vaser liposuction

VASER Lipo, otherwise known as ‘Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance’, is an alternative to traditional liposuction for people who only have small volumes and/or specific areas of fat to be removed. Using the latest in ultrasound technology to target unwanted fat, the process allows for precision targeting, has a quick recovery time, is performed under local anaesthetic and immediate results.

Tumescent fluid is injected into the treatment area prior to small incisions being made, which are strategically placed to minimize visible scarring. Ultrasound energy is applied to the target fat using a small, thin probe which, when inserted under the skin and upon contact with the fat cells, causes them to vibrate and dissolve. The resulting liquid fat is easily drained from the body using cannulas, or tubes, which are so small that the incision sites don’t usually need to be stitched after the procedure. The probe can also be applied just under the skin surface to stimulate the skin’s production of collagen for a tighter, more toned look.

VASER Lipo is extremely precise, which gives the surgeon superior control and enables the body to be sculpted and contoured for ultra-natural results. The procedure can also be used in conjunction with fat transfer techniques, as the fat cells removed with VASER can be harvested for use to enhance other parts of the body. However the technique used is modified to preserve viability of fat cells for grafting.

• Abdomen – upper and lower
• Ankles (‘cankles’)
• Inner thigh area
• Knees
• Lower back (‘love handles’)
• Outer thigh area (‘saddlebags’)
• Under the neck – double chin or ‘jowels’
• Upper and mid-back (‘bra rolls’)
• Waistline or top of hips (‘muffin top’)
• Unlike other forms of liposuction surgery, VASER can successfully remove fat from densely fibrous areas such as the abdomen (after previous tummy tuck surgery) and the breasts (male and female)

For patients who are at or close to their ideal weight, VASER Liposuction is a ‘walk-in, walk-out’ procedure with minimal downtime, quick recovery and immediate results. Even so, it is still a surgical procedure that will alter your shape and have an impact on your self-esteem, so careful thought needs to be given prior to going ahead.

At Cocoona, we ask for you to conduct a self-evaluation to help you assess if you are one hundred per cent ready, both physically and mentally, for VASER Lipo surgery. You should ask yourself the following questions:

• Have I exhausted all the non-surgical options, such as diet and exercise, to improve my shape?
• Am I clear about which problem areas can be treated with VASER Lipo and to what extent?
• Do I have realistic expectations about what VASER Lipo can achieve?
• Do I fully understand the surgical procedure, how long it will take and what I need to do after the surgery to promote healing and recovery?
• Am I prepared to maintain my weight through a healthy diet and an exercise routine after surgery so that the results of VASER Lipo will be long-lasting?

Once you have clarity on the above, the next step is to find the right surgeon and clinic. These are of paramount importance.

You need a surgeon who is experienced in performing VASER Liposuction surgery, has a sound reputation and proven results. You should also look for a surgeon who will give you honest and realistic advice on what you can and can’t achieve with this procedure.

A good clinic is one that has an experienced and highly skilled surgical team, licensed aestheticist(s), well trained nursing staff, an excellent reputation, and a low complication rate. Of course, the clinic also needs to be licensed with the relevant authorities for the country or region it is situated in. At Cocoona, we tick all these boxes.

In most cases, VASER Lipo can be performed under local anaesthetic. Some patients may also require light sedation, otherwise known as twilight anesthesia, to make them more comfortable. In both cases, the majority of patients will have VASER Lipo surgery on an out-patient basis.

• VASER Lipo is most successful when used for patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) that is within the ideal range for their height and who are looking to remove small amounts of fat from specific areas of the body.
• It is the ideal procedure to refine the body’s contours, achieve a sleeker and more streamlined appearance, and to target small areas of stubborn fat.
• It is also a good option for people who are not able to commit to the longer recovery period that is usual with other forms of Liposuction surgery.
• As the results are immediate and continue to get better over the two to three months following the surgery as the remaining fluid is naturally excreted from the body, VASER Lipo a persuasive option for anyone who needs to look their best for a special occasion or event.
• If you are also considering other procedures that use fat transfer, such as for facial rejuvenation, it is worth noting that the fat cells removed using VASER Lipo can be harvested for this purpose.

Fat cells that have been dissolved or otherwise removed from the body do not regenerate. However, patients need to be aware that new fat cells will form if a patient gains weight; we recommend a healthy diet and exercise regime to ensure long-lasting results.

For an accurate cost assessment, you will need to book an initial consultation with our surgeon. As with almost any aesthetic procedure, the cost will depend on the following factors:

Treatment Area – The size and number of areas to be treated and the amount of fat that needs to be removed. For example, a simple procedure to remove a small amount of fat from under the chin will cost less than fat reduction from the lower abdomen.

Surgeon’s Expertise – The surgeon’s fee is based on their experience. Obviously, a reputable surgeon who is established and has a successful track record will charge higher fees.

Clinic/ Hospital – Fees also depend upon the quality of the facility chosen for the operation.

