A phacoemulsification system includes a phacoemulsification handpiece having a horn coupled to a transducer configured to convert alternating current into mechanical oscillation of the horn. The phacoemulsification handpiece further includes a phacoemulsification needle attached to the horn. The phacoemulsification needle vibrates by oscillation of the horn, to provide for mechanical cutting of tissue and inducing cavitation proximate a tip of the phacoemulsification needle. The phacoemulsification system further includes a control system with associated drive circuitry in connection with the transducer of the phacoemulsification handpiece. The control system is configured to adjust an operating frequency of the transducer to increase or decrease a mechanical cutting performance and a cavitational-induced performance of the phacoemulsification needle.