The battle to lose weight and achieve a figure you’re truly happy with can be demoralising when you’re up against age, genetics, and stubborn pockets of fat. If you’re really struggling and feel like you have exhausted every possible route through diet and exercise, you may be considering liposuction. And chances are if you’ve done your research you will have come across something called VASERlipo® (we’ll call it Vaser).

What is Vaser lipo?

Increasingly popular, Vaser lipo is an ultrasound-assisted surgical procedure which can target unwanted fat tissue from areas such as the neck, upper arms, upper and lower back, abdomen, thighs and hips, buttocks. It has proved popular for getting rid of love handles and is more in the realm of body contouring than a standard weight loss procedure.

How much does Vaser lipo cost?

Like all liposuction treatments, the cost can vary due to the amount of fat needed to be removed, and the amount of anaesthetic used. Dr Puneet Gupta can give you a fixed price following an initial consultation. There are also various payment options available to you, and absolutely no hidden surprises. Generally, prices can range from £2300-£6000 depending on how many body areas are treated.

Pre-surgery

It’s entirely natural to feel anxious or worried about having surgery. We understand that these fears may not even kick in until you are in the chair waiting for the procedure to begin, even with straightforward procedures. But do not worry. This is where Dr Gupta and his staff come into their own and redefine what patient care means. The team is hugely experienced and there for you at every step.

Vaser tends to involve only a small amount of fat removal, so it is almost always performed under local anaesthetic, and you will be awake throughout the procedure.

Due to the numbing effects of the local anaesthetic, you won’t feel any pain or discomfort.

The Vaser lipo treatment

Dr Gupta makes a series of tiny incisions through which he can inject a specially prepared and diluted local anaesthetic and adrenaline solution. This is then absorbed by the fat, and a probe is inserted into the body (different types of probes for different body parts, all uniquely designed to pass through the body with no trouble) which fires out ultrasound energy that liquefies the fat. The solution “dilutes” the fat tissue, but also acts as a conduit through which the ultrasound exclusively targets only the fat cells.

As the probe moves through the anaesthetic-soaked tissue, ultrasonic energy is emitted from the top while Dr Gupta gently moves it through the treated body area. The ultrasound transfers energy to molecules of water in the solution, stimulating them into movement of very high frequency, which results in the direct breakup of fat cells and creation of a uniform layer of so called mass emulsion.

Following ultrasonic emulsification of fat, another probe (or as we call it, cannula) is inserted through the same incisions on the skin, and through a vacuum pump, Dr Gupta can “suck” out fat without the need for rough mechanical fragmentation of fat tissue.

The ultrasound capabilities of Vaser ensure true fragmentation of the fat cells, leaving blood vessels, capillaries, nerves and collagen in the tissue entirely intact.

Once complete, the incisions are either covered with dressings or given a small, dissolvable stitch. As a result, postoperative trauma, pain, bruises and other possible complications are significantly reduced compared to classic, mechanic liposuction.

Skin withdrawal and its adjustment to the new muscle contour is also faster and improved than at any point in the history of liposuction.

Post-treatment care

The beauty of no general anaesthetic is you can go home the same day, and the technique is so minimally invasive you’ll be back on the treadmill in no time.

Post-surgery you’ll wear a compression garment to help reduce any swelling and help the skin adhere to the newly formed, now visible muscle layer without the “fat pillow”. You’ll be taken to a comfortable area within our exclusive surgery to rest with a cup of tea and a biscuit until you’re cleared to go home.

How long will I be in bandages for?

Vaser lipo requires very little recovery time and no bandages. While the length depends on the type and size of procedure, for most people it will take about seven days to get back to their everyday routine (no lifting heavy weights just yet, however, that may take a little longer).

Once the initial postoperative period passes you will be able to enjoy your new contour; the results are immediate even if it does take a few days for bruising to pass and the incisions to heal. After a couple of months, you will really notice the visible differences; no more love handles, or a better shaped rear end, you’ll soon fall in love with your body again.

Is Vaser lipo safe?

Liposuction safety has improved immeasurably in recent years, and with methods such as the Tumescent Technique, also known as Microlipo, and Vaser, there has never been a safer time to undergo a procedure.

Recovery is very much dependent on the individual, and can vary due to the level of soreness and bruising experienced; we’re all different, and some of us have more sensitive skin or propensity for bruising than others.

With Vaser there are no large incisions, and no impact on the muscle and other underlying tissue, so the healing time can be rapid in many cases. It’s certainly true than Vaser patients experience much less pain or discomfort, bruising and swelling after a procedure than those who undergo traditional lipo, due to the advanced nature of the technique.

