What is Vaser Liposuction?

VASER Liposuction is a common term often used during consultations about body contouring and liposuction. So, what sets VASER Lipo apart from traditional methods like tumescent liposuction?

VASER Liposuction stands out because it utilises ultrasonic technology. The process starts with a special kind of crystal known as a piezoelectric crystal. This crystal transforms electric energy into quick vibrations, which are ultrasonic, and also into heat energy. These vibrations and heat are then delivered into the fatty tissue using a specially designed cannula (a thin, tube-like medical instrument).

The vibrations and heat break down or liquefy the fat cells. Once the cells are liquefied, they’re much easier to remove. A suction cannula is then used to extract this liquefied fat, making it easier to contour and shape the targeted areas.

As for the name, VASER is an acronym for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance. This might sound technical, but it’s a straightforward way to describe how this ultrasound-assisted liposuction technology operates.

So, if you’re intrigued by VASER Lipo and want to understand how it compares to other methods like tumescent liposuction, we’re more than happy to discuss this during your consultation.

In the mid-80s and 90s, when ultrasonic liposuction first hit the scene, there was a lot of scepticism and caution in the medical community. Many plastic surgeons either abandoned the technique or were hesitant to adopt it due to a concerning rate of complications and associated risks. For example, patients were experiencing burns because the technology emitted high ultrasonic energy levels. This was not an acceptable level of patient care.

For us at Centre for Surgery, the decision was straightforward. We wouldn’t even consider incorporating a technology into our practice unless it met the most rigorous safety standards. Our foremost priority is the well-being of our patients, and if a technology or method doesn’t allow us to deliver safe, predictable, and natural results consistently, we’re more than happy to set it aside.

Our commitment to safety and excellence guides every choice we make, from the procedures we offer to the technology we employ. If you have any questions about the evolution of liposuction techniques and our current methods, we’re always here to provide the answers.

What are the benefits and risks of Vaser liposuction?

Fortunately, advancements in technology have given us what is known as 3rd generation ultrasound-assisted liposuction, and VASER Liposuction falls under this category. This newer generation uses lower levels of ultrasound energy, specifically designed to address and mitigate the issues plaguing the earlier ultrasonic liposuction versions.

By using less energy, employing smaller cannulas, and optimising the distribution of energy at the cannula tip, we can target fat cells more precisely while sparing blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. This results in a procedure that is much less traumatic for the patient.

One of the standout features of ultrasound-assisted liposuction like VASER is its effectiveness in treating areas that are fibrous, such as the upper back. However, it’s worth noting that this method may not be the best choice for every body part or every individual.

During your consultation at Centre for Surgery, we must discuss your specific needs and goals. This collaboration allows us to craft a personalised treatment plan aimed at delivering the best results for you. With our commitment to patient care and safety, along with our expertise in the latest technologies, you’re in good hands for your body contouring journey.

Anyone who is thinking of having Vaser liposuction should make sure they carry out their research to learn about the potential risks of Vaser liposuction, which are often underreported in the literature. Vaser liposuction is heavily marketed as a less invasive alternative to traditional liposuction that can be easily carried out under a local anaesthetic without the need for general anaesthesia.

The risks of Vaser lipo are greater when compared with other types of liposuction. Vaser lipo generates significant thermal energy, which has the potential to injure the skin and in some cases, may cause skin burns. The skin burns can be so significant that they may require future reconstructive surgery, including fat grafting, for adequate correction. Visor liposuction is well known for causing seroma formation due to damage to the body’s lymphatic system. Whilst seromas can occur after any liposuction, they are ubiquitous after Vaser liposuction. At Centre for Surgery, our surgeons use power-assisted liposuction with the SAFElipo technique. SAFElipo is a non-thermal liposuction technique that does not carry the same risk of skin burns as Vaser Lipo does.

RELATED: What is SAFElipo?

How does Vaser liposuction compare with SAFElipo?

