Can SAFElipo produce the same contour results as Vaser Liposuction? (Photos)

Thank you for your question and submitting your photos.  In my practice, I do use both the SAFELipo technique as well as the VASER system.  It is important to note that results are achieved based on the skill of the surgeon and not necessarily on the specific technique or technology used.  In my hands, I do the majority of liposuction procedures using the SAFELipo technique alone.  I do use the VASER for patients with dense or particularly stubborn areas that benefit from the assistance in breaking up the fat before using the SAFELipo technique to suction and equalize the fat.  There is no one right or wrong answer on this and it is always best to see a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area for an in-person consultation.  You can partner with your surgeon to determine the best and safest treatment plan that suits your individual goals, budget, and timeline.  Best wishes on a fabulous result and speedy recovery!

Congrats for taking the time to research and ask questions. You have a fit figure currently that may or may not be worth considering liposuction of any kind. The mid and lower back contours can be improved with expertly done liposuction. No need to seek out anything more than expertise. Vaser, SmartLipo, BodyTite, Renuvion may be "brands" that you come across. For your lower back/love handles there would be no advantages over modern liposuction. Further reduction of the pinchable fat on the abdomen would a higher risk treatment. The promise of tighter or smooth skin because of the technology is not predictable. You should consider the options of liposuction and non-surgical contouring from an expert offering both before having anything done.
Good luck,

Dr. Mosher

Dear JHbest,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photos, it looks like you would benefit from liposuction. Your results will depend more on surgeon's skills than type of liposuction. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Very good question.  My opinion is that SAFE Lipo can produce the exact same results as Vaser Lipo in regards to overall result and muscle definition/etching.  The ability to obtain muscular definition is due to the suctioning, not the use of ultrasound.  The ultrasound of Vaser helps to loosen the fat before suctioning.  SAFE Lipo uses power assisted lipo to loosen the fat prior to suctioning.  The Separation step is performed with a vibrating cannula before the suction is turned on.  This loosens the fat making it easier to suction just without ultrasound energy.  The etching then comes from the suctioning which is same with either technique.  I've used every technique from Smart Lipo to Vaser to SAFE Lipo.  None have an easier recovery than the other.  My opinion is that a good liposuction surgeon can achieve a good result with any of those three modalities.  The advantage of SAFE Lipo is that you remove the risk of any thermal injury to the skin caused by the heat produced by ultrasound or laser.  Hopefully this helps in your decision making process.Dr. Smart

Thank you for your question and photos. VASER Hi Def Lipo (VHD) is ultrasound technology that can be applied for deep and superficial fat removal in body sculpting. This technique preserves the blood vessels and nerves, there's less disruption than with other liposuction techniques.The technique was developed by Dr. Alfredo Hoyos of Bogota, Colombia. I trained with him extensively. I am an expert in the VHD, so I do not offer the SAFE lipo technique. SAFE, is an acronym for Separation, Aspiration, Fat Equalization, described by Dr. Simeon Wall. This technique is not energy based, it uses an "explosive tip" cannula that disrupts the fatty tissue layer and uses a power assist (PAL) liposuction technique. Both techniques work well in the well trained hands of a board certified plastic surgeon. I achieve better sculpting with the VASER than I've seen with the SAFE technique.Based on your photos, you are a great candidate for VHD 360 degrees (abdomen, upper and lateral chest wall, upper, lower back, waist, hip, lower back fat pad). Although the technique has a lot to do with outcome, the most important part is to choose a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in advanced body sculpting and an  artistic eye. Good luck.

As I am sure you have found from your research, there are several different liposuction options. The options you have mentioned above, SAFE, and vaser, are both good options, however, I have found similar results. Often the latter comes with a slightly higher price tag. Given your trim figure, I think it is important to find a surgeon who is comfortable providing smoother, and symmetric results that meet your goals.We would love to talk to you more about this. -

Thanks for your question. SAFELipo absolutely can get the same results as Vaser liposuction. A lot of your results will depend upon the experience of your surgeon. With SAFELipo, you do not run the risk of skin burns that can happen even with experienced Vaser surgeons, and there is less chance of contour irregularities and scar puckering due to the fat equalization phase of the SAFELipo approach. Good luck.

This is a no brainer in my opinion. SAFELipo every day of the week. But I will admit that some people unfamiliar with the nuances of SAFELipo will disagree. You will probably not find a surgeon certified in SAFELipo and VASER who prefers VASER (some surgeons claim to offer SAFELipo but are not truly certified). Speaking as a surgeon trained in both techniques and certified in SAFELipo, I strongly believe that SAFELipo delivers better results with lower complication rates. I used to offer VASER, but once I adopted SAFELipo, I have never looked back. I spent a year working with the innovator of SAFELipo (Dr. Simeon Wall) as his first fellow, and the technique is incredibly innovative and changed the field of body contouring surgery. In fact, in published studies, SAFELipo has shown the lowest complications rate. The only downside is that SAFELipo takes longer and usually costs more.
You can get great results with VASER. But, the energy and heat from VASER generates more scar, and if a patient has a contour irregularity/problem, this extra scarring is incredibly difficult to correct.
Hope that this helps.

For an excellent result from liposuction the underlying body should be revealed by removing superficial and deep layers of fat in key anatomical locations, and should leave the skin smooth, and free of lumps or bumps, and provide for a permanent result. I have seen and used almost every technique there is for contouring the body, and have watched many other surgeons do the same. My conclusion is that it depends much more on the level of experience, and the skill of the surgeon than the technique per se. I would seek out a board certified plastic surgeon who has trained at an excellent program, has experience, and has a lot of before and after photos for you to review so you can really see his/her artistic eye and then decide if that is the surgeon who you think can get the look you are after.The newest technology does not necessarily mean the best and sometimes new technology can be used as much as a marketing tool as a surgical instrument. So go for the person and not the technology and you will be happy.