Thank you for your question about the benefits of VASER liposuction over traditional liposuction. First, let me explain traditional liposuction. During traditional liposuction, tumescent fluid is injected. Tumescent solution contains lidocaine, epinephrine, and normal saline. Lidocaine helps to control pain during and after surgery. The epinephrine minimizes bleeding. After the tumescent solution is injected, the tumescent solution is allowed to sit, while the epinephrine and lidocaine work their magic. Then, a liposuction cannula or tube is used to remove the tumescent solution along with the fat. Liposuction with tumescent solution leads to better results due to less blood loss and less pain. VASER stands for vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance. The VASER is not a laser. VASER liposuction uses ultrasound technology to shatter, emulsify or melt the fat. Basically, the sound waves made by the VASER destroy the walls of the fat cells. Shattering or melting the fat cell is entirely different than traditional liposuction, which removes the entire fat through blunt force. During traditional liposuction, the entire fat cell is removed. Troublesome or difficult to access fast pockets are nearly impossible to remove with traditional liposuction. The VASER assists in removing these troublesome fat deposits. In addition, the VASER heats the skin from underneath. The heating of the skin causes the skin to contract. Since the VASER heats the skin and traditional liposuction does not heat the skin, I believe the VASER leads to better skin contracture than traditional liposuction. In theory, this should lead to less skin rippling after the VASER liposuction as opposed to traditional liposuction. During VASER liposuction, tumescent solution is infused. After the tumescent solution has had effect, a VASER cannula is inserted. The fat cells are broken down and the skin is heated. Then, just like traditional liposuction, a liposuction cannula is inserted. The tumescent solution and shattered fat cells are then removed. In addition, patients who have had traditional and VASER liposuction say that VASER liposuction is associated with less pain. Medical studies have also shown that VASER liposuction is also associated with less blood loss. In conclusion, VASER liposuction is superior to traditional liposuction because it can help to remove troublesome fat deposits, cause better skin contractility, cause less skin rippling, less pain postoperatively, and less blood lost. I hope this answers your questions regarding the differences between VASER liposuction and traditional liposuction. If you have any other questions regarding VASER liposuction or traditional liposuction, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. J. Timothy Katzen