Vaser liposelection is the newest form of liposuction. ‘VASER’ stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance which uses advanced ultrasound technology to gently breakdown fat from different areas of the body.
We are the first hospital in the UK to offer VASER liposuction
The technique uses sound energy transmitted through small probes that liquefy fat prior to removal by gentle suction. In conventional liposuction fat is sucked into a cannula (a thin metal tube) which is then sheared off by the surgeon moving the cannula back and forth. This action produces trauma to the tissues which can lead to unevenness of fat removal and sometimes complications such as irregularities that can be seen on the surface of the skin. The conventional technique is also associated with elongated recovery times and more pain. This contrasts with VASER liposelection where the ultrasound energy is directed specifically at the fat to liquefy it prior to removal by gentle suction. The nerves, blood vessels and surrounding tissues remain relatively undisturbed and this allows smoothness during the contouring by the surgeon and allows precise control. Since there is much less tissue trauma, there is also reduced pain and discomfort after surgery. A further advantage of VASER liposelection is that much improved skin retraction is seen when compared to standard liposuction. These benefits of VASER treatment have now been reported in scientific studies.
Who performs your VASER surgery
At Spire Hospital Bushey your VASER treatment will be carried out only by a highly experienced and fully accredited plastic surgeon. Your surgeon will be on the GMC specialist register for plastic and cosmetic surgery and hold the FRCS(Plast) qualification. He will also be a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) which is the only body representing cosmetic surgery to be recognised by the Royal College of Surgeons. All surgeons who belong to this association have been vetted for their level of experience and have their safety data externally monitored.
There are many ‘clinics’ and ‘doctors’ advertising VASER treatment. Since VASER treatment allows fat to be removed under local anaesthetic with a faster recovery time many clinics are advertising this as a non-invasive or non-surgical treatment. However you should be under no illusion that this is a ‘surgical’ procedure which involves the insertion of very long instruments under the skin. A high level of experience is therefore required and in order to avoid complications Spire Hospitals recommend that your surgery be carried out by a fully trained plastic surgeon.
Therefore look for the following when selecting your surgeon:
- The FRCS (Plast) qualification after the surgeons name.
- Member of BAAPS.
- GMC Specialist Registration for Plastic Surgery.
Even if your VASER treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic while you are awake be aware that high doses of local anaesthetic do have side effects. The United States has the highest complication rates from liposuction procedures since procedures are mainly carried out under local anaesthetic in the clinic setting. At Spire Hospitals a fully qualified anaesthetist is always available even if your procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic since we believe every precaution should be taken to ensure your safety.
During the surgery
The anaesthetic: If small volumes of fat are to be removed then VASER has the advantage that a local anaesthetic is all that is required and this means that you are awake during the procedure. For larger volumes of fat removal or if multiple areas are treated then a ‘twilight’ anaesthetic can be used which means that an intravenous sedation technique (TIVA, total intravenous anaesthesia) is more suitable. For even larger volumes of fat removal a full general anaesthetic may be required.
The procedure: During the procedure the surgeon will make small incisions typically 4 – 5 mm long and inject fluid which is absorbed by the fat. An ultrasound probe is then introduced under the skin to liquefy the fat. These probes are blunt and pass through the fat easily. There are different types of probes depending on the area of the body and the quality of skin overlying the fat. The probe disperses the ultrasound energy into the surrounding fat and emulsifies the fat. A different suction cannula is the introduced under the skin which then very gently and easily removes the liquefied fat. Once the treatment is complete either a small dissolvable stitch or a dressing is applied to the entry points.
After the procedure
For small to intermediate volumes of fat removal you will be able to go home the same day. For large volumes of fat removal you will be required to stay the night in hospital.
A compression garment is required to be worn for a variable length of time. This may be for a period of 1 week only for very small areas or up to 6 weeks for larger areas. This garment will be provided for you.
The advantage of VASER is that pain and discomfort is minimal. However, painkillers are prescribed for you in case you need them. Significant bruising is unlikely but should any mild bruising occur this should resolve quickly within 1 to 2 weeks.
