Vaser Liposuction Los Angeles
Vaser liposuction is a minimally invasive fat removal procedure used to optimize the removal of unwanted fat from all parts of the body and even the under chin area. It uses innovative ultrasound technology to to break down unwanted fat before it is removed by traditional liposuction methods. The ultrasound technology allows for easier breakdown of fat which translates into a smoother recovery with less pain and bruising.
What is Vaser-Assisted Liposuction?
Vaser-assisted liposuction (VAL) is a very specialized, type of liposuction that utilizes state-of-the-art ultrasound technology to enhance the removal of unwanted fat from the body. Vaser is an acronym for “ vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance “.
Vaser liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that is incorporated into traditional liposuction, through the same incisions used to remove the fat. The Vaser liposuction technology works by selectively targeting and breaking down fat cells through a process known as acoustic streaming, allowing for easier and more predictable removal of the unwanted fat.
The procedure takes as little as a few minutes to as much as an hour, depending on the number of areas being treated on the body, the amount of fat being removed, and the degree of contouring that the patient is seeking. Once the fat is broken down by the Vaser technology, it easily is removed by traditional or power-assisted liposuction, creating a much-improved contour, with less pain, bruising, and tighter skin.
Vaser liposuction is commonly used in revision liposuction procedures because it is able to create very smooth tissue planes, eliminating and correcting dents and asymmetries left from previous liposuction procedures.
Vaser liposuction is considered the gold standard treatment for 4D high-definition liposuction due to its superior body contouring capabilities.
Benefits of Vaser Liposuction
The Vaser liposuction technique is true and tested in the field of aesthetic plastic surgery. It boasts over an 89% approval rating on Realself. It is a highly efficient minimally invasive option for those that want to eliminate unwanted fat with unsurpassed body contouring capabilities.
Vaser liposuction, also known as VASERlipo, offers several benefits. These include:
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Reduced downtime
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Smoother skin
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Enhanced skin tightening
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Minimally invasive
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Enhanced, more precise results
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Versatility in treatment areas
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Enhanced & unsurpassed sculpting ability
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Superior to all non-invasive fat removal procedures
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Results seen as early as the first post-operative day
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Less traumatic than traditional liposuction
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Targets fat cells while leaving surrounding tissue unaffected
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Corrects unwanted irregularities from previous liposuction procedures
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Superior etching for 4D high-definition results
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Less bruising / swelling
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Less pain
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Less post-operative discomfort
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Decreased surgeon fatigue
Vaser Liposuction Cost and Pricing Structure
On average, Renuvion treatments cost about $4,500 per area. Generally, the cost depends on the treatment area and how vast/ large the amount of skin there is to be covered.
- US National Average: $3500-$5000 per area
- Our Price: $5000-$50,000 depending on the size of the area, number of areas being treated, weight of patient, and the desired definition.
- Additional Costs: These include OR and anesthesia costs, as well as ancillary procedures such as J Plasma, Power X, Bodytite, and Morpheus8.
- Insurance: Most insurance companies do not cover cosmetic procedures aside from rare and special circumstances. We offer a variety of payment options for your convenience.
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How the Procedure Works
Vaser liposuction procedures may be performed in-office or at an accredited surgery center, depending on the size and number of areas being treated. Procedures performed under a general anesthetic require a pre-op work up which includes labs, medical clearance, and and ECG when indicated.
Vaser liposuction is a safe and highly effective minimally invasive fat removal treatment that offers several advantages over conventional liposuction. It is a one-of-a-kind permanent solution for the management of unwanted fat deposits and provides unparalleled results in offering 4D high definition body contouring.
Before & Preparation
During your consultation, Dr. Vallecillos will determine if Vaser liposuction is right for you. Treatment goals will be discussed and reasonable expectations will be set. Additionally, Doctor Vallecillos will take a full medical history, including medications and previous surgical procedures. This is also the time to ask any procedural questions you may have. Lastly, pre-and postoperative instructions will be reviewed in preparation for your surgery.
Vaser liposuction does not require extensive preparation. However, there are actions you can take to decrease the risk of bleeding and bruising, and improve your recovery
- Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs including aspirin and ibuprofen for two weeks prior to the procedure.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine 24 hours before the procedure.
