Do you have stubborn fat deposits that are making you feel a little less than perfect? Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess fat from areas such as the hips, thighs, abdomen, upper arms, chin, and more.
You might be familiar with traditional liposuction, but there are many variations that seek to alleviate some of the side effects, enhance the procedure process, or amplify the results post-operation.
VASER liposuction is a form of radiofrequency-assisted fat removal that varies from the traditional method. While its basic concept remains the same, it incorporates ultrasound waves to give plastic surgeons a more precise ability to remove fat.
If you’re thinking about getting VASER liposuction, here’s everything you need to know.
How Does VASER Liposuction Work?
Liposuction and pretty much all of its variations have the same basic premise. First, you’ll be put under anesthesia, likely general anesthesia to numb your entire body for comfort during the entire procedure.
Next, incisions smaller than 5mm will be made in the area where fat is to be removed. With VASER, the next step is to insert an ultrasound probe into the skin to help break up fatty tissue and heat fat cells without damaging surrounding tissue.
Then, a small tool called a cannula is used to dislodge and remove the fat via vacuum. If need be, the fat may be run through a cleansing machine if your procedure requires a fat graft into another area of your body.
VASER Vs. Traditional Liposuction
Although traditional liposuction is a popular and respected cosmetic surgery, it’s not perfect. And one of its imperfections is that it can be difficult to target precise areas without fear of damaging underlying tissue.
VASER’s radiofrequency technology gives your plastic surgeon the ability to sculpt your body in ways that just aren’t possible with traditional liposuction. The radiofrequency waves use a heat that is hot enough to disturb and damage fat cells beyond repair without causing any problems to surrounding structures that must remain intact.
For that reason, this procedure allows there to be more of an emphasis on muscle toning and contour as opposed to actual fat removal. This makes VASER an especially good option if you’re at your ideal body weight but want an more effective alternative to most skin tightening procedures.
Also Read: What is Natural Liposuction?
Recovery and Results from VASER Liposuction
One of the greatest benefits about VASER compared to traditional lipo is that the recovery time is usually shorter and less painful. With that said, it is imperative to follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions to clean your wounds and prevent infection.
Although you’ll be able to go home the same day of your procedure, you probably won’t be able to return to work for a few days.
Within the first 24-48 hours, you may need to reapply clean bandages to the incision sites. Additionally, small tubes may be placed under the skin to help with fluid drainage. These will be removed by your plastic surgeon after a few days.
After a few months, you’ll be able to see the full scope of your results as swelling subsides and your body settles into its new contour.
Results from VASER may be permanent, though natural changes to your body due to weight fluctuations or age may alter its appearance. You can minimize these changes by leading an active and healthy lifestyle after the procedure.
Benefits of VASER Liposuction
VASER liposuction is a stronger alternative to traditional liposuction for a number of reasons, but any surgical procedure that can get you closer to your best body is powerful regardless.
One of the main benefits of VASER liposuction is that it allows for an easy and precise removal of fat deposits, especially when compared to liposuction or other skin tightening alternatives. The radiofrequency technology allows fat to be easily removed in ways that traditional lipo just doesn’t match.
On top of that, the recovery is generally shorter because there is less physical trauma to the body. In traditional liposuction, fat must be removed by physically being dislodged with the cannula. But with VASER, not as much contact is necessary, which can result in less swelling or pain in comparison.
Liposuction in general can also help to improve your confidence and self esteem as well, as it can get you closer to feeling like your best self. You can be more comfortable in your skin while also having the enthusiasm to wear swimsuits, bikinis, or other clothing items.
Not to mention, liposuction can make you feel more comfortable. Sometimes, excess fat can chafe or rub up against tight fitting clothes, and rashes or irritation are common in areas where skin folds over. VASER liposuction can help alleviate these feelings and give you broader access to different types of clothes.
Risks of VASER Liposuction
The benefits of liposuction outweigh the risks, but there are still some side effects and precautions you can take before you undergo your procedure.
The biggest risk is that the procedure may not turn out exactly as you’d wished. While choosing a licensed and experienced plastic surgeon can enhance your success rate, it’s still possible that your skin and body contour looks different than you’d imagined. You can maximize your procedure by continuing to engage in an active and healthy lifestyle following the procedure.
While VASER is a low-risk procedure, there are some side effects that are common in the days or weeks following the treatment:
Swelling or bruising
Pain and aching at incision sight
Potential for scarring
Loose skin that does not adhere to your body shape
Skin irregularities
Sometimes, you may need a subsequent procedure to get you the results you’re looking for.
Who is a Good Candidate for VASER Liposuction?
Liposuction is an effective way to shed stubborn fat, but it’s important that you are a good fit. This helps maximize results while minimizing risk of complications.
A good candidate for liposuction is someone who:
Has positive, but realistic, goals about their appearance.
Is within 30% of their ideal body weight.
Doesn’t have life-threatening medical conditions.
Is committed to leading an active lifestyle after the surgery.
Feels insecure about deposits of fat throughout their body.
Non-smoker.
If you match all of these criteria and you’re ready to achieve your best body, fill out this inquiry form to book your consultation with PH-1 Miami!
Using J-Plasma After Liposuction
If you’re looking to get a traditional liposuction procedure purely to remove excess fat, then VASER liposuction may be a great choice. The results are nearly identical to traditional liipo except it’s safer and has a shorter recovery time.
However, one of the drawbacks of lipo is that it can often leave hanging skin or wrinkles after the surgery is completed, especially when larger deposits of fat are removed. For that reason, using a J-Plasma treatment after liposuction is one of the best ways to maximize the results.
J-Plasma, or Renuvion, uses helium plasma and proprietary radiofrequency to cool areas under the skin, essentially helping to tighten the skin for a more contoured appearance. While the heated radiofrequency waves from VASER help to liquify fat for easy removal, the cooling temperature of J-Plasma can restrict the skin and give you a more firm look.
It works through a small device that is inserted subdermally to cool and constrict the skin. It can be used in pretty much any area where liposuction is also conducted.
While it’s often used after a liposuction procedure to improve skin tightness, you can also get it on its own. It’s a great alternative to liposuction for people who are looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles rather than shed large fat deposits.
In Conclusion
VASER liposuction is an effective variation of traditional liposuction that’s generally safer, more effective, and has a shorter recovery period. It uses radiofrequency and heat to liquify fat for easier removal, allowing plastic surgeons to have more control over easily shaping the body to underlying muscles.
In addition to being safer and more effective, VASER liposuction can increase your confidence and make you feel more comfortable in your own skin. Additionally, it can broaden your access to different clothing options.
Good candidates for VASER are individuals who are positive, realistic, and are within 30% of their ideal body weight. And if you’re worried about excess skin following the procedure, you can follow up with a J-Plasma treatment to cool and tighten the skin up against its new body contour.
If liposuction or J-plasma sounds like something you’re interested in, we would love to see you in our sunny office at PH-1 Miami. From Brazilian Butt Lifts to non-invasive skin tightening, we’re ready to help your body become it’s best body.
Sources:
What is radiofrequency-assisted liposuction? | American Society of Plastic Surgeons
