What is VASER® Lipo? How does it differ from traditional liposuction?
VASER Lipo, also known as LipoSelection®, is an advanced body contouring procedure that selectively removes unwanted body fat. An alternative to the harsh techniques of traditional liposuction, VASER Lipo uses state-of-the-art ultrasound technology designed to gently reshape your body.
What distinguishes the VASER Lipo procedure is its ability to differentiate targeted fat from other important tissues — such as nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. Innovative VASER technology breaks up fat while preserving these other important tissues to promote smooth results and rapid healing.
How does VASER Lipo work?
First, the area to be reshaped is filled with a special saline solution that helps numb the site and shrink the blood vessels (to minimize blood loss and reduce bruising). This solution wets and fills the area to be treated, making it easier to break up fatty tissue with the VASER Lipo System’s ultrasound energy. A small probe then transmits sound energy (similar to that used for cataract removal from the eye) to break up fatty tissue on contact while preserving other important tissues. Finally, the liquefied fat is removed through a gentle suction process designed to minimize damage to surrounding tissues.
What body areas can be treated with VASER Lipo?
Doctors have experienced great success in treating all of the following areas: abdomen, thighs, knees, buttocks, hips, back, arms, male and female breasts, love handles, chin, neck areas and just about any other body part you need treated.
What happens during the VASER LipoSelection procedure?
First, the area to be sculpted is filled with a special saline solution that helps numb the site and shrink the blood vessels (to minimize blood loss and reduce bruising). This solution wets and fills the area to be treated, making fat easier to break up with VASER System’s sound energy. Then a small probe transmits sound energy (similar to that used for cataract removal in the eye) that breaks up fat on contact, while leaving other important tissues relatively intact. Finally, gentle suction of the sculpted site removes the emulsified fat quickly. Thanks to its patented technology, only the LipoSelection procedure first emulsifies and then removes fat in this manner.
How much fat can be taken?
There are limits to how much fatty tissue can be safely taken from the body. In addition there are specific state laws which limit how much can be removed at one time, or in combination with another procedure. One way to assess how much fat you have is to stand and bend from the waist. The amount of ‘loose-hanging’ soft tissue you can easily grab above / below your waist will approximate what is fatty tissue. You may also have loose skin, and liposuction is not the ideal solution for excess skin. Also bear in mind that this procedure is not intended as a weight loss solution.
The goal is to shape your figure in an ideal way. You may not notice a significant amount of weight loss, but you clothes should fit better, or you may drop down a few sizes, depending on your starting point.
How soon will I see my results? What is the recovery time?
This varies with the extensiveness of the procedure—the amount of fat removed, the number of sites treated, and so on. Many patients report that they see results within a few weeks of surgery. There can be a significant amount of swelling postoperatively. Most swelling will be gone in 6 months, if not sooner. After that, swelling can fluctuate with your level of activity, and this settles down after 1 year. It is important that you establish realistic expectations through discussion with your doctor.
What about future weight gain / fat migrating to other areas?
This is a common misperception. Following your VASER Lipo procedure, should you experience weight gain or loss, it will tend to be proportionately distributed over your entire body; it may be distributed differently after your procedure than before, however. Once you have fat removed, it is gone and, assuming a healthy lifestyle of proper diet and exercise, it will not return or migrate. All fat cells cannot ever be removed because fat is necessary to a healthy body, some essential fat layers in any given site remain untreated. If you do gain a significant amount of weight, the remaining fatty tissue will expand. Normal aging changes can also be expected.
How can I be certain VASER Lipo is right for me?
If you are frustrated by the resistance of certain body areas to diet and exercise, VASER Lipo can provide a solution. If you are healthy and seeking a fast, low-pain solution to losing stubborn fat deposits, the VASER Lipo procedure could be your answer. Although there are limits to the amount of fat that can be removed, and Drs. Gregory and Sylora can assist you with your decision about potential areas for sculpting, anticipated results, and the recovery process.
