VASER liposuction is a safer, more effective form of liposuction that promotes higher-quality body-contouring results. Just like standard liposuction procedures, surgeons make inconspicuous, tiny incisions to access the subcutaneous fat tissue, allowing them to remove bulging fat tissues with suction pressure and minimal effort and invasiveness. However, with VASER (vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance), surgeons use an ultrasound-emitting probe to break apart the bonds between fat cells, “liquefying” these deposits and granting them greater precision during the fat removal process. With VASER, patients can also enjoy a speedier recovery with less discomfort and bruising post-procedure. (1)
If you have areas of stubborn body fat, consider undergoing a gold-standard VASER liposuction treatment at NorCal Liposculpture in Sacramento. Our practice is headed by Dr. Jack Friedlander, an experienced cosmetic surgeon well-versed in VASER and trained by one of the pioneers of this technique, Dr. John Millard. No matter what area of your body you would like to sculpt and tone, Dr. Friedlander can utilize his in-depth understanding of VASER to help you attain the body of your dreams.
To get in touch with our office, call (916) 347-7755 or contact us online, and our staff will help you get set up with a consultation appointment. Your aesthetic concerns, safety, and desired results are our top priorities at NorCal Liposculpture.
Before and After Photos
What is Liposuction?
With liposuction, surgeons can remove excess bulging fat from areas of the body without needing to make large incisions. Surgeons can customize their approaches to help patients attain slimmer contours while preserving flattering curves and promoting even, natural-looking results. Though it is not a weight-loss solution, it can serve as a tool for attaining an attractive silhouette that reveals the best physical version of yourself. Liposuction typically targets the:
- Calves
- Thighs
- Buttocks
- Hips
- Abdomen
- Upper and lower back
- Upper arms
- Neck
- Chin & jawline
For a liposuction procedure, surgeons only need to utilize one or two incisions near the treatment area that are only about 1 to 1.5 cm long. (2) For the chin, neck, and jawline areas, surgeons utilize even smaller incisions to further mitigate lasting scars. After making the necessary opening/s, they then administer a substance called tumescent fluid to make the target pockets of fat swell and separate from the surrounding tissues. The fluid also contains epinephrine that restricts subcutaneous bleeding and lidocaine to further desensitize the area. Once the solution fully settles in within a few minutes, the surgeon can then suction the fat with a tube-like tool called a cannula. They will apply back-and-forth movements to evenly and completely sculpt the area, carefully staying within the correct tissue plane.
Though tumescent fluid makes liposuction possible, utilizing this simpler form of the procedure can result in surgeons collecting a larger amount of blood during the process. With standard tumescent liposuction, patients often experience more subcutaneous damage and require a longer downtime to heal. Surgeons also cannot create the same precise, muscle-highlighting results that VASER can.
What Makes VASER Superior?
VASER helps promote less severe post-procedure side effects and allows Dr. Friedlander to create a naturally toned appearance, especially with the application of VASER Hi-Def– an even more advanced version that requires more technical skill. With the VASER probe and specialized cannulas, Dr. Friedlander can amplify the effects of tumescent fluid and make the fat-collection process easier in a few ways, optimizing the final results.
The Cavitation of Tumescent Fluid
The ultrasound administered by the VASER probe breaks apart fat deposits through the cavitation of tumescent fluid. After the tumescent fluid fully settles in, the probe forms small spaces in between the solution’s molecules. (3) In essence, VASER does not affect the fat itself, but it makes changes to the applied tumescent fluid in the area. After experiencing cavitation, the fluid can only move into microscopic areas larger than 0.001 millimeters (5 microns), so it migrates to these spaces between small collections of fat called globules. As a result of these changes, VASER can further separate the fat from blood vessels, fascia, nerves, and other tissues with more accuracy, ensuring that more fat is extracted without damaging these other structures. With these cellular changes, Dr. Friedlander can also use more precise methods to sculpt away fat that is closely adhered to the underlying muscle.
Ultrasound Decreases Fat Globule Size
By applying VASER before fat removal, Dr. Friedlander also causes the onset of acoustic streaming. After cavitation and more exposure to ultrasound energy, the fat globules shrink from about 4 mm to 1 mm, promoting an enhanced slimming effect post-procedure. Dr. Friedlander can support this process by using compression coupling, a technique in which he will use specific hand placements to guide the subcutaneous fat toward the suction end of the cannula.
