Vaser liposuction

Many may have heard of the procedure known as ‘liposuction’, but not many people know exactly what it is or what it entails.  As one of the more common cosmetic procedures available in the medical sector, liposuction is a procedure that removes deposits of fat from underneath the skin.

When we speak of ‘Vaser Liposuction’, this is one of the different types of procedures used, that helps to break down fat cells and loosen them from deep within the tissue so that extraction thereof is easier and more effective.

What Does VASER Stand for?

VASER is an abbreviation for ‘vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance’. As one of the more modern technologies used to extract fat from patients, it makes use of an ultrasound technology that enables powerful waves to disrupt the bonds between fat cells inside the body.

The reason for it being so popular is that it is a non-invasive, gentler procedure and can be controlled better than most other types. If you are a healthy person, who is suffering from too much fat or needs to get rid of stored fat in certain areas of the body, this could be the ideal solution for you. It is also imperative that you do not have any underlying health conditions or a history of bleeding conditions.

This is not to say that this is a procedure that helps people lose weight, but rather for those who are within 15 pounds of their ideal weight. As a spot-treatment, patients can find a solution for removing minimal fat to reveal muscle tone. 

How VASER Liposuction Works

In the United States alone, more than 250 000 procedures were performed in 2018 and today this number has doubled. All of the different types of procedures that fall under this operate on a similar premise.

The operation helps to break fat deposits apart which are then extracted from the body via the use of a saline solution, anesthetic, and cannulas technology to help with the suction, which takes out the fat from underneath the skin.

Two Ways in Which Fat Deposits Are Broken Down

There are commonly two known and successful ways that surgeons use to break down these fat deposits underneath the skin.

1. 1. 1. Water Pressure
      2. Lasers

A third, which is also considered in some countries, is the ‘Pulsing ultrasound waves’ methodology. Vaser liposuction is one of the types of these ‘ultrasonic’ liposuction procedures.

The energy sources, which generate heat, help to break fat molecules and cells down. This makes it easier for surgeons to remove fat deposits and is also great for minimal skin disruption as it can tighten the skin on the areas treated as opposed to leaving it to loss. 

Advantages of Vaser Liposuction

The advantage of having Vaser Liposuction done is that the specialist has more control over the treatment, and as gentle as it is, it is also more precise. Disrupting the connection between fatty tissues and your muscles underneath does not cause any damage to underlying healthy tissues. Thus, in some clinics and surgeries, you would find this as a viable solution to ‘body sculpting’.

In some studies, relating to this procedure, such as this one on the effect of Vaser liposuction on the metabolism of overweight males, results have shown that this surgery changes the way your metabolism operates and helps to get rid of fat. In the same study, overweight men who went under the liposuction had an improvement in their sensitivity to insulin within months of the surgery. Although there may still be further research being done in the area.  

To sum this up, the three well-known advantages of Vaser liposuction include:

• Melting the fat away gently and in a non-invasive manner
• Promoting skin tightening during the procedure
• Smoother results overall i.e. no lumps left after

The Basic Idea Behind the Vaser Liposuction Procedure

The Vaser liposuction procedure, similar to most others, uses a general or another form of anesthesia known as ‘conscious sedation before the surgeon begins. The anesthetic is mixed with a saline solution or tumescent fluid which is injected into the targeted area.

Once the anesthetic kicks in and the areas are numb, the ultrasound probes are inserted into the skin through a small incision to perform the breaking up of the fatty tissue. This will slowly start to break apart and once the designated areas are complete, the surgeon uses a cannula, which is similar to vacuum suction, to remove the fatty tissue which is now in a liquid form, through the same incisions.

The surgeon will not remove all of the anesthetic mixed solution but leaves some in your body to help with post-procedural pain. This will be absorbed into your body within the next several days.

Areas that this procedure works well on include:

• buttocks
• chest
• arms
• chin and neck
• waistline and stomach
• upper back
• hips and thighs

There are two types of Vaser Procedures offered by surgeries, these include

1. Surgical Vaser liposuction 
2. Non-surgical Vaser liposuction 

We touch on them briefly below.

Surgical Vaser liposuction

Commonly used on areas of the body where stubborn fat is stored, such as in the arms, thighs, stomach, hips, buttocks, chin, or knees. The procedure mainly involves creating small incisions and is often carried out under a general anesthetic. 

