Is it safe to get Vaser lipo with a non certified plastic surgeon?

Thank you for your question regarding the safety of having VASER liposuction performed by a non- board-certified plastic surgeon in a Med Spa.   My simple answer is "No, I would not have VASER liposuction done by a regular doctor in a med spa".   Many years ago, some wise person decided to have doctors spend additional training in dedicated fields. This resulted in fellowships and subspecialties. Over time,  this led to the establishment of board certification in subspecialties, like plastic surgery. It should make sense to most people that patients should seek procedures done by people who are board-certified in that appropriate field.  I certainly would not go to a plastic surgeon for the treatment of high blood pressure. In comparison, I would not go for an internist to have plastic surgery. Plastic surgeons spend a considerable amount of time in terms of training. Most board certified plastic surgeons have 7 or more years of training in Plastic Surgery.  Their training includes appropriate patient selection,  training in performing the actual procedure, postoperative care, and recognizing complications early.  After 7 or more years of rigorous training, they are allowed to take a extensive, comprehensive written examination. After one year of  practice, they are allowed to take an even more rigorous oral  examination. If they pass these examinations, most plastic surgeons are granted board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.   Being board-certified in plastic surgery allows a plastic surgeon to approach a hospital for admitting privileges. If granted, the plastic surgeon can admit you to the hospital and treat you for all aspects of plastic surgery complications.  In contrast, a regular doctor may spend a weekend course training in VASER liposuction. This course may be  4 to 8 hours,  as opposed to 5 to 7 years for plastic surgery training.    Some regular doctors don't even do this weekend course training.  In my opinion,  this weekend course does not make them qualified to perform VASER liposuction, especially in a Med spa setting. Additionally, if anything were to go wrong, they would have to admit you to the hospital and have a plastic surgeon on staff at the hospital take care of your complications. Additionally, you must realize that liposuction is not a completely risk-free surgery. Patients have had  severe and even fatal complications.   To minimize your risk, go with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon.   In conclusion, don't do it. Go to a well respected, well-trained board-certified plastic surgeon for your VASER liposuction. Have VASER liposuction either in a surgicenter or a hospital, not in a Med spa. I hope this answers your question regarding having your VASER liposuction performed by a regular doctor in a med spa. If you have any other questions regarding VASER liposuction,  please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr.Katzen. 

Your procedures should always be performed by a #PlasticSurgeon who is board-certified and has a great deal of experience specializing in cosmetic #surgery. You will then greatly improve your chances of getting the result you desire, and, without the need for a revision surgery. It is suggested that you look at before and after photos of the surgeons actual patients, and read patient reviews. Seeking the right doctor and gathering all of this information will help you make a well-informed decision.

Thank you for your question. This does not have a straight forward simple answer. As you can see from the previous posts, physicians with different backgrounds in training and specialty do liposuction. You might want to visit these web sites, look through the photo galleries and draw your own conclusion. Most surgeons, plastic or otherwise, do liposuction for fat reduction mainly. A smaller number, who are highly trained, do body sculpting, a muscle revealing operation and not just fat debulking. The VASER is a highly sophisticated tool that allows a well trained surgeon to do sculpting, liposuctioning the deep and superficial fat, defining the underlying muscle anatomy to reveal a muscular, toned and youthful body. Not everyone who bought a VASER knows how to use it appropriately. Similarly, not everyone who drives a Ferrari is a race car driver. In a med spa which most likely does not have a certified operating room, and a surgeon who is not a board certified plastic surgeon and most likely utilizes local anesthesia only using the VASER, tells me you need to seek other consultations with board  certified plastic surgeons experienced in advanced body sculpting. Remember, corrective surgery is more expensive and full correction after bad surgery might not be attainable. Good luck.

Great question; thank you!Your question specifically addresses SAFETY of the procedure relative to the board certification status of the provider.  I wish I could tell you that every physician performing Vaser liposuction does it the same and meets all standards of care with respect to safety, but, unfortunately, that probably is not the case.  As I am sure you are finding out, the answer to your question will depend upon the certifications of the physicians answering it.  Most likely, any board certified plastic surgeon will tell you that only they can guarantee your safety and provide excellent results.  Since I am not a board certified plastic surgeon, I would strongly argue against that advice.  I am a board certified COSMETIC Surgeon, however, and I have performed liposuction, both Vaser and many other types, nearly every single work day for the past 6-7 years.  My experience in liposuction far exceeds that of most board certified plastic surgeons.  I only use an accredited, state-licensed ambulatory surgical facility, which meets or exceeds every safety standard outlined by both boards noted above.My colleagues with primary medical specialties ranging from Ob/Gyn to otolaryngology and general surgery and who are also board certified through the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), all practice at these high standards, yet we are a constant target of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and its board, as there is a professional turf-war occurring along these lines.  The reality of the matter is that any physician, even non-surgeons, can legally offer and perform these services and there will be some individual variability in how they conduct their procedures.  Both of the above-referenced boards have defined standards of care, to which their diplomates are held.  Indeed, you can get safe treatment and have outstanding results, even if your physician is not a board certified plastic surgeon.  Conversely, individual physicians of either board may go against the standards of their respective boards and provide substandard care.  At least, if your physician is a member of one of these two boards, you can be assured that he or she has the training and qualifications to perform these procedures.  If you have further questions regarding the difference between plastic vs. cosmetic surgery, I encourage you to visit the links, below.

A study published a few years ago showed that most of the major complications occurring from aesthetic/plastic surgery procedures are caused by non-certified, non-plastic surgeons.I highly discourage you from seeking Vaser lipo from someone who is not board certified in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery. You can check certifications on the American Board of Medical Specialties website to make sure. It's not worth the risk.

You can get VASER liposuction with a board certified cosmetic dermatologic surgeon or plastic surgeon. Results are based on technique, but also the skills and expertise of the practitioner. I use VASER HI DEF with ThermRF and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, contour and definition. This combination will give you the most toned and contoured result. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a hi definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer