Liposuction is one of the most effective treatments for body sculpting, removing excess fat from the abdomen, love handles, buttocks, or thighs. Over time, liposuction has advanced, and it is essential to understand your options before committing to the procedure. Two of the most common types of liposuction include VASER lipo and tumescent lipo, but what is the difference?
VASER liposuction – is it the right choice?
VASER liposuction uses specialized ultrasound energy to liquefy the fat cells before they are removed. “VASER” stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance,” or ultrasound energy. The application of ultrasound energy to the fat liquefies it for easier extraction. VASER lipo has the advantage of causing less trauma to the surrounding tissues, a faster healing time, and skin contraction. This allows our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. James Anthony, to redefine various body areas to create a more sculpted, fit appearance. Ultrasound energy can stimulate natural collagen production for firmer, more supple skin.
Traditional liposuction does remove fat but does not provide enhanced skin quality or tightness. You can find out more about Dr. Anthony, his advanced body sculpting techniques, and why he has been recognized as among the most talented plastic surgeons in the San Francisco area. Some patients treated at other centers have been disappointed with the outcome of liposuction after being left with excess skin that won’t snap back or with an uneven, bumpy look. VASER lipo could be the superior approach to address these issues for a reshaped body with a gentler procedure, causing slight discomfort and faster healing.
Tumescent liposuction
“Tumescent” means “swollen.” This liposuction approach involves injecting a combination of saline solution, lidocaine, and adrenaline into the treatment area. This combination constricts blood vessels to limit bleeding, numb the site, and allow the fat to be extracted more quickly and in larger volumes. VASER liposuction also involves injecting fluid into the area to be treated but has an added step of liquifying the fat before extraction.
Your body sculpting treatment – what to expect?
If you consider undergoing liposuction, whether tumescent or VASER, you deserve to know what to expect. When under the care of Dr. Anthony, your aesthetic vision is of utmost importance. He listens, understands, and will speak with you openly and honestly about what to expect. During the procedure, you will be comfortable and not suffer any pain, although you will feel various sensations specific to the procedure.
Once the area to be treated is numb, tiny incisions are made in the skin, through which a hollow needle is used to suction away unwanted fat cells, called a cannula. The cannula is moved beneath the skin to access the fatty pockets you want to disappear. We may use a larger suction device as well. The incision sites are closed with sutures, and the procedure is complete.
After VASER liposuction
If you have had your body reshaped with VASER liposuction, expect some bruising and swelling. You will wear a compression garment to protect the area and reduce swelling. The total result of your liposuction procedure appears quickly but improves with time as the skin and tissues settle into place, which may take about three months or longer, but you will enjoy your slimmer look much sooner.
After tumescent liposuction
After undergoing tumescent liposuction, you may need about a week to recover, although many patients return to work within a day or two. Swelling and bruising are normal reactions to the procedure. One benefit of the fluid injected before removing the fat is that the area treated remains comfortable for many hours after the procedure. Most patients need only over-the-counter painkillers after the effect of the fluid wears off.
Combining VASER and tumescent liposuction
VASER liposuction can create a smoother, more refined outcome and involves tumescent fluid as part of the procedure. When you want more muscle definition but even a steady workout schedule hasn’t achieved your goals, combining VASER with tumescent liposuction can produce the results you desire. VASER liposuction is called “high-definition” lipo, as it delicately removes fat, making the muscle structure more visible.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about which procedure may be best for you!