- Stop smoking 2 weeks before the procedure.
- Avoid certain supplements such as tumeric, ginger, vitamin E, garlic, CoQ10, and ginkgo biloba two weeks prior to the procedure.
- Increase hydration prior to the procedure.
During the Procedure
- Anesthesia: Vaser liposuction is typically performed under a general anesthetic for larger cases, although smaller cases may be performed under a local anesthetic with sedation.
- Duration: 1 hour and up
- Target Areas: Abdomen, arms, back, calves, flanks, hips, thighs, and submentum
- Device: Vaser ultrasonic amplifier with modifiable probe lengths and sizes
- Pain: Well controlled with oral analgesia
Step-by-step guide:
- Anesthesia is provided either as a general anesthetic or with sedation
- Tumescent fluid ( local anesthetic ) is injected into the areas of interest and the numbing agent is allowed to take effect for 20 minutes. Blood vessels also shrink during this process which reduces bruising.
- Next, through small well-hidden incisions, the Vaser ultrasonic amplifier is passed radially through the treatment areas, transmitting sound waves that disrupt fat cells, without harming surrounding tissue, until endpoints are reached ( time and/or amount of resistance ).
- Once the tissue is Vasered, the fat is easily removed through the same incision via either traditional or power-assisted liposuction ( PAL ).
- Additional contouring is performed depending on the patient’s goals and desires ( from conventional contouring to high-definition contouring ) with the result being improved muscle definition
- The result is a substantial improvement in contour with permanently removed fat and a smooth appearance. Once healed, the overlying skin will be noticeably tighter. This may take several months to appreciate
- Lastly, a specialized compression garment is applied to assist with swelling and body contouring. The garment is worn for 6 weeks in most instances
Infiltration
Tumescent Infusion: Tumescent fluid (numbing fluid) is infused throughout targeted fat tissue. Tight junctions between cells within blood vessel walls and connective tissues prevent gas bubbles from interspersing among and affecting these tissues.
Fragmentation
Cavitation: Acoustic energy which is generated through the Vaser device and delivered through the ultrasonic probe results in rapid formation and collapse of bubbles in the tumescent fluid. This dislodges clusters of intact fat cells with minimal (if any) impact on the surrounding tissue ( blood vessels, nerves, muscle).
Acoustic Streaming: Grooves found on the ultrasonic probe generate strong localized fluid forces, further separating dislodged fat clusters into smaller clumps. These smaller clumps of fat can later be used for fat grafting, where indicated.
Aspiration
Fat Removal: The specially designed small-diameter cannulas minimizes trauma to vessels, nerves and the fibrous tissue matrix when inserted to suction out the mixed fat cell and tumescent fluid emulsion.
Retraction
Retraction: The heat imparted on the fibrous network connecting the muscle to the overlying skin results in super skin retraction ( tightening ) as compared to conventional liposuction.
Tissue Remodeling: The removal of adipose tissue during liposuction creates a space for optimal retraction to occur.
Aftercare & Recovery
- Downtime: 5-10 days
- Common side effects: Swelling, mild bruising
- Duration of side effects: Majority of swelling gone at 2 weeks. All swelling is gone by 4 months.
- Ultrasound and lymphatic massage are commenced on post-operative day #1 to expedite the removal of excess fluid.
- Hyperbaric oxygen is recommended for a reduction in inflammation.
- Avoid heavy exercise for one month.
- Avoid swimming in the pool, hot tub, lake, or ocean for no less than two weeks.
Vaser Liposuction Treatment Areas
Vaser liposuction is applicable to most areas where there is an excess of unwanted fat or where additional body contouring definition is desired. Treatable areas with Vaser include:
- Abdomen
- Arms
- Back / Flanks
- Thighs
- Calves
- Submentum (under chin area)
- Chest / Gynecomastia
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Am I a good candidate for Vaser Liposuction?
Vaser liposuction is a highly specialized technology in aesthetic surgery that utilizes ultrasonic energy to disrupt unwanted excess fat from specific areas of the body, which are then removed with traditional liposuction techniques. Vaser liposuction provides unparalleled in body contouring and is the gold standard treatment in providing 4D high definition liposuction results.