Non-surgical Vaser liposuction

The non-surgical Vaser liposuction option is commonly used on multiple areas throughout the body and uses a local anesthetic instead of the general anesthetic. Areas it is performed on including the stomach and abdominal regions, the sides of your waist or ‘love handles,’ arms, thighs, chin, and arms to name a few. All are done in one seating in a single procedure.

Preparing for VASER liposuction and What to Expect After

Before you start to prepare for your appointment you should be booking an initial consultation. If you have been taking any pain medication or blood-thinning medication such as Ibuprofen this will need to be stopped 2 weeks before your appointment for the liposuction procedure.

Anything from alcohol to smoking must be halted for a day or two beforehand as well. The surgeon will possibly also give you additional instructions which you must follow precisely. 

Once the procedure is completed, you may need a few days’ rest, and your body will look bruised and swollen, which is normal. Seeing results immediately will not be possible until the swelling and bruising have disappeared. During the healing time, you must not do any heavy lifting or strenuous exercises for a couple of weeks. 

Common Things to Expect After the Vaser Liposuction Surgery

When you leave the surgery, the area is usually dressed with cotton pads and bandages and the surgeon should give you some more to change later after a few days. This allows for any ‘weeping fluid’ to flush out, such as the remaining anesthetic, from your body. It usually takes about 48 hours for this to be removed completely.

A compression garment is also placed on you, or given to you, to wear, for several weeks to help minimize the swelling. Drinking lots of fluids will help flush any liquids out faster. In and around 3 to 6 months after the surgery, your body will have settled in and healed better and you will start to see results of the modified form. Some people may see results in a shorter time or a longer time. However, the good news is that this is a permanent procedure.

The important thing to remember is how you look after your body once you walk out of that surgery room. You will need to keep up a healthy diet and add an exercise routine to your lifestyle if you haven’t already been doing that. If this is not done properly, the chances of you regaining that lost fat will be high. 

This procedure does not get rid of the signs of aging, and anything from weight fluctuations to simple gravity and inflammatory illnesses can change the results of the way you look, over time.

The Difference Between Vaser and Traditional Liposuction

The similarities between the two procedures – Vaser and traditional are highly visible.  However, there are still some crucial differences, the biggest and most obvious one being that with Vaser, the advantage of having a more precise fat removal process is possible.

The best results are gained from a process of contouring that involves the extraction of small fat deposits, which helps to reveal your muscle tone underneath. What it will not do is redefine your entire body or physique to make it look like an athlete if you haven’t been one for long enough. However, it will redefine your figure in minimal, yet impactful ways. 

Recovery from this particular type, as per those patients who have gotten it done, is less painful and tends to heal faster than traditional methods. It is good to note that this is not the ideal solution to remove large deposits of fat, this is the role of the traditional liposuction method. 

Who Should and Shouldn’t Get Liposuction

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to this particular type of surgery and some people will make good candidates for it, while others may not. A list of those who can and cannot get any type of liposuction surgery has been included below for your perusal:

Who Can Get Liposuction?

• If don’t have a lot of excess skin
• Patients who have fat deposits that won’t go away with diet or exercise
• If you already have good skin elasticity
• Those who have good muscle tone
• If you are not overweight or obese
• Anyone who is in good physical shape and overall health
• If you do not smoke

Who Should Not Consider Liposuction / Cannot Get Liposuction?

• If you have saggy skin from weight loss before
• Those who have existing chronic health problems
• If you are a smoker
• If you have a history of a weak immune system
• If you are someone who is taking medication such as blood thinners that can increase the risk of bleeding
• Those who are overweight
• Those people who have a history of certain health conditions including seizures, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Liposuction in itself has no known complications or serious risks but it is always advisable to speak to your doctor when contemplating getting it done, and before you book a procedure or consider going to a surgeon. It is also crucial to choose a well-known, reputable, and licensed practitioner. Even though it may be costlier than the traditional ways, it will be more effective and there are various countries that provide the treatment at an affordable cost and high-quality practice.

As an elective cosmetic procedure that may have some risks, make sure you discuss the potential complications and risks before the surgery. If you are unsure, always ask for their previous patients before and after images, and also speak to the clinic face to face about any cares and concerns.

Only once you are satisfied, you should book that first procedure to help you look fabulous as ever!