Frequently asked question about VASER ultrasound assisted liposuction

Serving Albany, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, and Troy, New York

Is VASER® Liposcution a safe procedure?

While there is no substitute for proper training and experience, The VASER Lipo System has an excellent track record of safety equivalent if not better than other competing technologies such as lasers. Over 100,000 procedures have been performed to date with no serious complications related to the technology. Clinical studies have demonstrated excellent results, particularly compared with traditional liposuction. In a study involving 77 participants, satisfactory outcomes were reported in 100% of VASER treatments with no complications or re-treatments. In another 57 patient study, blood loss during the VASER procedure was on average of 7.5 times less when compared with liposuction alone.

Can fat transfer be performed using fat harvested with VASER liposuction?

YES, the emulsified fat form VASER liposuction can be used in fat transfer procedures. VASER ultrasound technology uses a process called cavitation which separates individual fat cells from the larger fat deposits while still maintaining their integrity. This is a major advantage over laser lipolysis which destroys fat cell in the process of removal. Research studies have demonstrated that fat cells remain viable and are able to be re-injected into the body using FDA cleared harvesting devices. VASER physicians report that VASER fat harvesting is more efficient than conventional fat harvesting using traditional liposuction methods and is easier to transfer due the
emulsified condition.

Is VASER Liposuction an affordable procedure?

YES, but you can expect to pay a little more for VASER Liposuction than conventional liposuction as the technology is more costly. However, most patient will agree that the benefits including a faster recovery with less swelling and bruising and smooth predictable results are well worth the extra expense. Dr. Falk charges between $2,500 to $3,000 per treatment area, and typically patients have multiple body areas treated.

Can VASER Liposuction be performed as an office based procedure?

YES! VASER Liposuction can be performed safely in- a medical office under local tumescent anesthesia. Over half of current VASER physicians, including Dr. Falk are performing the procedure in the office setting. VASER Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small instruments (probe size ranges from 2.2mm to 3.7mm) to selectively break apart fatty deposits while preserving other important tissue structures (nerves, blood vessels, etc.). This encourages smooth, predictable results and fast patient recovery. Patients are able to return to work within a day or two after an in-office VASER procedure.

Do you see skin tightening after a VASER Liposuction procedure?

VASER Liposuction physicians such as Dr. Falk report that they see better skin retraction with VASER Lipo than with conventional or power assisted liposuction. While other devices use mechanical force to remove fat causing trauma to nerves, blood vessels and collagen, the VASER Lipo System uses ultrasound energy to first emulsify or fragment fatty deposit and then selectively remove the treated fat via specially designed cannulas. This ensures that the important connective tissue structures are preserved allowing the skin to naturally retract to the new body contour. Sometimes Dr Falk will combine VASER with other energy devices such as laser lipolysis for additional tightening effects.

What areas can be treated with VASER Liposuction?

The VASER Lipo System is a very versatile technology for body contouring. It can be used for significant fat volume reduction or for precise sculpting of small areas of the body. By fragmenting fat cells prior to removal, the VASER Liposuction System enables optimal control and precision. This enables Dr. Falk to treat small, delicate areas like the face, neck, arms, knees and ankles, as well as larger areas like the abdomen and back. VASER probes come in a variety of sizes and configurations, so you can choose the right probe for the right application.

Is VASER Liposuction time consuming?

Vaser liposcution cases can be performed in-office and take about 1.5 hours from start to finish. The actual VASER time is usually only about 15 to 20 minutes of the total procedure time. Since the fat is emulsifed by the ultrasonic energy, the aspiration phase proceeds effortlessly and the time to complete this stage is greatly reduced compared to conventional liposuction. Whether treating small or large areas, the VASER System is a precise and efficient tool that allows Dr Falk to treat you in less time than other advanced energy-based systems.

If you have more questions for Dr. Falk about VASER ultrasound assisted liposuction, please feel free to call or contact us at the Center for Facial Plastic Surgery and Laser Skin Care.