Why is Vaser lipo popular?

For the most part, the popularity is down to the many positive aspects ultrasound has brought to liposuction; the fast recovery being just one.

There is less need for painkillers; blood loss is minimal if any, and there is often less need for repeated treatments due to it being a contouring surgery. It’s safe and predictable, and due to the incisive nature can be extremely precise, and this all adds up to it being less demanding on the body and making you less tired.

Another quirk of Vaser is the fat deposits are also suitable for injecting into another part of the body, such as the breasts or buttocks.

Am I a good candidate for Vaser lipo?

Vaser is great for those who want better muscle definition and body contouring, so anyone who wants sculpting rather than large amounts of fat removed. The ideal Vaser liposuction candidate is someone with good overall health who is looking for a minimally invasive way to get rid of very stubborn pockets of fat. As the weight can be regained after the surgery, is more targeted to those who are fit and healthy, and exercise regularly.

Are there different types of Vaser lipo?

There are a couple of different types of Vaser liposuction, which can help a person depending on their unique needs. The most popular, main Vaser lipo targets fat in stubborn areas of the body, classics such as love handles or “bingo wings”; extra skin along the bra line or flanks found on many female patients. It is also common for males wanting to reduce chest fat, or moobs, known as gynecomastia surgery.

Vaser Hi-Def is aimed at both deep and superficial fat cells found around muscle tissue; this is the toning Vaser rather than a fat loss technique.

There is also something called Vaser 4D, similar to Vaser Hi-Def, which works well with existing muscle tissue, giving it a more natural definition in those areas treated. Vaser 4D is often applied to treating abdominal region to improve definition (think six-pack).

What are the risks of Vaser lipo?

Vaser is what we call a minimally invasive procedure, as the potential physical trauma of connective tissue, nerves and blood vessels is so small as to be invisible. As with any surgical procedure it carries risks, but is markedly safer and less risky than traditional liposuction. The most common and unpleasant side-effects are swelling, bruising and post-operative unease, but in the experienced and qualified hands of Dr Puneet Gupta these risks are greatly lessened. Unqualified or lesser experienced surgeons run the risk of not knowing how much tumescent fluid to use, which can damage the lungs, and there are always potential burning issues surrounding the ultrasonic probe if it is not used properly.

Is Vaser lipo better than regular lipo?

Vaser lipo is a minimally invasive procedure. The recovery time is significantly less than that of traditional liposuction and the technique results in less bleeding, pain, and bruising.

Does Vaser lipo really work?

The best results can be seen after 6 months, once the skin has tightened, but you can start seeing an improvement after 2-3 months, once the inflammation has subsided and many people notice an immediate change following their VASER liposuction procedure.

However, you can still put the weight back on, so for the results to be permanent you should try to maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and exercise.

How much fat can be removed with Vaser lipo?

It depends on how much fat you have and the area you are treating, but we generally advise no more than 3-5 litres or 4-5% of your body weight should be removed during one session. If more fat needs to be removed we suggest to do it over separate procedures.

How long do I have to wear a compression garment for after Vaser Lipo?

You should wear it for at least a 4-6 weeks after the procedure to make sure the area has adequate time to heal and adapt to its new shape.

Can I take my compression garment off at night?

No, you should wear your compression garment for 24 hours a day, including when you go to bed for the first few weeks.

Do compression garments help tighten skin?

The compression garments do not contribute to skin tightening. The skin tightening process is inherent in the quality and nature of the skin and differs from person to person and (body) area to area.

Can I shower after Vaser lipo?

You may shower 24 hours after your treatment, but do not bathe or swim until the wounds are dry and have healed completely. This is normally about 2 weeks after your treatment.

Where can I get Vaser lipo?

You can contact Dr Gupta by calling the clinic at 0203 974 1265 or 0750 089 8562 to book a free consultation. The procedure is performed in our sophisticated clinic, where you will be given one-on-one care.

Why choose Dr Puneet Gupta?

Dr Gupta trained as a GP with a special interest in dermatology at Oxford Deanery, and is also a member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine and the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine.

You can see him regularly on TV where he is called upon to give his expert opinion, and as a UK pioneer of Microlipo, he has been interviewed by national publications including The Times, Guardian, Daily Mail, Tatler, Elle, Cosmopolitan and Vogue. To date, he has performed over 3,000 liposuction procedures.

Dr Gupta puts people first and is committed to delivering the best individual care and customer service possible even if that sometimes means turning away business. If you are serious about liposuction, Dr Gupta should be the first name you contact. Get in touch with the clinic today for a consultation.

Microlipo, Vaser Liposuction