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.