Liposuction consistently remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures worldwide, reflecting that many of us have at least one area of the body that we’re less than happy with. Over the years, the techniques and technology have evolved and Vaser liposuction has emerged as an effective alternative to traditional liposuction.
If you’re contemplating a procedure to remove stubborn pockets of fat or sculpt and contour your shape, here’s a guide to the pros and cons of each procedure.
Fat removal
Liposuction is more suited to patients that have a higher BMI as it targets deeper layers of fat and can remove more fat in one session. Vaser isn’t suited to removing large fat deposits. It’s suitable for patients that are at their ideal body weight and have smaller amounts of fat to remove, revealing the muscle tone underneath.
Treatment areas
Both Vaser and traditional liposuction can remove fat located on the abdomen, thighs, flanks and buttocks, but for more delicate areas of the body such as the chin, neck, knees, and lower legs, Vaser is a more precise technique producing smoother results.
Vaser is also best suited to more fibrous areas of the body, such as the male breast, bra rolls and love handles. Vaser also achieves a greater degree of skin retraction.
Downtime
Once the treatment area has been prepared with a mixture of local anaesthetic, epinephrine and saline, Vaser’s ultrasound energy emulsifies the fat cells before they are aspirated through a small needle. By gently breaking up the fat cells first, Vaser involves much less damage to the surrounding tissue. As a result, there is much less swelling and bruising and a quicker recovery.
During a traditional liposuction procedure, the fat cells are also broken up before they are removed, but this is where the two methods differ. In tumescent liposuction, the area is prepared with the same mixture of fluid before the surgeon moves the cannula back and forth to disrupt the fat cells. Although the fluid makes it easier to break up the fat and the epinephrine constricts blood vessels to limit blood loss, there is more damage to the surrounding tissue.
Safety
Vaser technology is now fourth generation so is now considered a very safe procedure. The potential complications are the same as liposuction including bruising, bleeding and swelling in the days and weeks after your procedure, skin numbness, scarring from the incisions and potential asymmetry or skin irregularities, but the risks are much less.
Vaser lipo is also typically performed using local anaesthetic whereas – depending on the extent of the procedure – traditional liposuction is often performed under a general anaesthetic which has more associated complications.
To find out whether you’re best suited to Vaser lipo or traditional liposuction, call 020 3325 6540 to arrange a consultation with Mr Michael Mouzakis.