Geographic Area – Depending on the city/ area you decide to have the surgery in, the cost is likely be different: clinics in larger metropolitan cities tend to cost more. You should bear in mind that the expertise of your consultant and your comfort factor with him or her should be one the most important considerations, much more so than the cost of the procedure. A cheap procedure could turn out to be an expensive proposition in the long run.

Once you are clear about your reasons for VASER Liposuction surgery and have decided to proceed, call us to fix an appointment.

On the appointed day, the expert surgeon who will perform the VASER Liposuction surgery will consult with you. During the consultation, you should expect the following:

• Discussion about why you have opted for VASER Liposuction and what your goals are in relation to the procedure
• Understanding your medical history
• Evaluating your health status
• The options available for your VASER Liposuction procedure
• An examination of the area or areas to be treated, measurements (if relevant) and potentially, photography to record what the area or areas look like prior to the procedure being undertaken
• Explanation of the options, steps involved, future treatment, risks, and potential complications, if any

Feeling apprehensive before the surgery takes place is entirely normal. Be sure to discuss any fears or concerns you have with your surgeon and don’t hesitate to ask any questions related to the results you hope to achieve.

Being well informed is being well prepared. Apart from checking that your clinic and doctors have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience, here are some more areas that you should explore:

1. How many years of experience do you have as a Plastic Surgeon?
2. How many VASER Liposuction surgeries have you done?
3. Where will the surgery be conducted?
4. Is the clinic prepared and certified to undertake VASER Liposuction surgery?
5. What are the most common complications experienced by your patients? And how were they handled?
6. Do you have a “before” and “after” photo album for VASER Liposuction?
7. Am I a good candidate for VASER Liposuction?
8. What can I expect after the surgery?
9. What precautions would I need to take before and after the surgery?
10. How many days will I take to recover fully?
11. What should I do for a quick recovery?
12. Will the shape and appearance of the area to be treated change over time? If yes, how?
13. What are the risks involved in this surgery?
14. What treatment option/ technique will be used for me?

Please feel free to add any more questions that you wish to this list before your consultation.

After your initial consultation, you will need to make the final decision regarding your surgeon. Never choose your surgeon simply based on how much the treatment will cost. Instead, focus on the following:

License & certification – is the surgeon licensed and certified to conduct VASER Liposuction by a reputable body?

Expertise & experience – the number of years of experience/ how many VASER Liposuction surgeries the surgeon has performed previously

Before/ after pictures – evidencing their capability of past performance

Clarity on possible results – whether they are providing you with realistic expectations and honest feedback

Professionalism & comfort factor – if you feel comfortable with the professionalism and manners of a surgeon, and feel you can trust him/her with your face and body, then that’s the surgeon you should consider

Safety philosophy – if the surgeon is ready to put you at risk by recommending or agreeing to perform multiple unrelated surgeries and/or procedures on the same day or within a short period of time, you should refuse to proceed and go elsewhere.

Patient testimonials & reviews – A good reputation and a large number of positive patient testimonials and reviews on independent forums should be an important consideration in your process of choosing the right surgeon

Keep in mind that there are hidden costs in the long term and greater risks (including threat to life), associated with a surgery where costs, safety and skills are compromised. Always be wary of a plastic surgeon or clinic that is offering very low costs and/ or miraculous results.

After your initial consultation with the surgeon, once you are satisfied with the outcome of the ensuing discussions and have confirmed that you will go ahead with your chosen consultant, a date will be fixed for the procedure.

VASER Liposuction is usually a short process with the patient going home on the same day. In the unlikely event of complications, an overnight stay may be recommended by the attending doctor, so before you come in for your procedure it is wise to plan accordingly.

Here are some of the important steps that you must take before the procedure:

• Discuss all medication and vitamins that you regularly use with your consultant to see if you should stop taking them before surgery and, if so, for how long. For example, any medications and vitamins that interfere with your body’s blood clotting ability, such as Vitamin E, will need to be stopped completely prior to surgery.
• Smokers should quit two months prior to surgery; smoking interferes with the efficiency of blood flow to the skin which may have an impact on achieving optimal results and increase the risk of complications.
• You should be in the best possible health and at a stable weight; ensuring that you follow a healthy, balanced diet prior to surgery will help you to be in optimal physical condition to help promote the best outcome

Our surgeon and patient counselor will guide you thoroughly about what you need to do so that you are completely at ease and ready for surgery and beyond.

• You will be able to go home the same day as the surgery with a dressing on the incision site. You won’t be able to shower until this dressing has been removed, which usually takes place the next day when you return to the clinic for a follow up with your surgeon. You will then be fitted with a compression garment.
• You may initially feel a small amount of discomfort but, overall, pain levels tend to be low as the procedure is minimally invasive. If you experience any bruising or swelling, this should be minimal and usually subsides within three days.
• You will need to rest for at least 12 hours after the surgery. Most patients are able to return to work the following day if they have a sedentary job.
• You will be able to see the results immediately and your shape will continue to improve as your body heals. Expect to enjoy the full effect within a few weeks.
• You can expect to be able to resume gentle exercise within seven days, but strenuous activity should be avoided for around three weeks.