The ideal candidate for Vaser liposuction meets the following criteria:
- Age: ≥ 22 years
- BMI: ≤ 28
- Lifestyle: Active
- Non-smoker
- Non-diabetic
- Good overall health
- Realistic expectations
- Good skin tone
- Have stubborn areas of fat resistant to diet and exercise
- Is seeking a more defined or even extremely well defined body contour
Vaser liposuction may not be ideal for patients who have one or more of the following contraindications:
- Synthetic implants in the treatment area
- Pregnant or nursing mothers
- Open wounds, sores, or irritation in the treatment area
- Allergies to stainless steel or topical, injected, or oral medications that are necessary for treatment.
- History of bleeding, or autoimmune disorders (Active ITP, collagen disorders, lupus, etc.)
- Systemic or acute local skin infections (Hepatitis disorders, high doses of anticoagulants or blood thinners, HIV, etc.)
- Currently on chemotherapy
- Use of high-dose corticosteroids
- Body surgery in the area ( eg. tummy tuck less than 4 months ago )
- Anemic
- Significant skin laxity in the treatment area of interest
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Similar & Related Procedures
Vaser vs. J Plasma vs. Bodytite
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Revision Liposuction with Vaser Assistance
Skin depressions, “ dents”, and soft-tissue asymmetries are an all too common side-effect of liposuction. Correction with traditional liposuction methods is less than ideal because the technology employed in removing fat does not have the capability to adequately correct soft tissue asymmetries. Before we get into how vaser liposuction can assist in correcting skin depressions, let’s first take a look at the skin architecture.
As seen in the photograph above, there exist two discrete fat layers under the skin separated by a fibrous layer known as fascia. Traditional liposuction is generally performed in the deeper fat layer which lies in a loose areolar plane which is largely devoid of a structured fibrous network, thus making the fat very easy to extract through liposuction. This is converse to the superficial fat, which lies within a complex fibrous network of retaining ligaments, making it very difficult to extract with conventional liposuction techniques.
Contour deformities secondary to traditional liposuction are typically due to the following reasons:
- Lack of experience in liposuction by the practitioner
- Overzealous attempt to remove superficial fat pads with traditional liposuction methods
Vaser liposuction provides a means to successfully address fat both in the superficial and deep planes due to its ability to emulsify fat, making it much easier to extract than traditional liposuction. The result is a comprehensive volume reduction of superficial and deep fat planes, with the added ability to create enhanced contour definition.
Additionally, if the patient has mild to modest skin redundancy and/or soft-tissue laxity in the areas being treated with Vaser liposuction, additional procedures such as Renuvion J Plasma and Bodytite can be introduced to optimize the skin tightening.
If you feel you have developed contour deformities due to sub-optimal liposuction results, contact the offices of Doctor Vallecillos to see if Vaser liposuction can be used as a corrective measure.
Side Effects & Risks
Common side effects from Vaser liposuction may include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Redness
- Burning
- Seroma
- Pain
- Numbness
- Bleeding/oozing
Less common side effects from Vaser liposuction may include:
- Hematoma
- Hyperpigmentation or Hypopigmentation
- Infection
- Scarring
- Skin Necrosis
- Local anesthetic risks
- Asymmetries / skin irregularities
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Vaser Liposuction FAQs
What is Vaser Liposuction?
Vaser is an acronym for “ Vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance”, and is an innovative form of ultrasonic energy which is utilized to enhance the breakdown of unwanted body fat before it is removed by traditional liposuction methods.
How much does Vaser liposuction cost?
Prices will vary throughout different regions of the country. Our practice generally charges around $3500 per area in addition to the baseline cost of a liposuction procedure.
What is 4D high-definition liposuction?
4D High Definition Liposuction is a highly specialized type of liposuction, which incorporates a number of different modalities to achieve the highest level of dynamic definition achievable, far surpassing the capabilities of traditional liposuction. This highly specialized lipoplasty procedure utilizes Vaser, Power X, RFAL ( Bodytite / Facetite), and J Plasma, in addition to tactical fat transfer to enhance the muscular both in static and dynamic movement, hence the designation “ 4D “.
