Is Vaser liposuction as effective as regular tumescent liposuction?

Question

I have the choice of either type for lipo to my flanks and back. The Vaser price quoted was much higher than tumescent, with a claim of skin tightening and less bumpy. Is this true or just some marketing hype? This it to be performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck and I'm worried that if I choose Vaser, I will be leaking fluids all over the place. This poses as problem as I will be alone for these procedures and am worried about infection and cleaning. Thank you

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

The #cost of vaser liposuction varies according to the areas of the body being treated and the length of surgery. A good estimate of the cost can be gotten by an in-patient consultation. 
Treatment generally starts at about four thousand dollars for the first hour. It takes from one to several hours depending on the areas being treated and the goals of the operation.  As an example, a thin patient desiring sculpting and refinement of their abdominal contours may take more time than a heavier individual requesting generalized fat reduction.
Best of luck!
#RealSelf100

Alexandra Chambers, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Both methods have a place in cosmetic surgery. The main difference is that Vaser technology allows to emulsify fat with ultrasound and vibration energy  by disconnecting fat cells from each other- this can be done in the entire layer of fat -close to skin, middle layer and closer to muscle. VAL uses mechanical force to break connections between fat cells so it normally targets middle layer of  subcutaneous fat in order to avoid uneven contours.In another words Vaser allows more layers of fat  to be removed and achieve a more sculpted look.Vaser is much more labor intensive so it normally costs more.Both methods use tumescent solution infusion so there will be some leaking after both although more so after Vaser. Tummy tuck is performed either at the same time with liposuction (Vaser or VAL)  or 6 months after- to reduce the risks of poor tummy tuck skin flap healing. (Liposuction reduces blood supply to the flap). Your surgeon will be able to advise you about it.

Edwin Ishoo, MD · Answer

I'm afraid I don't understand your concern. All Vaser-assisted lipo is done with "tumescent" or at least wet or superset technique. You won't leak anymore with Vaser than you will with straight tumescent lipo which will remove much less fat in the same time period than Vaser-assisted lipo will. If you are having an abdominoplasty, then why are you concerned about skin tightening? if you are having an abdominoplasty, you will have drains, so you won't be leaking out. All liposuction, regarding of the technique or technology being use are highly surgeon dependent. The most important factor is finding a qualified and experienced surgeon.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

The primary advantage to using VASER is its ability to aggressively remove firm fat that can be difficult to remove with traditional liposuction. In areas where the fat is soft, VASER is not needed. Some plastic surgeons prefer to use this technique, and it appears to be quite effective as a sales tool. VASER is particularly useful when removing male breast fatty tissues and removing fat from the abdomen in certain patients, such as weight loss patients. The procedure has the potential of being more aggressive and powerful.This is not necessarily a good thing but can be of benefit in certain circumstances. It also comes with a higher complication rate, including skin damage and seroma formations.My practice is devoted almost entirely to body sculpting using liposuction and fat transfer. I have a VASER available at my disposal should I choose to use it. I use this device in less than 5% of my liposuction cases. Each surgeon is different and has different experiences in training. When performing liposuction of the abdomen in conjunction with an abdominoplasty, great care must be taken in terms of how much fat is removed. I would not choose your surgeon based on which type of equipment they use. Choose your doctor based on who you think will take the best care of you.Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.

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