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Guide To Cosmetic Surgery - Liposelection by VASER
Liposelection by VASER
There is a relatively new cosmetic treatment which can target those stubborn fat deposits. The difference between this and liposuction is that it only targets those fat cells you want removing and not any others. The beauty of this procedure is that excess fat is not cut away unlike liposuction.
It can be performed under a local anaesthetic and is quicker and more effective. This also means a faster recovery time as well.
So, what is VASER? VASER stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance which is the name given to the machine used for this purpose. This machine is manufactured in the US.
You will hear it more commonly referred to as Liposelection.
This machine uses ultrasound energy (vibrating sound waves) to break down fat cells which are then removed via suction pump or syringe. The fat is removed which means an improved body contour plus the skin is tightened as well.
Suitability for liposelection by VASER
This is highly suitable for people who follow a healthy lifestyle but find that diet and exercise alone will not shift stubborn pockets of fat. These pockets can be around the hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen and upper arms. Other areas include the back and the chest area for men who have ‘gynaecomastia’ (enlarged breast tissue).
It is not recommended for people who are obese, who have cellulite or are in poor health generally. Your age, lifestyle, state of health and motivation for surgery are the determining factors.
Older patients report less successful results than younger people mainly due to the fact that older skin has less elasticity.
If you are suffering from diabetes, cardiac problems or poor circulation then liposelection will not be recommended. If you are prone to poor wound healing or the formation of keloids (raised, angry red scars) then liposelection is not advisable.
Basically, if you have firm, toned skin but areas of fat which you cannot shift then liposelection is a good option.
Preparing for surgery
The surgeon will give you a set of guidelines to follow which is standard practice before any type of cosmetic surgery. These are meant to benefit you and to ensure that you get the very best from your procedure.
These will include advice on stopping smoking (if you smoke) taking or avoiding certain medications (prescription and over the counter) and what to bring with you on the day of your procedure.
Before any decision is made the surgeon will take a full medical history. This is the time to be frank and honest about your health. If you have an allergy or an underlying condition then please mention this. If you forget to mention something then this may place you at greater risk during the procedure.
You may feel that by mentioning something that you will not be able to have this procedure. Please be assured that the surgeon wants the very best for you and wants to be sure that you are safe and healthy to undergo this procedure.
If you are refused then it will be for a very good reason. He or she will be able to suggest an alternative.
Once you have decided to go ahead then this means getting a few things ready beforehand. It can help to make a ‘To Do’ list as there will be a long list of things to do before your procedure!
This list can include asking someone to drive you to and from the hospital or clinic; giving you a hand at home; making sure you have enough painkillers and any other medications and when you can resume your normal activities.
This procedure will mean you having to take a few days off work so it may be a good idea to arrange this in advance.
You will have to get plenty of rest and relaxation once you are back home. So, it can help to have done all the normal household jobs in advance, prepared any meals, bought in a good supply of books and magazines and placed any essential items within easy reach.
All of the other sections contain advice on preparing for surgery.
The liposelection by VASER procedure
You will be given a local anaesthetic (lidocaine) with sedation. The surgeon will then inject a special saline solution via a series of tiny incisions into the area to be treated. This saline solution contains adrenaline which helps to shrink the blood vessels in that area to prevent bleeding. It will also reduce the risk of bruising as well. This will help to numb the area.
It ‘wets’ the area and loosens it up ready for the ultrasound treatment. It can also make it easier for the surgeon to remove the dissolved fat in one go once the treatment is completed.
These loosened fat cells are ready for the ultrasound probes. These probes have special grooves along its sides which mean that the ultrasound waves can be transmitted from all sides of the probe.
This enables the surgeon to treat delicate areas such as the neck, chin, upper arms and inner thighs.
What makes this procedure stand out is that the ultrasound waves are able to target those fat cells without damaging any surrounding areas such as blood vessels and nerves. This can reduce the risk of bruising and swelling.
Those targeted cells are dissolved. They are removed via a slim cannula (tube) along with massage and gentle suctioning (pump or syringe).
The tiny incisions made for the injection of the saline solution will heal very quickly.
You will be given a special compression garment to wear which looks like a corset. This MUST be worn 24 hours a day for one week following this procedure.
You will have to return to the clinic a week after this procedure to have this and any stitches removed.
Recovery
This procedure is less traumatic and so will mean a quicker recovery time.
There may be some fluid drainage from these incisions although this will ease very quickly.
Expect some swelling, bruising and soreness: this is likely to be a lot less than that from liposuction but will only last for a few days. The surgeon can prescribe painkillers to control and pain or discomfort experienced afterwards.
Your recovery is likely to be a few days so take things easy during this time. Rest, rest and more rest! Do not strain yourself or try to lift or carry anything.
If you play sport or go to a gym then you will able to resume this a week after this procedure. Start off gently and then build this up over time.
You will notice a difference straightaway but it will be 3 months before you see the full results.
Some patients return to work the day after but most choose to return after a few days. Everyone is different in this aspect.
You will have to return to the clinic to have any stitches (if appropriate) removed along with your compression garment.
This is a safe procedure but if you notice any of the following symptoms then contact the clinic. These are:
- Chest pains, racing or irregular heartbeat and shortness of breath.
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Adverse reaction to anaesthesia (applies to patients who have had a general anaesthesia).
- Sharp, intense pain
The benefits of liposelection by VASER
These include the ability to target specific areas which means no damage to surrounding areas; tiny scars which are hidden from view; slight bruising and swelling; no risks from general anaesthesia; skin is tightened without cutting and a quicker recovery time.
You will notice a smooth and tighter body shape plus less downtime from the procedure.
This combined with an exercise and diet routine will improve your self-esteem and confidence.
The risks of liposelection by VASER
There are complications with all types of cosmetic procedures.
With liposelection the main risks are:
- Infections – antibiotics can be prescribed before, during or after surgery.
- Excessive fluid loss – this can lead to low blood pressure or a build up of fluid that will need to be drained.
- Skin dimpling, waviness or laxity – if a large amount of fat is removed it can lead to ‘baggy’ skin.
- Lumpiness
- Skin discolouration
- Asymmetry – this can happen if more fat is removed from one area than another. It can lead to an uneven look.
- Haematoma – the formation of a blood clot under the skin.
If this has been combined with liposuction then there can be additional risks such as nerve damage, scarring and embolism.