Vaser Liposuction: The Advanced Technique for Precise Body Contouring

• Vaser liposuction is an advanced body contouring procedure that utilises ultrasonic waves to target fat cells.
• The acronym Vaser stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance, indicating the method’s basis in ultrasound technology.
• Ultrasound waves are employed in Vaser liposuction to selectively disintegrate the bonds between fat cells while preserving surrounding tissues.
• These ultrasound waves facilitate the emulsification of fat, making its extraction more precise and less invasive than traditional liposuction.
• Compared to traditional techniques, Vaser liposuction uses ultrasonic technology to liquefy fat before it is removed, leading to a more controllable and minimally invasive process.

The Science Behind Vaser

• Vaser liposuction uses pulsing ultrasound waves to generate heat, which helps break apart fat cells for easier removal while simultaneously tightening the skin in the treated area.
• The procedure allows for gentle but very precise fat removal, disconnecting the fatty tissue from the muscles without damaging healthy tissue, which contributes to superior body contouring results.
• VASER liposuction is especially effective for selectively targeting fat deposits while conserving nearby structures such as blood vessels, minimising trauma and promoting quicker recovery.

Vaser vs. Traditional Liposuction

• Recovery from Vaser liposuction typically takes about 1 week, which is significantly shorter than the recovery period for traditional liposuction.
• Vaser liposuction is preferred for patients with an average BMI who wish to precisely target smaller pockets of fat for removal.

Ideal Candidates for Vaser Liposuction

• Candidates ideally should be within 30% of their ideal weight, and those with a BMI greater than 27 are advised to lose weight before the procedure to improve candidacy. Patients with a BMI Higher than 30 may still have Vaser lipo but they must have good skin tone and are likely to need other simultaneous procedures such as Renuvion, Bodytite or EmbraceRF.
• Candidates must be in good health without conditions that impair healing, and non-smokers are preferred due to the risks that smoking poses to surgical recovery.
• Candidates must maintain a stable weight and avoid significant weight loss diets directly before undergoing Vaser liposuction.
• Vaser liposuction is best suited for patients desiring to remove smaller areas of stubborn fat, previously unresponsive to exercise, such as those experiencing gynecomastia or with persistent fat deposits post-weight loss.
• Ideal candidates often have an average BMI and seek refined body contouring in specific pockets of fat.
• Successful candidates should possess firm skin with good elasticity and muscle tone, which aids in achieving more satisfactory results post-operation.
• Prospective patients must have realistic expectations about the outcomes of Vaser liposuction and maintain a sound state of mental and emotional health.

The Vaser Liposuction Procedure Explained

• Vaser liposuction can be performed under local anaesthesia with IV Sedation, allowing for a day procedure that offers reduced downtime and patient awareness.
• Before the procedure, the targeted areas are meticulously marked on the patient’s body to plan incision areas and desired shape, ensuring accurate treatment and optimal results.
• We maintain a clean and sterile treatment environment, which is crucial to minimise the risk of infection during the Vaser liposuction process.

Consultation and Preparation

• During the initial consultation, patients will discuss zones of fat resistant to diet and exercise, and the surgeon will assess these areas for Vaser liposuction suitability, looking at existing shape, skin type, and fat levels.
• Patients should adopt healthy lifestyle habits, including quitting smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery and conforming to guidelines on alcohol consumption to prevent complications and aid recovery, as well as avoiding certain medications as advised by the surgeon.
• To prepare for the day of surgery, it is recommended that patients complete pressing tasks beforehand to create a stress-free recovery environment, arrange transportation home, and stock up on recovery supplies like cold packs and moisturisers.
• Routine blood tests and MRSA swabs are required before the Vaser liposuction procedure to evaluate the patient’s suitability for the surgery.

During the Procedure

• Local anaesthesia and IV sedation are preferred for Vaser liposuction, as they allow patients to remain comfortable while minimising risks and promoting a quicker recovery.
• The duration of Vaser Lipo can range from 45 minutes to several hours, contingent upon the complexity and extent of the individual’s treatment plan.
• Bodytite or Renuvion can offer skin tightening during the Vaser liposuction to accentuate firmer and tighter skin post-procedure.
• The Renuvion probe, which applies controlled bursts of plasma and radiofrequency energy for tissue tightening, is used to offer firmer and smoother skin after the Vaser liposuction has been performed. Contoura Medical prefers Renuvion for multiple areas and male skin.
• The Bodytite probe is preferred by Contoura Medical on female abdominal skin, especially those stretched during pregnancy, as it offers a more consistent outcome for this cohort.
• Morpheus 8 (M8) can be added to the skin tightening procedure for both Renuvion as an adjunct to further enhance the skin tightening effect during the same procedure. Performing the M8 treatment at this time makes it a painless procedure.

Post-Procedure Recovery

• After Vaser Lipo, it is critical to follow a recovery plan that includes wearing a firm control vest day and night for the first six weeks and attending regular sessions of manual lymphatic drainage massage to enhance results.
• Patients typically require a minimum of three days of reduced physical activity and can expect a recovery period of one to two weeks after Vaser liposuction, during which they should avoid strenuous activities and are encouraged to walk to prevent complications like blood clots.
• Follow-up appointments for lymphatic drainage and wound checks are essential to enhance the healing and recovery process.
• In-clinic follow-up appointments are critical for ensuring that the patient’s recovery is on track and monitoring the healing progression, contributing to the successful outcome of the procedure.
• Discomfort is common following Vaser liposuction, but pain management is aided by prescriptions for painkillers, and while irregular bumps and seroma are potential complications, these normally resolve over time.

