Liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure that involves removing fat deposits stored underneath the skin. VASER (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) is a kind of liposuction that involves breaking apart and loosening fat cells stored in deeper tissues using ultrasound technology for more effective removal.
Vaser liposuction is gentler compared to other liposuction procedures; hence it needs to be administered by skilled and experienced surgeons. Liposuction is technically not a weight-loss method since people who undergo it are usually within 15 pounds or less of their desired weight. Instead, it is a spot-treatment meant to tone specific body parts. You might be a good candidate for Vaser liposuction if you are healthy, do not smoke and do not have any bleeding conditions.
How Vaser Liposuction Works
All kinds of liposuction follow a similar concept. Fat deposits stored underneath the skin are loosened/broken apart then suctioned out of the body using cannulas. Vaser liposuction uses pulsing ultrasound waves to generate enough heat to break apart fat deposits for effective removal.
The beauty of Vaser liposuction is how minimally it tightens the skin around the area of treatment. Also, Vaser liposuction allows for extreme precision and gentleness, which reduces the likelihood of the muscles underneath getting hurt.
Vaser Liposuction Procedure
Before the liposuction begins, your provider will put you under conscious sedation or general anesthesia then inject the target region with a mix of anesthetic and tumescent fluid or saline solution shortly after. Your provider will then make small incisions on your skin for inserting the ultrasound probes that will disintegrate fatty tissue.
Using a cannula, your provider will vacuum out the disintegrated fatty tissue along with most of the injected fluid. It is worth mentioning that your provider may leave some fluid inside to numb the pain you may experience after the procedure.
For most people, it is advisable to undergo Vaser liposuction on Friday to get ample rest over the weekend. If your occupation is physically demanding, plan a few days off if possible and consult your doctor for clearance before going back to work. Getting adequate rest after liposuction helps prevent complications like post-operative infection.
Commonly Targeted Areas
These are the most common target areas for Vaser liposuction.
- Waistline and stomach
- Glutes
- Arms
- Hips and thighs
- Upper back
- Chest
- Chin and neck
How Much Does Vaser Liposuction Cost?
Since this cosmetic procedure is considered elective, most insurance companies do not cover it. The average cost of Vaser liposuction starts at $4,400 and varies a lot depending on the expectations, desired results and prices of potential providers. This should cover anesthetic costs, theatre costs, appointments and follow-up massages.
Depending on your provider, initial consultation costs may vary between $150 and $270. To avoid misunderstandings with your provider, ask them for a full breakdown of all the costs involved during your initial consultation.
Potential Side Effects
While the risks involved in Vaser liposuction are very low, you still face the risk of experiencing some side effects such as:
- Loose skin not adhering to your post-procedural body shape
- Bruising and bleeding days after liposuction
- Persistent swelling after the procedure
- Skin irregularities, e.g., asymmetry and hyperpigmentation
- Persistent pain at the area of liposuction
- Very noticeable scarring at the area of liposuction
Always stay vigilant of signs of infection days or even weeks after the procedure. If you start to experience the following symptoms after the procedure, seek emergency care immediately:
- Fever
- Yellow/green discharge from the area of liposuction
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness, nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or exhaustion
Preparing for the Appointment
When preparing for your appointment, always inform your provider of any medication you are taking. For about two weeks before the procedure, avoid blood-thinning medicines like ibuprofen.
Additionally, do not take alcohol a few days before the procedure. Besides this, follow any additional instructions your surgeon may give you to prepare for the procedure.
What to Expect Following the Procedure
Following the procedure, your skin may look swollen and bruised in the area of liposuction. The desired results may not occur instantaneously since the body needs to heal. After 3-6 months, the results become much clearer as the body begins to take on the post-procedural shape. Some people, however, require more months before results begin to show.
While the procedure’s results can be permanent, you are partially responsible for the shape your body takes after recovery. An effective diet and exercise plan can help you avoid regaining the removed fat deposits.