The most commonly sculptured areas in 4D high-definition liposuction include the:
- Abdomen
- Chest
- Deltoids
- Latissimus Dorsi / Back / Flanks
- Triceps
Additionally, the incorporation of soft-tissue tightening devices such as Vaser and J Plasma creates a tighter skin envelope than seen in the pre-procedural state. The degree of definition produced is determined by the patient’s goals and desires.
How long does it take to recover from liposuction?
- Follow Dr. Vallecillos’ postoperative instructions exactly to ensure proper healing.
- Recovery times vary, but within 24 hours you should be up and moving. During the first 48 hours, you may experience the drainage of excess fluid – both blood-tinged and saline-injected during treatment ( tumescent fluid ) –from the incision points.
- You may shower within 24 hours of your procedure, assuming you have no drains.
- You may require up to a week to feel up to resuming normal activities, depending on the number and size of treatment areas.
- Sensitivity at the treatment site typically lasts for two to three weeks. In addition, strenuous activity and exercise are discouraged during the early healing period, although isolated body part exercises are generally permitted following discussion with Doctor Vallecillos.
- Patients are instructed to wear a compression garment for 4-6 weeks post-procedure.
- At the one-month point following surgery, you should be able to resume normal activities, including moderate exercise and sex. However, continue avoiding high-impact activities for another month, such as heavy exercise involving the torso.
Are drains used with Vaser liposuction?
Depending on the area being treated, Doctor Vallecillos may elect to use drains with the Vaser procedure. Areas more commonly requiring drain placement include the lower back and abdomen and this is a case-by-case decision.
How risky is Vaser liposuction?
In experienced hands, Vaser liposuction is an extremely low-risk procedure. Most common risks with Vaser are similar to those of traditional liposuction and include bruising, swelling, modest pain, and rarely, asymmetries. There is a very low risk of thermal injuries or burns with Vaser liposuction. This risk is negligible if the practitioner follows common practices including administering adequate tumescent fluid and sticking to Vaser treatment endpoints.
Does Vaser liposuction cause loose skin?
No. On the contrary, Vaser liposuction, because it utilizes ultrasonic energy with a significant thermal output, an improvement in skin elasticity is a common finding. However, if the patient has significant skin excess, so much so that skin excision would be considered the primary option, a significant improvement in skin elasticity with Vaser liposuction should not be expected.
Is Vaser liposuction worth it?
Vaser liposuction is considered by many a superior method for liposuction. Indeed, it is standard practice for Doctor Vallecillos to utilize Vaser in the majority of his liposuction cases and certainly is a vital part of his armamentarium when performing high-definition liposuction procedures as well as revision lipoplasty procedures.
Is Vaser useful in correcting asymmetries from previous liposuction surgery?
Yes. Vaser is extremely useful in correcting asymmetries created by previous liposuction surgeries. Vaser’s ability to disrupt fat cells allows the surgeon to smooth out the tissue planes and correct asymmetries. Once asymmetric tissue planes are smoothed out, tactical fat transfer can be formed to further optimize the result when necessary and in cases where too much fat was removed during the initial liposuction procedure.
Can botched lipo be fixed?
Botched liposuction results can be fixed and may require a number of techniques, depending on the severity of the issue. These techniques include:
- The utilization of Vaser to smoothen tissue planes
- Fat transfer to fill in voids where excessive amounts of fat were removed
- In some cases, skin excision may assist in correcting deformities created by previous liposuction surgeries.
Can I fix skin irregularities after liposuction?
Yes. Skin irregularities can be fixed after liposuction. It is generally recommended that a “ revision” liposuction procedure not be performed earlier than 4 months post-op. Once adequate time has passed, skin irregularities can be fixed with a combination of Vaser liposuction and fat transfer, in most scenarios.
Can cellulite be successfully treated?
Yes. Cellulite can be successfully treated. Patients can expect a 30-80 % improvement, depending on the severity of the cellulite, the quality of their skin, and other factors including how their bodies heal after surgical procedures.
Can Vaser be utilized in Gynecomastia surgery?
