VASER® Lipo

None — Liposuction

Liposuction (sometimes referred to as lipoplasty) is the removal of fat from target areas of the body through a hollow tube, called a cannula. A small incision is made into the skin to enable the tip of the cannula to reach the fat deposits.

There are several variations in liposuction technique. In suction-assisted liposuction, the surgeon moves the sharp tip of the cannula back and forth to break up a deposit of fat. As it breaks away, the fat is suctioned out of the body by a vacuum pump. In power-assisted liposuction, a motor makes the cannula move back and forth (instead of manually by the surgeon's hands). Laser-assisted liposuction uses heat energy from a laser to melt the fat cells before they are suctioned out of the body.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, roughly 283,735 liposuctions were performed in the US in 2009. It is the second most common cosmetic surgical procedure.

VASER® Lipo

A new type of liposuction is called VASER® (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) Lipo. It uses ultrasound waves to break up the fat. Daniel Shapiro, M.D., Plastic Surgeon in Paradise Valley, AZ, says VASER lipo requires pre-planning. He brings patients into the office the day before the procedure and marks the areas to be targeted. This enables patients to see the anticipated results.

On the next day, prior to the start of surgery, a special saline solution is injected into the target area. The solution contains an anesthetic that numbs the tissues, shrinks nearby blood vessels and expands the volume of the tissue (making it easier to remove the fat cells). Next, tiny probes are inserted through small incisions. These probes emit high frequency ultrasound energy that "shakes apart" the fat cells, enabling them to mix in the injected fluid. The fat and fluid are suctioned away through other tubes inserted under the skin. Finally, Shapiro says the ultrasound energy causes the skin to "shrink wrap," and conform to the new contour of the body after the fat cells are removed.

Research shows VASER lipo is safe and can be used to finely sculpt new contours of the body. Shapiro uses the procedure to create the appearance of six-pack abs in men and shapely curves in women. The fat that has been removed can even be processed and injected back into the body to create volume in other areas (like the buttocks).

Patients use a compression garment after surgery to help the body conform to the new contours. Drainage tubes are in place for about a week. Strenuous activities should be avoided for about two to three weeks. Most patients will see a dramatic improvement in three to four months. However, it can take six months or more to reach full results.

Shapiro says VASER lipo should only be done on patients who are healthy and committed to maintaining their weight. If patients undergo an extensive amount of fat loss, a tummy tuck or other surgical procedure may be needed to remove the excess skin.

For information about VASER® Lipo, or to find a physician, click here.

For general information on liposuction:

American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery American Society of Plastic Surgeons

WSOC