Dr. Hootan Daneshmand
Liposuction Orange County & Bakersfield
Vaser Liposuction
If you’ve been following a healthy diet and exercise program for years and you’re still not seeing the aesthetic results you want, you may be tempted to experiment with body contouring procedures such as Vaser liposuction. While Vaser liposuction is not considered a weight loss tool, it can remove those stubborn fat deposits that just aren’t budging with a healthy diet and exercise. A Vaser liposuction procedure can loosen fat cells under the skin with the help of ultrasound waves, making them easier to remove. Many patients even request the use of Vaser technology during fat transfer procedures, such as BBL’s. Below, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Daneshmand breaks down the specifics of Vaser lipo: what it is, how it works, the recovery process, risks and side effects, and so much more.
At Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute, we also offer a variety of other body contouring procedures, including abdominal etching, Coolsculpting, hip dip surgery, and so much more. Call our Bakersfield clinic at 949-359-8397 to schedule an initial consultation today.
What is Vaser Liposuction?
Vaser stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance. In other words, Vaser liposuction is basically an ultrasound-assisted liposuction procedure. This means that during the normal liposuction process, the ultrasound energy breaks up and loosens fat cells under the skin so they can be easily suctioned out by the device.
Vaser Liposuction vs. Traditional Liposuction
Vaser liposuction and traditional liposuction are very similar in that they’re both minimally invasive procedures designed to remove unwanted fatty tissue from the body. The main difference is that Vaser liposuction involves ultrasound technology, and traditional liposuction does not.
Additionally, many plastic surgeons claim that Vaser lipo is far more precise for maximum contouring capacity. In other words, traditional liposuction techniques are better for larger, more noticeable fat removal, while Vaser focuses on removing smaller amounts of fatty tissue for a more “toned” and “chiseled” appearance in certain areas, such as the abs.
Vaser Liposuction Treatment Areas
Plastic surgeons use Vaser lipo to remove unwanted fat from a variety of areas in the body, including:
- Back of the arms (tricep area)
- Double chin and neck area
- Chest
- Upper back and “love handles” area
- Abdominal area
- Hips and thighs
- Buttocks
For the best results, most patients undergo circumferential liposuction. This is a liposuction method that removes stubborn fat deposits in multiple areas of the body, usually from the stomach, love handles, flanks, upper back, for a noticeable 360 degree difference in appearance.
Who is a Good Candidate for Vaser Liposuction?
A good Vaser lipo candidate includes someone who:
- Follows a healthy lifestyle the majority of the time
- Is at a stable, healthy weight
- Has unwanted, excess fat in certain areas of the body
- Doesn’t have a medical history of major health conditions and diseases
- Has realistic expectations about Vaser liposuction results
Additionally, be sure to tell your plastic surgeon if you have had prior liposuction surgery, as this can possibly affect your results or health from a Vaser procedure.
What To Expect Before and During a Vaser Liposuction Procedure
Even though Vase lipo is considered a minimally invasive procedure, it can still be dangerous, especially if patients don’t follow their surgeons’ instructions before the procedure. Be sure to fill your surgeon in on your entire medical history, including health conditions you have and medications or supplements you take on a daily basis. You should avoid any blood-thinning medications and supplements – such as ibuprofen and vitamin E – for at least 2 weeks before any cosmetic surgery. You should also avoid drinking alcohol before your procedure.
So – how does Vaser liposuction work?
Before the actual surgical procedure begins, you will be placed under general anesthesia so you will not be awake or feel any pain. Additionally, your surgeon will likely inject a saline or tumescent solution mixed with anesthesia into the treatment area. Next, your plastic surgeon will make small incisions in the treatment areas in order to insert ultrasound devices underneath the skin. The ultrasound energy will help liquefy fat cells while the cannula (the tube underneath the skin) suctions out the liquefied fat. If you’ve also requested a fat transfer procedure, such as a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), then the fat will be purified and injected into the body part of your choosing.
From there, the plastic surgeon will close up the incisions and send you out to the recovery room.
Vaser Liposuction Recovery
Vaser lipo may be a minimally invasive procedure, but the recovery period can still be brutal, especially depending on how much fat was removed from certain areas of the body. If you asked for a fat transfer as well, you may experience even more pain and swelling than other Vaser lipo patients. You can expect to be sore, bruised, and swollen in the treated areas. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe you pain medication and tell you to wear a compression garment for a few weeks of your recovery. You’ll also be given specific instructions on how to clean and dress the treated areas. The full recovery time may take up to 6 weeks, but you’ll likely start feeling normal again around the 4 week mark.
You may not notice the full results until 3 to 6 months after your Vaser lipo procedure due to swelling and bruising. All liposuction results are considered “semi-permanent” because the fat cells have been removed from the body, so they can’t just grow back. However, if you gain weight in the future, your leftover fat cells will expand and then you will essentially lose the results of your cosmetic procedure. So as long as you follow a healthy lifestyle, you can expect your body to look contoured and chiseled for years to come.
Vaser Liposuction Risks and Side Effects
Every single plastic surgery procedure comes with its own set of risks and side effects. Potential dangers from Vaser liposuction procedures can include:
- Bruising, swelling, and soreness for several weeks after the procedure
- Excessive blood loss
- Incision infection
- Damaged nerves and/or blood vessels
- Noticeable scar tissue in the treatment area
- Asymmetry in both sides of the body
- Changes in skin appearance, such as hyperpigmentation
- Loose skin where unwanted fat was removed
- Results that you don’t like
One of the biggest risks that comes with Vaser lipo is infection. If you notice any symptoms of infection during your recovery period – such as green or yellow pus drainage, fever, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, chills, and fatigue – you should contact your doctor immediately.
In order to receive the best results and avoid complications from Vaser lipo, you should choose an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Daneshmand at Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute. He has been performing all sorts of cosmetic surgeries for years, so you can rest assured that you’re in good hands.
How Much Does Vaser Liposuction Cost?
Vaser lipo cost will depend on many factors, such as your geographic location, your plastic surgeon’s experience level, and how many parts of the body you want treated. Additionally, it’s important to note that most cosmetic surgery, including Vaser lipo, is not covered by health insurance because it’s considered elective surgery. Meaning, cosmetic surgery is largely optional and not medically necessary.
With that being said, the average cost of Vaser liposuction on a site called RealSelf is around $8,000, with the price ranging from $2,700 to $17,800. It’s important to note that Vaser liposuction is generally more expensive than traditional liposuction due to the use of ultrasound waves. The patients who undergo front and backside body contouring typically pay the highest price tag, while those who get Vaser lipo done on one small area pay something on the lower end of the spectrum.
Be sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Daneshmand to discuss the areas you want treated, which will help determine your exact Vaser lipo cost.