VASER Hi-Def Creates Aesthetic Muscle Tone
VASER allows Dr. Friedlander to meticulously remove small pockets of fat from just above the muscle since the targeted tissue bonds are broken down. With this approach, he can strategically leave behind thin layers of fat to accentuate muscular definition. Whether you want more toned abs, a stronger-looking chest, or accentuated upper arms or legs, VASER can help you accomplish this look. During this process, the VASER technique also disables “starling forces”, muscle and lymphatic system tissue pressure that can draw the fat away from the cannula.
Personal Consultation
When you visit NorCal Liposculpture for a personal consultation, you and Dr. Friedlander will have an in-depth discussion about your aesthetic concerns and goals. He will evaluate your unique anatomy, explain the VASER liposuction procedure in detail, and provide recommendations tailored to your specific needs. You will be able to ask your prepared questions to help you determine if the procedure is right for you. He will describe the results you can attain and the various pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
To schedule your consultation at our Sacramento practice, please call (916) 347-7755 or complete our online form.
Preparation
Properly preparing your body for any procedure is essential to the success of your treatment. Dr. Friedlander will make sure to thoroughly review your current medications and supplements to rule out any contraindications. For example, taking blood thinners can cause unwanted bleeding and bruising, so he will advise you to stop taking them for some time before your procedure. If you smoke or consume nicotine in any form, you should ask Dr. Friedlander about his recommendations for quitting. By quitting just a few weeks before and after your liposuction procedure, you can heal faster and improve your overall blood circulation. Finally, you should speak with a friend or family member about escorting you home on the day of and any necessary help you may need the next couple of days following.
Procedure Steps
Dr. Friedlander will perform your procedure on an outpatient basis with just local anesthesia and IV sedation, so you will not have to worry about the effects of general anesthesia. After ensuring you are completely comfortable, he will:
- Make a tiny incision in the treatment area
- Place a skin protector within the incision to protect it from the ultrasound
- Administer tumescent fluid
- Insert the VASER probe and break down the targeted fatty areas
- Remove the VASER probe and insert the cannula, using back-and-forth motions to suction fat/ sculpt more aesthetic muscles
- Remove the skin protector and close the incision
- Monitor your health until the sedation wears off
Recovery and Results
After just 1 week, you should be able to go back to a desk job comfortably. Within the first few days, it is likely that you will feel some discomfort, bruising, and swelling around the treatment area. Dr. Friedlander can provide you with prescription medications to help you recover with ease, but you may be able to find adequate relief with just over-the-counter remedies. Before taking any medication, remember to consult Dr. Friedlander to see if it is safe.
Though light walks are important to get your blood flowing, you should refrain from strenuous work or activities for around 3 weeks, or until you receive clearance to do so. Over the following weeks, the results will continue to settle in and take their final form. With the recession of swelling, you will get to reap the benefits of having a more athletic, slimmer figure. As you continue to heal, you should remember to schedule a follow-up appointment with Dr. Friedlander to see when you can resume your gym routine. You can also ask him for diet and exercise advice since the remaining fat tissues can grow and contribute to weight gain in the future.
Cost of VASER Liposuction in Sacramento
The cost of your VASER liposuction will mostly depend on the size of your treatment area and the time it takes to perform. Medications, follow-up appointments, and other surgical fees may add to the total cost which will be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Friedlander. Aside from traditional payment methods, Dr. Friedlander also offers financing programs with Cherry and LendingUSA, making VASER affordable for a wider range of patients. If you would like to learn more about the procedures at NorCal Liposculpture, please browse through our blog.
To schedule a consultation, call our Sacramento office at (916) 347-7755 or inquire online, and a staff member will be happy to guide you through your next steps. With VASER liposuction, you can transform your overall well-being with renewed vitality and confidence in your body.
References
- Ruff PG, Garcia O, Nykiel M, Galanis CJ. Consensus-based Recommendations for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction. Plastic and reconstructive surgery Global open. 2023;11(7):e5110-e5110. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000005110
- Venkataram, Jayashree. “Tumescent Liposuction: A Review.” Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, vol. 1, no. 2, 2008, p. 49, https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2077.44159.
- da Silva, Rodrigo Marcel Valentim, et al. “Effects of Ultracavitation and Radiofrequency on Abdominal Adiposity.” The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, vol. 15, no. 1, 1 Jan. 2022, pp. E66–E71, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8903231/.