Dr. Brian Hurley runs Illumination MedSpa in Irmo, South Carolina. Here, he explains Vaser Lipo, a non-surgical alternative to liposuction.
Vaser Lipo is an advanced body contouring procedure that selectively removes unwanted body fat. An alternative to the harsh techniques of traditional liposuction, Vaser Lipo uses state-of-the-art ultrasound technology designed to gently reshape your body. What distinguishes the Vaser Lipo procedure is its ability to differentiate targeted fat from other important tissues — such as nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The innovative Vaser technology breaks up fat while preserving these other important tissues to promote smooth results and rapid healing.
How does Vaser Lipo work?
First, the area to be reshaped is filled with a tumescent saline solution that helps numb the site and shrink the blood vessels (to minimize blood loss and reduce bruising). This solution wets and fills the area to be treated, making it easier to break up fatty tissue with the Vaser Lipo System’s ultrasound energy. Then a small probe transmits sound energy to break up (liquefy) fat on contact while preserving other important tissues. Finally, the liquefied fat is removed through a gentle suction process designed to minimize trauma to surrounding tissue structures such as nerves, blood vessels, and other connective tissues.
What areas can be treated with Vaser Lipo?
Doctors have experienced great success in treating all of the following areas: abdomen, thighs, knees, ankles, calves, buttocks, hips, back, arms, male and female breasts, love handles, chin, face, and just about any other body part you need treated.
How much fat does Vaser Lipo remove? Can you treat multiple areas simultaneously?
Vaser Lipo allows physicians to treat multiple body areas at once. A doctor will be able to give you a better idea of what is right for you and how much fat will be taken out during your procedure. Bear in mind that this procedure is not intended as a weight-loss solution. Rather, the goal is to create a slimmer silhouette. You may not notice a significant amount of weight loss, but you should be pleased with your slimmer new shape.
Where is Vaser Lipo performed?
Vaser Lipo is performed in a clean and sterile environment. Some possible options are in a doctor’s office, an outpatient surgery center, a hospital, or a medical spa such as Illumination MedSpa. The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia (in which a patient is awake), IV sedation, or general anesthesia. You and your physician will decide the best type of treatment for you.
How soon will I see my results? What is the recovery time?
This varies with the extensiveness of the procedure — the amount of fat removed, the number of areas treated, and other factors. Many patients report that they see results immediately after the procedure, with the final result at around three to six months. It’s important that you establish realistic expectations with your doctor.
What about future weight gain or fat migrating to other areas?
This is a common misconception. Following your Vaser Lipo procedure, should you experience weight gain or loss, it will tend to be proportionately distributed over your entire body. Once you have fat removed, it is gone and, assuming a healthy lifestyle of proper diet and exercise, it will not return or migrate. However, because fat is necessary to a healthy body, some essential fat layers in any given area remain untreated. If you do gain a significant amount of weight, the remaining fatty tissue will expand. Normal changes related to aging can also be expected.
How can I be certain Vaser Lipo is right for me?
If you’re frustrated by the resistance of certain body areas to diet and exercise, Vaser Lipo can help. If you are healthy and seeking a fast, low-pain solution to losing stubborn fat deposits, the Vaser Lipo procedure could be your answer. Although there are limits to the amount of fat that can be removed, your doctor can assist you with your decision about potential areas for sculpting, anticipated results, and the recovery process.
How much does the treatment cost?
Vaser Lipo is an advanced procedure, so without an in-person consultation and evaluation of the areas to be treated, it is impossible to accurately estimate how much it would cost. The total cost of your treatment will vary depending on the number of body areas treated and the extensiveness of the procedure.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
