A balanced ultrasonic surgical instrument is described wherein the balanced ultrasonic surgical instrument includes an ultrasonic transmission rod and an ultrasonically actuated blade attached to the distal end of the ultrasonic transmission rod. According to the present invention, the ultrasonically actuated blade includes a treatment portion and a balance portion. The treatment portion has a functional feature such as, for example, a curved blade which makes the treatment portion asymrnetric. The balance portion includes at least first and second asymmetric balance features designed and positioned to balance out any undesirable torque generated by the treatment portion. The balance portion further extends generally from a node point on the ultrasonic transmission rod to the proximal end of the treatment portion.