When diet and exercise aren’t enough for stubborn areas of fat, many patients turn to liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy). More than 250,000 liposuction procedures took place in 2018 alone. While there are many types of liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy), they all operate on the same premise. During liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy), a surgeon breaks apart the fat and then removes it with suction.
This page has answers to all your VASER liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy) questions, including:
- What is VASER liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy)?
- What body parts can it treat?
- How is it different from standard liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy)?
- What are the benefits?
- Are there any disadvantages?
- Who is a good candidate?
- What are the risks?
- What happens during the VASER (suction-assisted lipectomy) procedure?
- What is recovery like?
- What kind of results can I expect?
- How do I choose a surgeon for VASER liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy)?
- FAQs
What is VASER Liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy)?
It stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance. Phew, that’s a mouthful! So, what does it all mean?
How does VASER work?
Unlike standard liposuction which manually breaks up the fat with an aggressive back-and-forth motion, the VASER probe vibrates at a high frequency to break down the fat cells. The probe oscillates 36,000 times per second so it is ultrasonic. Cavitation is an effect of ultrasound waves on the fat cells. Essentially, the fat cells compress and expand repeatedly during the cavitation process, causing damage to the cells until they burst open. The solid fat starts to liquefy, and our surgeons then suction the fat out through a liposuction cannula. The suction that is needed to remove the fat is set to low; Since the fat is liquefied, it does not require high suction power.
What areas can VASER treat?
VASER is an excellent way to reduce fat on the:
- Arms
- Chest
- Flanks
- Thighs
- Buttocks
- Upper Back
- Neck and Chin
- Abdomen and Hips
VASER Liposuction Candidates
VASER is suitable for individuals who want to reduce fat pockets on areas such as the stomach, hips, arms, legs, back, neck, or chin. It only treats subcutaneous fat. The ideal candidate has a BMI of 25 or less, does not smoke, and is in good overall mental and physical health. Individuals who have serious health conditions or bleeding disorders may not be eligible for the procedure. At Body Contouring Surgery Clinic, our specialists will review your medical history with you to determine whether you are suitable to undergo liposuction.
Possible Risks and Complications
Our surgeons at Body Contouring Surgery Clinic will let you know about all the possible liposuction risks and complications before you agree to have the surgery. Possible risks and side effects may include:
- Scars
- Seroma
- Infection
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Mortality
- Soreness
- Numbness
- Blood clots
- Asymmetry
- Haematoma
- Nerve damage
- Dissatisfaction with results
- Adverse reaction to anaesthesia
Patients who see a qualified surgeon and follow all pre- and post-operative instructions have the lowest complication rates. While problems can occur no matter who you see for liposuction, our surgeons have successfully performed thousands of VASER procedures. We offer ongoing care after your surgery and are equipped to handle any complications that may arise.
The Surgery: What happens during the VASER (suction-assisted lipectomy) procedure?
Our surgeons perform VASER liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy) while the patient is under general anaesthesia. First, they inject tumescent fluid mixed with anaesthetic into the target area. Next, they make a small incision and pass the VASER ultrasound probe into the skin. The VASER device gets hot, so they place protective ports in the skin to prevent burns before introducing the probe.
When the VASER is powered on, it vibrates at a high frequency to gently break down the fat cells. Once the fat reaches the consistency of melted butter, they turn off the VASER and insert a cannula, or thin hollow tube. The cannula is hooked up to a suction device, which sucks the fat out, leaving the treated area slimmer.
VASER Recovery
If you had VASER as a standalone procedure, you can return home from our surgical facility the same day. Most patients feel well enough to go home after spending an hour or so in the recovery room. Depending on the type of anaesthesia, someone may need to be present to drive you home.
You may feel groggy or tired after your procedure. Expect the treated area to be swollen and feel sore for several days to weeks. Any bruising should go away in approximately two to four weeks.
To ensure a successful recovery, follow our surgeon’s aftercare instructions. This may include avoiding certain medications, vitamins, and supplements that increase the risk of bleeding. It is a good idea to take short walks during the day to get your blood flowing. You may be asked to wear a compression garment for a few weeks after your treatment. Avoid nicotine products for at least six weeks before and after your procedure. You should also eat well and stay hydrated.
VASER Liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy) Results
Recovery takes several days, weeks, or months for the swelling to resolve depending on how much fat they removed. Our surgeons will follow up with you regularly to monitor your progress and ensure you are healing well.
Schedule Your Consultation for VASER Liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy) with a Surgeon at the Body Contouring Surgery Clinic Today
Call 1300588494 now to see if VASER liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy) is right for you. Under the care of our surgeons, you can rest assured knowing you are in the hands of highly trained VASER specialists. We have extensive knowledge of the latest liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy) techniques and understand how to reduce the risk of complications. All of our surgeons have relevant medical qualifications & professional memberships
VASER Liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy) FAQs
Typically, patients who are within 7 kilograms of their ideal weight tend to have the best VASER before-and-after results. Liposuction is not a weight-loss tool; It is more like a spot treatment.
While the treated fat cells won’t come back, liposuction will not prevent future weight gain. If you have struggled with weight fluctuations in the past, you will need to commit to a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, to maintain your results.
As with all forms of liposuction, VASER leaves a small scar at the insertion points. Your surgeon will make one or more incisions in the skin. The incisions are just large enough to pass the probe and liposuction cannula. Most of our patients at Body Contouring Surgery Clinic find the scars heal well and do not detract from their results.
If you had liposuction in a small area such as the chin or neck, you should be able to drive two to four days later. For larger procedures, you may need to wait 10 to 14 days. Our surgeons will let you know when it is safe to get behind the wheel of your car.
Again, this depends on the extent of fat removal, the number of areas treated, and whether you had another body contouring procedure at the same time as liposuction. The less ‘work’ you had done, the sooner you can return to your job duties. If you have a physically demanding career or if you are an athlete, you may need additional time off.
Yes. But all procedures have complications that we will discuss with you.