Yes, Vaser can be utilized in Gynecomastia surgery. In a significant amount of cases, Gynecomastia has components of both breast tissue and adipose tissue. Following removal of breast tissue by excision, Vaser liposuction can be implemented to remove excess and unwanted fat tissue in the chest. Because chest fat tissue tends to be more fibrous in nature, it is more difficult to remove with traditional liposuction alone. Vaser liposuction does a superior job of disrupting the fat tissue, making it easier to remove, ultimately creating better results.
Is it safe to get liposuction in the same area more than once?
Yes. It is safe to get liposuction in the same area more than once, assuming the patient meets all the pre-operative criteria to undergo a liposuction procedure. Typically speaking, the area in question must have enough redundant fat to warrant consideration for a secondary liposuction procedure. In these instances of revision liposuction, there is normally a buildup of scar tissue as a result of the primary liposuction surgery. This scar tissue makes the secondary revision liposuction procedure technically more difficult. In these instances, Vaser is an invaluable tool because of its ability to smoothen out the underlying soft tissue and disrupt fat cells and scar tissue, making it easier for the surgeon to remove the fat while maintaining confluent or smooth tissue planes.
Is Vaser lipo better than traditional lipo?
Vaser lipo is an advanced surgical technique and requires additional training above and beyond traditional liposuction to achieve excellent results. Vaser lipo and traditional liposuction can both create dramatic improvements in body contour, and the expertise of the surgeon is certainly a determining factor in the final outcome.
Vaser liposuction boasts advantages over traditional liposuction in the following scenarios:
- High-definition liposuction where highly precise contouring on various tissue planes is required.
- Revision liposuction which has a greater degree of tissue scarring
- Gynecomastia surgery because the chest fat tends to be more fibrous in nature, making it more difficult to extract with traditional liposuction techniques.
How painful is Vaser lipo?
Pain from Vaser liposuction and traditional liposuction will vary from person to person. Most people describe the pain as a “ soreness “ over the areas that were treated. This typically is most intense for the first few days following surgery, but certainly is not bad enough to prevent the patient from going about their day-to-day activities.
Can Vaser liposuction burn skin?
Vaser utilizes ultrasonic energy, thus thermal injuries are possible, albeit low. The risk is minimized by:
- Utilizing specialized skin ports
- Introducing adequate amounts of tumescent fluid
- Sticking to Vaser treatment endpoints
Can Vaser be combined with skin tightening procedures?
Yes. Vaser liposuction is commonly combined with skin tightening procedures to enhance results. The more common skin tightening procedures that are utilized with Vaser liposuction include RFAL ( Radio Frequency Assisted Lipolysis, aka Facetite & Bodytite), Morpheus8, and Renuvion J Plasma. Doctor Vallecillos was the first surgeon worldwide to implement the combination treatment of Vaser liposuction with RFAL to enhance 4D High Definition Lipoplasty results.
Where does the fat go after Vaser lipo?
After the area of interest is treated with the Vaser, the fat is gently suctioned out with traditional liposuction methods and/or with power-assisted liposuction (PAL).
Does Vaser lipo permanently remove fat?
Yes. Vaser liposuction permanently removes unwanted fat from the body. Despite this, it is possible to “ out eat “ liposuction; thus if the patient were to gain a significant amount of weight, it is conceivable that a secondary liposuction procedure would become necessary to attain optimal contouring.
Can Vaser liposuction successfully treat Paroxysmal Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH)?
Paroxysmal Adipose Hyperplasia is a rare complication of cryolypolysis, commonly delivered through Coolsculpting devices, in which targeted fat for reduction grows instead of shrinks following treatment. PAH is characterized by the following:
- Increased ADSC (adipose-derived stem cell) count in region
- Increased vascularity
- Increase in septal thickening around fat cells
- Increase in the size of fat cells (adipose hypertrophy)
- Increase in the number of fat cells (adipose hyperplasia)
- Loss of fat cell organization, increased fibrosis, or scar formation
Vaser liposuction effectively addresses the fibrosis or scarring seen with PAH, allowing for effective management of the deep and superficial fat compartments, ultimately creating an excellent and permanent reversal of the PAH-related deformity.
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