For small to intermediate volume fat removal you should be able to return to work within a few days but if large volumes of fat are removed you may require up to 1 week off work.
Strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least 2 weeks after the procedure. There will be some swelling after the procedure and it is important to allow the tissues to fully heal before engaging in heavy exercise. If multiple areas and large amounts of fat are removed your surgeon may recommend to avoid exercise for a longer period of time.
Although you will notice an immediate change after the surgery any swelling will take about a week to improve. The soft tissues and skin do take time to retract. Even though vaser liposuction allows improved skin retraction it can still take 3 to 6 months to see the full benefits and results of this technique.
VASER liposelection for specific body areas
VASER lipo can be used on any part of the body including the face and neck, male chest, abdomen, buttocks, arms, back or thighs.
Abdomen or ‘tummy’: The tummy area is a very common area for liposuction where VASER can be used. The advantages here are that enhanced skin retraction qualities of VASER can be utilised to avoid skin excision. For example, many patients who were unsuitable for standard liposuction and needed a mini-tummy tuck with its resulting scar may now be suitable for VASER treatment since the loose skin following fat removal shows better retraction following VASER lipo.
The precision that VASER allows during fat removal can produce a ‘six-pack’ effect in the right candidate. This sculpting technique is called ‘high-definition’ VASER liposelection.
The arms and inner thighs: These areas typically have very thin skin and standard liposuction has its limitations since irregularities can very easily occur. With VASER lipo the risk of irregularities is reduced. An arm lift or thigh lift (with its resulting scars) can also often be avoided.
The back: Fat in this area is very fibrous and difficult to remove with standard liposuction. VASER in this area allows the use of probes with different types of focusing of the ultrasound energy to selectively liquefy the fat. Areas that can be treated include the back, the love-handle area and the roll of fat above the bra line.
The buttocks and outer thighs: These are very common areas that are treated with liposuction. The use of VASER allows very precise sculpting techniques to re-shape the buttock and thigh area. Quite dramatic results can be achieved. For example, removal of fat in the outer thigh markedly improves the overall figure and selectively removing fat from around the buttocks can not only reduce the size but create a more aesthetically pleasing and pert buttock with a more natural buttock crease.
Face and Neck: Liposuction is commonly used under the chin and in the neck region either alone or in combination with a facelift. These techniques have a marked effect in rejuvenating the ageing face. VASER can be used with advantage in these areas since it allows fat removal very close to the skin without the trauma and bruising which commonly occurs with standard liposuction.
The male chest, gynaecomastia or ‘man-boobs’: This treatment has been increasing in popularity. The advantages of VASER fat removal and skin retraction can be used in reducing the male chest where fat may be quite fibrous and difficult to remove and where skin excision can be avoided. Some patients however need an incision at the edge of the nipple since on many occasions a variable amount of glandular tissue may need to be surgically removed in addition to fat removal. See our main gynaecomastia page for more information about treating this condition.
Complications
The main complications of liposuction include bruising, loose skin, surface irregularities and mild asymmetry. With VASER liposelection these complications are greatly reduced. With large volume liposuction patients sometimes needed to return for a small revisional or ‘touch- up’ procedure. Revision rates have been reported to be reduced by up to 50% with VASER lipo.
The other complications of liposuction involve the toxic effects of large doses of local anaesthetic which can precipitate irregular heart rhythms with dangerous consequences. These complications should be extremely rare when treatments are carried out in a large hospital setting and in the presence of an anaesthetist. It is usually safer to have a general anaesthetic in some situations and you should not be persuaded into having a local anaesthetic by some clinics who do not have the comparative facilities of a Spire Hospital and the availability of a fully qualified anaesthetist.
Who to contact?
VASER lipo is provided at Spire Bushey by Consultant Plastic Surgeon Mr Jag Chana.
To make an appontment please call 020 8901 5505, or use our enquiry form to ask for more information.