Target Areas for Vaser Liposuction

• Vaser liposuction can be used for precise body contouring on almost every part of the body where there is subcutaneous fat.
• Common areas treated with Vaser liposuction include the abdomen, for both women and men seeking to remove stubborn fat deposits, arms for creating a slimmer appearance, and the chin and neck area to address unwanted fat beneath the chin.
• Vaser liposuction can specifically target fat deposits on flanks, around the thighs, knees, ankles, and the buttocks crease for improved contour and definition.
• Particularly for male chest reduction in cases of gynecomastia, Vaser liposuction can effectively remove stubborn chest fat that diet or exercise cannot resolve.

Benefits of Choosing Vaser Liposuction

• Vaser lipo provides a range of benefits for precise body contouring and improved recovery compared to traditional liposuction methods.
• Patients experience a faster and less painful recovery with Vaser liposuction, often resuming daily activities quickly due to the day procedure nature of the procedure.
• The Vaser system offers surgeons the ability to sculpt the fat with precision, achieving accurate body contours that align with individual patients’ aesthetic goals.
• Following the Vaser procedure, patients benefit from skin tightening effects and reduced bruising and blood loss, with instant contouring results evident.
• High-definition liposuction, when combined with Vaser, can sculpt out underlying musculature for pronounced muscle definition, offering enhanced body sculpting capabilities.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

• Patients may encounter less swelling, bruising, and fewer potential post-surgical complications with Vaser liposuction compared to traditional liposuction.
• Significant inflammation immediately post-procedure is possible, potentially requiring medication during recovery.
• While serious infections are very rare, the treated areas may become inflamed, with occasional oozing from incisions.
• Chronic pain is an unusual but potential side effect after undergoing Vaser liposuction.
• Infections are unlikely post-Vaser lipo; however, if they occur, it may necessitate antibiotics or additional surgery.
• Allergic reactions are rare but may be triggered by materials used during or after Vaser liposuction.
• Although uncommon, bleeding can be a risk during or after the procedure, sometimes requiring emergency intervention.
• There is a possibility of temporary or, in rare circumstances, permanent reduction in skin sensation.
• Scarring is possible and while incisions are typically small, abnormal scars might necessitate further corrective procedures.
• Extremely rare but life-threatening pulmonary complications, like fat embolism syndrome or pulmonary embolism, require immediate treatment.
• Vaser lipo generally results in less blood loss than traditional methods.
• Pain and numbness around the treated area are uncommon but may persist for weeks after the procedure.
• Selecting a surgeon experienced in Vaser liposuction technology is crucial to minimising the potential for complications.

Combining Vaser Liposuction with Other Procedures

• Vaser liposuction can be strategically paired with other cosmetic procedures to achieve a more complete and harmonious body sculpting outcome.
• Gynecomastia treatment often involves combining Vaser liposuction with surgical gland excision, utilising a small incision around the areola to address breast gland tissue.
• Pairing Vaser liposuction with skin tightening techniques benefits patients by enhancing body contouring effects, especially for those with loose or excess skin.
• Vaser liposuction combined with a tummy tuck offers a comprehensive transformation, addressing excess fat and skin as well as muscle tightening, with the bonuses of minimised downtime and potential cost savings.

Customising Your Vaser Liposuction Experience

• The cost of Vaser liposuction is personalised, with variations arising due to the specific needs of the patient, such as the extent of the liposuction alone or additional procedures like skin tightening or skin removal.

Real Patient Outcomes: Before and After Vaser Liposuction

• Patients at Contoura Medical report high levels of satisfaction with Vaser Liposuction, noting significant changes in body shape.
• Patients have expressed contentment with the procedure, stating minimal pain and excellent results as early as 2 months post-treatment.
• Individuals underscore the difference as ‘amazing’ within 2 weeks post-Vaser Lipo, even when still in the recovery stage.
• Visual improvements from Vaser Liposuction begin appearing around six to eight weeks, with optimal results manifesting several months after the operation.
• The final and best results of Vaser Liposuction can take up to a year to fully materialise, with many patients observing substantial improvement by the third month post-surgery.
• Immediately after Vaser Liposuction, patients can observe a ‘cocktail’ of liquified fat; a recovery phase involving sensitivity and swelling follows, with ongoing improvement over time.
• Vaser Liposuction has the potential to enhance the appearance of cellulite for some individuals.

Aftercare and Maintaining Results

• Maintaining Vaser liposuction results relies on an active lifestyle and regular exercise, alongside not smoking and following a balanced diet.
• Starting with low-intensity exercises about 4 weeks post-procedure and gradually increasing the intensity is recommended for maintaining muscle tone and body contouring.
• Incorporating exercise into a weekly routine and reducing sedentary habits support maintaining the results of Vaser liposuction.
• A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while avoiding sugar and processed foods aids in preserving the results after Vaser liposuction.
• Regular meal consumption and staying hydrated help to manage weight and metabolism, supporting the maintenance of body contouring results.
• Stress management can contribute to weight maintenance by minimising stress-related metabolic changes and unhealthy eating habits.
• Listening to the body’s signals during recovery is important; easing back into exercise while being attentive to any discomfort is key to a safe postoperative journey.

Expertise Matters: Choosing the Right Doctor

• Confirm that doctors are registered with the General Medical Council (GMC), and the procedure facilities are registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
• Assess the surgeon’s experience with Vaser procedures by verifying the number of surgeries performed and looking at their safety and care standards.
• Examine before-and-after photos of past procedures, many are now posted on Instagram and social media and enquire about how complications have been managed to understand potential results and safety procedures.
• Before making your decision, conduct an in-person clinic consultation and discuss your expectations thoroughly.