George
20 Feb 2024

What is VASER Liposuction? Everything You Need to Know About This Plastic Surgery Procedure.

In the past several years, VASER liposuction has emerged as a cutting-edge technique, promising minimally invasive body sculpting. Curious about this innovative approach to liposuction? Here, we'll explore the technology, benefits, and pros & cons.

What is the Difference Between VASER liposuction and Traditional Lipo?

VASER and traditional liposuction are both effective ways plastic surgeons can remove fat and sculpt the body. The methods are slightly different, however.

‍

VASER stands for vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance. A type of ultrasound assisted liposuction, this technique uses high-frequency ultrasonic waves to target, break down, and liquefy fat cells. The liquified fat is then gently suctioned out using a cannula. This allows for more precise contouring, making it best suited to sculpting and shaping smaller areas of the body. VASER liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure with less pain, and often less scarring than traditional liposuction.

‍

Traditional liposuction breaks apart fat cells before extraction. The plastic surgeon manually moves a cannula back and forth in the targeted areas to disrupt fat cells, which are then suctioned out. If the surgeon is not highly skilled, this back and forth motion may result in damage to surrounding tissue. It is less precise than VASER liposuction, making it best for removing fatty tissue from larger parts of the body.

‍

Target Areas for VASER Liposuction

This liposuction method allows for more precision than traditional liposuction techniques, making it ideal for removing unwanted fat from areas like:

‍

  • Chin and Neck
  • Love Handles
  • Thighs
  • Arms
  • Chest
  • Back

Need unwanted fat removed from more than one part of your body? Dr. Armendariz can treat multiple areas in a single appointment, giving you a whole new look in just one day.

‍

How Is VASER Liposuction Performed?

VASER lipo is an outpatient procedure performed in our Scottsdale clinic. Dr. Armendariz will provide in-depth information about what you can expect at your appointment, but here is how the procedure is generally performed:

‍

  • Anesthesia. The treatment area is numbed with a local anesthetic. We do not administer general anesthesia for this procedure.
  • Tumescent Fluid Injection. Dr. Armendariz will inject a tumescent saline solution into the targeted fat deposits. This will help further numb the area, minimize blood loss, and promote the breakdown of fat cells.
  • Ultrasonic Emulsification. The VASER probe will be inserted into the treatment area. This emits ultrasonic energy to selectively break down fat cells.
  • Fat Aspiration. A cannula—a thin needle with a small tube attached—will suction out the emulsified fat.
  • Closing Incisions. Once the fat removal is complete, Dr. Armendariz will close the small incisions and bandage the treated area.
  • Aftercare & Recovery. Your recovery time will vary based on the area(s) that were treated and the extent of your treatment. You'll likely be given a compression garment, which will help minimize pain and swelling. Most patients can return to work after 2-3 days and are fully recovered around one month post-surgery. It's important to follow your aftercare guidelines, stay hydrated, maintain a healthy diet, and avoid smoking and alcohol during your recovery period.

Your VASER liposuction procedure will take approximately 2-3 hours to complete. You should plan to have someone drive you home and stay with you for a few hours afterward.

‍

‍

How Is VASER Liposuction Performed

Are There Risks With VASER Lipo?

VASER liposuction is a low-risk procedure, but as with any medical treatment, there are risks and side effects. Some of the most common side effects include:

‍

  • Bruising, bleeding, and pain at the site(s)
  • Minor scarring at the injection site(s)
  • Persistent swelling which may last days or weeks after the procedure
  • Loose skin

Immediately following surgery, it's important to watch for signs of infection. We recommend seeking emergency care if you experience any of the following:

‍

  • Green or yellow discharge at the injection site(s)
  • Fever
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Excessive fatigue

Following proper aftercare instructions and keeping the injection site(s) clean is the best way to lower your risk of infection. If you have questions about aftercare, don't hesitate to ask Dr. Armendariz at your appointment or give us a call at (602) 388-6600.

‍

Is VASER Liposuction Right for Me?

While VASER lipo is a great fat loss solution for many patients, it is especially effective for those that meet the following criteria:

‍

  • Patients who are at or near a healthy weight but have hit a plateau in their weight loss journey
  • Those that have fat deposits that seem unaffected by a healthy diet and exercise routine
  • Patients that understand VASER lipo is not a weight loss surgery, but a body contouring procedure

If these apply to you, you are likely a good candidate for VASER lipo.

‍

‍

VASER Liposuction Pros and Cons

Pros

  • The precision offered by VASER liposuction allows for more targeted contouring compared to traditional liposuction.
  • The ultrasonic technology used in VASER lipo minimizes trauma to surrounding tissues, resulting in less bruising and swelling.
  • VASER liposuction offers potential skin tightening effects. This is due to the stimulation of collagen production by the ultrasonic energy.
  • It uses smaller incisions than traditional liposuction, resulting in minimal scarring.

Cons

  • VASER liposuction uses more advanced technology compared to traditional lipo, making it more expensive.
  • Patients should be close to their ideal weight before undergoing the procedure, making it unsuitable for those that still have significant amounts of weight to lose.
  • Some patients experience temporary changes in skin sensation in the treated areas, such as numbness or tingling. This typically resolves over time but should be a consideration.

FAQs: What You Need to Know About VASER Liposuction

Before undergoing cosmetic surgery, it's important to arm yourself with knowledge. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about VASER liposuction:

‍

  • How Much Fat Will be Removed?

    The amount of fat that can be removed in one session depends on your existing bodyweight and the amount of excess fat in the area. Dr. Armendariz will determine how much fat can be safely removed during your consultation, but it is typically no more than 3-5% of your bodyweight. Most patients have just a few pounds of fat removed.

    It's crucial to understand that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure and you should not expect to shed a significant amount of weight with this surgery. You will still need to follow a healthy lifestyle to reach or maintain your ideal weight.

  • Will the Weight Come Back?

    A major concern with VASER liposuction is whether those stubborn fat deposits will return. The fat cells that were removed will not return or grow back. But this doesn't mean that you will not gain weight. A healthy diet and regular workout routine is crucial to maintaining your post-surgery physique and keeping unwanted pounds off.

  • How Much Does VASER Liposuction Cost?

    The cost of the procedure depends on several factors, namely the size of the treatment area. Smaller areas such as the neck, chin, or arms may cost as little as $3,500, while larger areas like the legs, back, or buttocks may cost $10,000 or more.

    We offer financing and payment plans to make VASER liposuction more accessible.

  • Does Insurance Cover VASER Liposuction?

    No, most insurance policies do not cover elective cosmetic surgeries like liposuction.

Get Your Most Sculpted Body at True Contour

If you're ready to get the body you've always wanted, Dr. Armendariz is here to help you reach your goals. To get started, call us at (602) 388-6600 or request your free consultation online.