Published on 26 July, 2021Liposuction reduces fat deposits and is a common procedure in our clinics for reducing fat in areas of the torso, chest, arms, face and legs. Vaser liposuction has become synonymous with liposuction around the world in recent years. Dr Sharp is currently the only qualified plastic surgeon in Brisbane to offer Vaser liposuction technology at all of his hospital locations, including Greenslopes Private Hospital and South Bank Day Hospital.What is Vaser liposuction?All types of liposuction operate on the premise of breaking fat deposits apart and then removing them from the body using a cannula (like a vey large blunt-tipped needle) to suction out the fat. Vaser liposuction is a type of ultrasonic liposuction. Read on to learn about the different types.Vaser is unique in that it allows the surgeon to be both gentle and precise in the way that they remove fat and sculpt an area, disrupting the connection between fatty tissue and muscles underneath without damaging underlying healthy tissues. Common areas for Vaser treatmentTorso; abdomen, flanks, bra strap fat, lower and upper back, hipsArms: upper armsChest: female-to-male gender confirmation surgery (in conjunction with surgical removal of glandular tissue)Face: neck, also known as the submental areaLegs: inner or outer thighs and above the knees How do I know if Vaser is right for me?This is determined by a qualified surgeon, during a consultation, but in general terms the best candidates for liposuction are: Small pockets of stubborn fatA healthy weight (under 30 BMI points)Have good skin integrity – and not much laxity in their skinPatients with reasonable expectations about what liposuction can achieve for their natural body shape and goalsMentally stable – not currently suffering from or being treated for anxiety, depression, psychosis or body dysmorphia Cost of Vaser liposuctionVaser liposuction fees include the surgeon’s fee, assistant, hospital, anaesthetist and so a consultation is required to provide a tailored quote, based on the number of areas to be treated – and surgical time required. Vaser liposuction: under general anaesthetic in hospital, or in clinic under sedation?One of the cornerstones of our practice ethos is to provide a luxury service that is not only about having surgery, but also about the best possible experience while undergoing treatment with us. It is possible to have liposuction under sedation or local anaesthetic, but this can be uncomfortable and traumatic in some casesLimits, or prevents, fat grafting from being performed at the same timeIncreases the risk of postoperative infections and complicationsLimits the amount of fat that can safely be removed in one sessionPlaces time restrictions on the surgery, as to the maximum safe amount of time a patient can be sedated without a qualified anaesthetist and hospital grade anaesthetic resuscitation equipment present Does Vaser lipo use lasers during the surgery?No, it might rhyme with laser but that’s the closest association that Vaser has to laser therapy! VASER stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance. It is an ultrasound technology that uses powerful waves to disrupt the bonds between fat cells. Will Vaser help me lose weight?No. We only offer this procedure to patients who are already in a healthy weight range (BMI under 30) and who have pockets of fat that they wish to reduce. Liposuction is not a weight loss tool and high volume liposuction carries higher risks of complications and dissatisfaction following surgery. What is the recovery from Vaser liposuction like?Postoperatively you will wear a compression garment for at least 6 weeks after surgery. Most people take 1-2 weeks off while bruising and superficial swelling subsides. However, only light duties (not lifting anything over 2kg) can be performed during the first 6 weeks, and thereafter, normal activities can very gradually be resumed in small increments, such as exercise or gym workouts. Observing postoperative instructions strictly is key to a good recovery and result. Deeper swelling can take up to 6 months to fully subside. How is Vaser liposuction different?During liposuction, fat deposits are broken apart and then removed from your body using a cannula to suck the fat out. This can be done through a number of methods, including:Water pressurePower assisted liposuctionLaser assisted liposuctionUltrasound assisted liposuction; Vaser liposuction is one type of ultrasonic liposuctionVaser is unique in that it allows your surgeon to remove fat with ease and precision, while causing less trauma to surrounding tissues than traditional forms of liposuction used to. The heat generated by the ultrasonic technology can also cause some residual skin tightening, in the right candidates. Is Vaser liposuction better than other types of liposuction?Vaser doesn’t claim to better, just different. Surgeons who use it frequently often find that once the technique is learned, the technology is easier to use and more customisable than old fashioned, traditional methods of liposuction. However, it’s important to remember that your results will be based on five factors:Your surgeon’s experience and qualificationsYour recovery and how well you follow post op instructionsYour body’s natural healing abilities and genetic factors – eg how you are predisposed to scarringThe technology used during your surgerySafety precautions taken before, during and after surgery As you can see, the type of liposuction machine used for your surgery is just one component – and it’s important to consider all of these factors when undergoing any procedure. Can I have Vaser and fat grafting/transfer at the same time?Yes. Many of our patients combine Vaser with abdominoplasty surgery, breast augmentation with fat grafting or facelift surgery. Often, Dr Sharp will use some of the harvested fat to soften the appearance of breast implants or replace lost fat pads in the face. For safety reasons, Dr Sharp does not offer high volume fat transfer. What are potential complications from Vaser liposuction?Your plastic surgeon will discuss these in depth with you and provide you with information to read before committing to any surgery. It is important to consider these risks before booking any liposuction procedure.Complications caused by anaestheticSeroma or haematoma (collection of fluid or blood that the body is unable to eliminate)Excessive fluid loss, which can lead to shockFat necrosisDelayed healingFriction burns or other damage to the skin or nervesIrregular skin surface, uneven contours or ripplingAsymmetric or ‘baggy’ skin surfaceChange in skin sensation or numbnessSkin pigmentation changes, skin discolouration or swellingUnacceptable scarringDamage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs and abdominal organsPain, which may be ongoingAllergic drug reactionsPersistent swellingDeep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complicationsFurther surgery may be necessary to address complications Read more about liposuction and view photos here. Want to book a Vaser liposuction consultation with our plastic surgeon Dr David Sharp? Please call 3202 4744 or send us a message via our chat window.