Although Vaser liposuction shares some similarities to other types of liposuction, there are a number of key differences. It is often claimed that Vaser liposuction allows for greater accuracy in fact, the removal whilst preserving the connective tissue framework. This is not the case, as Vaser lipo has the potential to injure the supporting connective tissue, which often results in obvious rippling of the skin and contour abnormalities. These effects are commonly a result of injury to the connective tissue framework. Lumpy results and skin burns are common complications associated with Vaser liposuction, and many patients often say they do not see any difference from the procedure as a result of the minimal volumes of fat removed. Vaser liposuction is not a recognised technique for the removal of larger amounts of fat. This is unlike SAFElipo, which is ideal for the removal of small to large amounts of fat. Centre for Surgery offers both SmartLipo and BodyTite as alternatives to conventional liposuction using SAFELipo.

The key takeaway here is that VASER Lipo is to ultrasound-assisted liposuction what Kleenex is to tissue. It’s a brand name that’s become synonymous with the procedure, but it’s not the only option for effective body contouring. While technology like VASER can be a powerful tool in the hands of a surgeon, it’s not a magic wand.

The true determining factor for a successful outcome is the plastic surgeon performing the procedure’s skill, experience, and expertise. A highly qualified surgeon knows how to wield the latest technologies and understands the nuances of human anatomy, the complexities of the surgical procedure, and the importance of individualized patient care.

So, when considering options like VASER Lipo, always remember that technology is only as good as the professional using it. Ensure you’re entrusting your care to a surgeon who meets the highest standards of excellence and safety.

How much does Vaser Lipo cost?

Vaser lipo costs differ based on the number of treatment areas and the type of anaesthetic chosen. Prices for Vaser liposuction in the UK can start from approximately £2000 and up to £10,000 plus. Prices for Vaser liposuction can be much higher for patients considering high-definition liposuction. Vaser lipo prices will be determined by the number of body areas being targeted, whether performed under local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic and whether the procedure is a primary or revision procedure.  Surgeons at the Centre for Surgery in London specialise in power-assisted liposuction, known as SAFELipo, known to be the gentlest and safest form of liposuction in the UK. Liposuction costs typically start from £3000 for single areas. Liposuction using the SAFELipo technique avoids many of the potential complications that are commonly seen with Vaser liposuction.

The exact cost of the procedure can be determined once you have had a face-to-face consultation with your surgeon for a full clinical assessment. Your dedicated patient coordinator will see you after your surgeon consultation to give you full costs for your liposuction procedure. Having liposuction under general anaesthetic will incur the extra costs of the anaesthetist and anaesthetic supplies.

Our expert plastic surgeons are renowned for their expertise in carrying out safe and effective liposuction procedures in an accredited medical environment at our specialist day surgery hospital in central London. Our treatment philosophy is based on providing the highest standards of medical care delivered by highly trained healthcare professionals using only state-of-the-art medical equipment.

Centre for Surgery does not offer Vaser liposuction

Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction techniques have undergone a number of updates over the years, with the current Vaser lipo system being the third generation of ultrasonic-assisted liposuction. Despite the many updates, the procedure still carries an unacceptable risk profile, with several cases each year of patients developing skin bands requiring subsequent corrective surgery. The Vaser lipo system, when it was introduced to the UK, was aggressively marketed to non-plastic surgeons who often lacked the skills and expertise to carry out liposuction.

RELATED: Liposuction risks and how to avoid them

Many patients have come to us with unfavourable outcomes following Vaser liposuction and our surgeons are regularly called upon to assess and treat patients who have had Vaser liposuction elsewhere. While in some cases our surgeons have been able to effectively correct post-operative deformities caused by Vaser lipo using fat grafting, this has not always been the case due to the advanced nature of the botched Vaser lipo deformity. This, sadly, has resulted in many patients living with both significant chronic pain and an unacceptable cosmetic appearance. The lumpy results and skin burns that Vaser Liposuction can potentially cause remain a considerable risk for anyone considering having this form of liposuction.

Seroma formation is a relatively uncommon side-effect of liposuction but is particularly common after Vaser liposuction, and this can often prevent the skin from healing correctly, often leading to post-operative contour abnormalities. Centre for Surgery has never offered Vaser liposuction and has no intention of offering this type of liposuction now or in the future due to the risks and complications the procedure can cause.

Centre for Surgery is the leading cosmetic surgery clinic located on Baker Street in the heart of Marylebone, central London. If you are keen to explore the benefits of liposuction, please contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable patient coordinators to book a face-to-face consultation with an expert liposuction surgeon at the state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic.