You are at a comfortable weight, but despite a rigid diet and an exacting exercise routine, you have some areas of stubborn fat that will not budge.
You’re considering liposuction to eradicate the extra fat and want to know which is the best route to take — VASER or laser liposuction.
Both VASER and laser lipo are effective and safe, but understanding the differences between the two can aid you in making the best choice for you.
In this guide, we’ll compare VASER lipo vs. laser lipo to help you find the answers to your questions.
What is VASER Liposuction?
No matter what type of liposuction you are considering, they are all aimed at doing the same thing — getting rid of unwanted fat — especially in areas where diet and exercise haven’t done the trick.
VASER liposuction is a popular type of liposuction practiced today.
VASER is an acronym for “vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance.”
That may sound complex and scientific, but to put it simply, VASER liposuction uses ultrasound waves to pull apart the bonds that keep fat cells together.
At the outset, it’s important to know that liposuction should not be considered a weight-loss tool. It should be reserved for clients who are within 15 pounds of their ideal weight and who desire to spot-treat areas to make the muscle tone underneath more visible.
How Does VASER Liposuction Work?
VASER liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that is both powerful and gentle.
- Powerful – VASER liposuction is powerful because it can rid your body of large areas of fat.
- Gentle – VASER liposuction is gentle because it can be used to treat more delicate areas.
VASER liposuction uses two basic steps to remove fat cells from specific parts of the body:
- Emulsification
- Ultrasound
The first step involves using a special saline solution to fill the area to be treated. This solution numbs the area and expands the fat cells. The emulsification step is critical because it:
- Keeps other tissues intact and unharmed
- Makes the removal of fat cells easier
After the successful emulsification of the fat cells, an ultrasound probe is inserted under the skin. This probe acts as a vacuum that suctions away the emulsified fat cells.
According to the conclusions from a journal entry in the Oxford Academic Aesthetic Surgery Journal, the procedure should be performed by highly experienced clinicians.
You can trust Dr. Hayes and the experienced staff at Bridgetown Aesthetics for your particular VASER liposuction needs.
During your initial consultation, they will review your medical history and discuss treatment options with you to make sure that your needs are met.
Is VASER Lipo Safe?
As with any type of medical procedure, there are always risks involved, but since it is a minimally invasive procedure, VASER liposuction is considered a low-risk procedure.
It is considered low-risk for several reasons:
- Other tissues are left intact
- Less pain and quicker recovery
- Few side effects
- Less blood loss
In a study reported in the Oxford Academic Aesthetic Surgery Journal where 306 patients were treated, only minor complications were reported.
An ideal candidate for VASER liposuction is someone who:
- Is healthy
- Is not a smoker
- Does not have bleeding conditions
- Has pockets of fat that remain after diet and exercise efforts have failed
Recovery time is different for each person, but most people can expect to see the best results a few months after their procedure. Most patients need several days of rest to recover and may need to avoid strenuous exercise for up to a month.
The risks of VASER liposuction are minimal and will be discussed by your provider during the consultation.
What is Laser Liposuction?
Laser liposuction involves using a laser to shrink fat cells rather than remove them.
How Does Laser Liposuction Work?
Laser liposuction works as the energy from lasers passes through the skin. As fat cells in your body are heated they release the fatty acid and stored liquids into the body.
The cells then shrink, and the fatty acid passes through the lymphatic system and is processed in your gut. Finally, it is eliminated from your body through urine just like other waste products.
Some practitioners may opt for another type of fat removal which involves inserting a cannula that removes the melted fat from under the skin.
Laser liposuction carries the risks and complications like:
- Thermal injury
- Dimpling
- Infection
- Numbness
- Internal punctures
Laser Liposuction vs VASER Lipo: A Comparison
Liposuction is one of the top five plastic surgery procedures in the United States.
The 2019 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report shows that 265,209 people received liposuction services which was a 3% increase from 2018.
Both laser and VASER liposuction are accepted and effective procedures, but is one method better than the other?
When considering VASER lipo vs. laser lipo, performing a side-by-side comparison may be helpful. Factors to consider in such a comparison should include:
- Cost
- Effectiveness
- Safety
Is VASER Lipo More Expensive Than Laser Lipo?
VASER liposuction can range anywhere from $2000 to $8000, where the average cost for laser liposuction is $5450. At first glance, it appears that VASER liposuction is the more expensive of the two.
Simply looking at those dollar amounts can be deceptive though — to get an accurate picture other factors need to be considered including:
- Targeted treatment area
- Size of the treatment area
- Amount of fat removed
- Number of areas treated
- Associated fees
Is VASER Lipo More Effective as Laser Lipo?
VASER liposuction is generally considered more effective than laser lipo, and here’s why:
- Better skin tightening with VASER lipo – Because the heat on a VASER probe is evenly distributed, skin tightening results are better.
- More fat removed – With VASER liposuction, more fat can be removed. Not only that, but the fat removed with VASER can also be reused in other parts of the body for the desired effect — a Brazilian Butt Lift, for example. This can’t be done with laser lipo because fat cells are destroyed.
- Part of the body treated – Laser liposuction is generally used on small areas of the body where VASER lipo can be used on most parts of the body including the:
- Abdomen
- Buttocks
- Chest
- Arms
Other advantages of VASER lipo over laser lipo include:
- Smoother results
- Shorter recovery
- Less bruising
- Less bleeding
- Faster healing
Is VASER Lipo Safer than Laser Lipo?
Though both types of procedures are considered to be safe, VASER lipo is generally considered the safer of the two for the following reasons:
- Less risk of injury – Because laser liposuction uses a probe with the heat only at the end, there is a higher risk of heat injury.
- Greater risk of 3rd degree burns with laser lipo
- Gentler approach with VASER lipo because energy is evenly distributed
- Greater control of lipo instruments by the surgeon with VASER lipo
Are There Liposuction Alternatives?
If you’d like another option for fat reduction, CoolSculpting may be the choice for you. CoolSculpting uses cooling to reduce lingering fat that resists even the strictest diet and most strenuous exercise efforts.
Without damaging skin and other tissues, CoolSculpting is:
- Safe
- Effective
- Precise
- Gentle
Interested in Learning Whether VASER Liposuction is Right for You?
Now that you are familiar with the options, you want to know which option is right for you.
Dr. Hayes and the knowledgeable and experienced staff at Bridgetown Aesthetics can help you weigh the options and choose the treatment that’s best for you.
When you schedule a consultation, Dr. Hayes will thoroughly discuss your needs, medical history, treatment options, benefits, and costs.
At Bridgetown Aesthetics, we offer a wide range of non-invasive treatments in a professional and comfortable environment.
Let us help you look and feel your best by creating a plan that is specifically tailored to meet your specific needs.
