An ultrasonic surgical instrument including a wavequide extending along a longitudinal axis and an ultrasonic blade is disclosed. The ultrasonic blade includes a proximal end coupled to the waveguide, a distal end movable relative to the longitudinal axis in accordance with ultrasonic vibrations applied to the wavequide, and a tissue treatment region including a coated portion and an uncoated portion. The coated portion includes a distal-facing surface.