supported on a right side of the handle housing relative to at least one right contact and a left switch button that is movably supported on a left side of the handle housing that is selectively movable relative to at least one left contact. The switch assembly may also include an axially and pivotably supported button (5634) for selective actuation of a right (5658), a central (5654) and a left (5659) switch contact
