While traditional liposuction has been used for many decades to remove stubborn fat deposits from various parts of the body, in the last few years, a new type of liposuction technology has largely taken its place.

Vaser High Definition liposuction harnesses the power of ultrasound energy to dissolve fat before it’s removed — effectively avoiding many of the shortcomings commonly associated with traditional lipo. The results can be absolutely transformative for patients who have struggled with stubborn areas of fat on the abdomen, thighs, or upper arms.

So, is this procedure for you? Below, we’ll go over the major pros and cons of Vaser liposuction.

Vaser Liposuction Procedure Pros

More detailed body contouring

Vaser technology allows plastic surgeons to remove a more exact amount of excess fat. The resulting smooth, seamless curves speak for themselves. Patients who undergo Vaser lipo overwhelmingly have precise, natural-looking contours and excellent overall results.

Minimally invasive procedure

In plastic surgery, there are basically three categories of procedures: invasive procedures, noninvasive procedures, and minimally invasive procedures. 

An example of an invasive procedure would be a tummy tuck. This type of surgery typically involves the use of general anesthesia, requires incisions, and results in (ideally, faint) scarring. Noninvasive procedures (like chemical peels, for example) do not incise the skin.

Minimally invasive procedures, on the other hand, do involve some small incisions, the use of local or sometimes general anesthesia, some small scars, and a generally fast recovery.

Vaser liposuction is an example of a minimally invasive procedure. Patients can go home on the same day as their surgery, usually have a fairly easy recovery, and experience only very faint scars that are barely perceptible after healing.

More comfortable than traditional liposuction

With traditional liposuction, your surgeon has to use physical force to dislodge and remove fat cells. The liquifying effects of the Vaser liposuction method, however, make it so your surgeon has to do less work to remove fat cells. 

This means it’s more comfortable for you during the procedure. Vaser lipo also allows for a more comfortable recovery. 

Less damage to surrounding tissue

The reason Vaser lipo technology can provide for a more comfortable recovery is that the fat cells are easier to remove when they’ve been liquified by ultrasound waves. Because your surgeon can basically go in with their cannula, liquefy fat cells, and sweep them out easily, surrounding tissues are not damaged. This makes the entire procedure far less traumatic for the body.

Easier recovery process

When compared with traditional liposuction, Vaser Lipo patients experience less pain, fewer bruises, less swelling and inflammation, and a faster turnaround. When combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle — as well as maintenance of body weight — results can be absolutely fabulous and long-lasting.

Decreased likelihood of deformity

With any type of lipo, there is always the risk of an unfavorable outcome. Of course, experienced surgeons use numerous strategies to mitigate poor outcomes. But skin irregularities do happen occasionally.

The good news is that with Vaser, precise body contouring is far easier, and deformities are extremely rare. The unique technology allows for gentler, more exact fat removal and little, if any, agitation to surrounding tissues.

Vaser Liposuction Procedure Cons

Procedure still requires downtime

Even though we’d love for there to be a liposuction procedure that had absolutely no downtime or “recovery” needed, we haven’t found it yet. For now, all liposuction procedures do require some healing time, and Vaser liposuction is no exception.

After your Vaser liposuction treatment, you will need to rest for about one week, after which you can return to most of your daily activities. The majority of patients with office-style jobs need to take off at least one week of work. After around two weeks, you should be able to return to a light exercise regimen.

May be more expensive

Because of the advanced technology required with Vaser liposuction, this procedure tends to be more expensive than traditional liposuction.

Scarring is inevitable

Finally, as with any surgery that requires incising the skin, scarring will occur after Vaser liposuction. Keep in mind, however, that your scars are going to be so small that they’ll barely be noticeable. 

Liposuction incisions are minute to begin with — usually just a few millimeters long. Plus, with proper care and scar reduction therapy, they’ll fade and flatten out quickly once they’ve healed.

Is Vaser Lipo Better Than Traditional Lipo?

Generally speaking, Vaser liposuction is superior to traditional lipo. They are both cosmetic procedures that remove fat. However, Vaser lipo is usually less invasive and more effective because it utilizes ultrasound technology to remove targeted fat. 

Both can certainly help improve one’s body shape and confidence. But when the Vaser liposuction pros and cons are considered, Vaser lipo typically offers more benefits. 

How Much Fat Can Vaser Lipo Remove?

Vaser lipo can usually remove between six and eight lbs. of fat, or sometimes more. Although this may not seem like a huge amount, it’s important to note that liposuction targets stubborn fat that wouldn’t otherwise budge with simple diet and exercise.

Does the Fat Come Back After Vaser Lipo?

Fat cells should not return after Vaser lipo. The patented procedure is designed with the goal of permanently removing fat tissue to prevent regrowth. This involves “melting” target fatty tissue with ultrasonic energy and using a small hollow cannula to ultimately remove the liquid fat. 

With that said, patients can gain weight after Vaser lipo. Optimal results do require that the patient maintains a normal, healthy weight after the procedure.

Vaser Liposuction FAQ

What are the risks of Vaser lipo?

All cosmetic procedures come with certain risks, such as excessive bleeding, prolonged swelling, asymmetrical results, etc. Fortunately, complications are rare with Vaser lipo. 

How painful is Vaser liposuction?

There will typically be some overall soreness and acute pain at the incision sites after this procedure — in addition to swelling, bruising, and hyperpigmentation. These side effects should subside in the subsequent days and weeks after surgery. Prescribed medications can be used to improve discomfort.

Where can you get Vaser lipo?

Vaser lipo can basically be performed anywhere traditional liposuction is used. You can get this type of lipo on your abdomen, flanks, upper back, thighs and hips, buttocks, chest, arms, and other locations on the body.

Can you combine Vaser lipo with other cosmetic surgeries?

Absolutely. Vaser liposuction is often combined with abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery), fat transfer procedures, breast lifts, and other common surgeries.

Will I have loose skin after Vaser lipo?

In general, a healthy person’s skin will bounce back and retract after modest fat loss via liposuction. Those with lax skin (poor skin elasticity) may experience slight wrinkling after this treatment. Your surgeon will discuss this with you prior to surgery.

Is Vaser lipo worth it?

Vaser lipo is considered to be an incredibly precise fat reduction procedure and is considered far gentler when compared with standard suction lipo. Multiple studies show the benefits of choosing this procedure for the reduction of subcutaneous fat.

Schedule a Personal Consultation

Achieve the body you’ve always dreamed of with Vaser liposuction. This innovative technology offers a wide range of benefits and is the lipo-of-choice for most experienced plastic surgeons.

To find out more about this procedure and whether it could work for you, call and schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Aric Aghayan.

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/cosmetic-surgery/vaser-liposuction