Vaser liposuction can target stubborn fat using ultrasound technology. As a minimally invasive procedure, you can walk in and walk out the same day. However, it’s important that you’re aware of the recovery period. Knowing what to expect from your procedure can help put you on the right track for a smooth Vaser liposuction recovery.
What is Vaser Lipo?
Vaser stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance. What this means is that Vaser liposuction uses ultrasound technology to break up and liquefy fat so that you can remove it more easily. The length of Vaser liposuction surgery can vary massively from one to several hours. You can also combine Vaser with other cosmetic procedures, which will influence your surgery and recovery time.
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction can target stubborn areas of fat in various areas like:
- Neck
- Love handles
- Hips
- Thighs
- Tummy
- Back
- Knees
- Chest
Vaser liposuction is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional liposuction. Because Vaser lipo can target and liquify fat cells, it doesn’t damage nearby cells the same way as regular liposuction. It’s this process that results in a less invasive type of liposuction and a shorter recovery time.
For more information, we’ve pulled together a quick guide to compare Vaser and traditional liposuction so you can understand the differences.
How Does Vaser Liposuction Work?
Liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure. All liposuction procedures operate on a similar basic premise – fat deposits will be broken down and then removed from the body using a cannula that suctions the fat from under the skin. Lasers and water pressure are the two ways your surgeon may break down fat deposits before the suction procedure. Another way is through pulsing ultrasound. Vaser liposuction is a type of ultrasonic liposuction.
All these sources generate heat that helps easily break apart the fat cells for easier removal. The same also minimally tightens the skin in the treated area. Vaser liposuction is unique, however, in that it is gentle and precise. The process disrupts the connection between the fatty tissue and muscles underneath without damaging the underlying tissue. That’s why Vaser liposuction has a good reputation in body sculpting. So, what happens during a Vaser liposuction procedure?
The doctor will inject a tumescent fluid or a saline solution mixed with anaesthesia into the targeted area. After that, your doctor will make a small incision through which they will insert ultrasound probes to break up the fatty tissue. After breaking up the fatty tissue, your doctor will use a cannula to vacuum it and other fluids. Some of the fluid will be left in your body to numb the post-procedural pain. Your body will absorb the fluid in the days that follow.
What are the Main Advantages of Vaser Liposuction Over Traditional Liposuction?
Vaser liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure since the doctor only needs to make small incisions resulting in minimal scarring and doesn’t need stitches or sutures to close. Because of that, Vaser liposuction is less impactful to surrounding tissues than traditional liposuction. It also causes less bleeding and bruising. Other advantages of Vaser liposuction include:
- Faster recovery – after Vaser liposuction, you can return to work in 2 to 3 days, depending on the extent of the procedure and the areas treated.
- Selective fat targeting – the ultrasound waves are precise because they only break up the fat cells. As a result, the surrounding tissue, blood vessels and nerves remain untouched. Traditional liposuction disrupts other tissues and may, in the process, damage the surrounding blood vessels and other tissue.
- Cellulite removal – traditional liposuction doesn’t target cellulite. On the other hand, Vaser liposuction can remove cellulite in the treated area.
Before and After Vaser Liposuction
4 Weeks After Vaser Lipo Treatment
How Long Does it Take to Recover From Vaser Liposuction?
It’s difficult to give a precise time for Vaser liposuction recovery as everyone recovers at different rates. But, most patients resume normal activities within a few weeks. On average, it takes up to 7 days to recover. After 1 week, you can return to work if you have a sedentary job or after 2 weeks for a manual labour job. After 6 weeks, you can resume strenuous workout activities as well.
Following the procedure, you may feel some:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Discomfort
Depending on the extent of liposuction, you could be back to work in as little as 2 days, or it could be a little longer if it’s a larger procedure. You should still take some time for your body to heal and not rush into exercise too quickly. It’s best to avoid heavy lifting for at least 2-3 weeks, depending on your recovery.
It’s normal to have some swelling and bruising, but it should clear up over the new few weeks. As you don’t need a general anaesthetic for this procedure, you get to skip a tiring part of standard recovery. So, you can go home the same day as the surgery.
Some people may experience leaking after the procedure. During the first week, sometimes there is leaking which is the numbing solution from the incisions. Although this can be a little odd, it is normal. Your doctor may use straw-like tubes to drain the fluid faster. After 4-5 days, your doctor will remove any drains if used at your follow-up appointment.
In general, leaking should only last for a couple of days. The fluid should be orange/pinkish colour. Leaking is normal and supports your recovery as it’s better for fluid to be out of the body instead of building up inside causing excess swelling.
You should start to see the results more clearly as your body settles into its new shape. Over the next 3 to 6 months, you should see the final result and be able to enjoy your new shape.
Vaser Lipo Scars: What to Expect
Vaser lipo scars should be minimal and heal well. Because Vaser liposuction uses a minimally invasive technique, a skilled doctor should use “stealth incisions”. These scars should be short in length and not be obvious at all. While it’s impossible to be completely scar-free when making an incision, Vaser lipo scars are minimal.
What are the Possible Risks and Side Effects of Vaser Liposuction?
Even if the procedure is generally low-risk, there is still a risk of side effects. Vaser liposuction side effects include:
- Bleeding and bruising days after the procedure
- Aching or pain in the treated area
- Eventual scarring after recovery; the scarring is, however, minimal, but it can still bother some people
- Skin irregularities, hyperpigmentation and asymmetry
- Swelling that may persist days or weeks after the procedure
- Adverse reaction from the anaesthesia
- You may end up with loose skin that doesn’t contour to your new body shape
Like with any cosmetic procedure involving the doctor making incisions on the skin, you must be on the lookout for infection as you recover. Call your doctor immediately if you experience fever, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, shortness of breath, fatigue or exhaustion days after the procedure. These are signs that your wound may be infected.
9 Tips for a Speedy and Smooth Vaser Liposuction Recovery
Vaser liposuction is a revolutionary type of liposuction that delivers great results. It’s faster and less invasive than traditional liposuction, making it ideal for certain individuals. As with any type of cosmetic procedure, often, the recovery process is essential in achieving optimum results. Here are 9 Vaser liposuction recovery tips.
1. Follow Your Doctor’s Post-Operative Instructions
Aftercare is key to attaining a good aesthetic result and good recovery. Post-operative care aims to accelerate recovery and ensure a smooth tightening of the skin. It’s important that you follow all of your surgeon’s post-operative instructions. These are in place to maximise your results and recovery timeline.
2. Prepare to Follow a Healthy Diet
Fuel your recovery with nutritious food and stay hydrated. Your diet is important for recovery and maintaining results long-term. Drink plenty of water and prepare some healthy but easy meals for your recovery time. Regular exercise and a healthy diet will help you to have long-lasting results.
Some people feel bloated or constipated the day after the procedure. This can be made worse if you’re taking medication for pain prescribed by your doctor. Try to incorporate plenty of fibre-rich foods into your diet to help keep you regular and encourage soft bowel movements.
3. Wear a Compression Garment
Depending on where you had Vaser liposuction, your surgeon may ask you to wear a compression garment. This helps to keep the skin in position while healing, reduces swelling, and promotes healing. A compression garment helps to ensure smooth retraction of the skin after Vaser liposuction. Typically, you wear a compression garment day and night for the first week after the procedure.
4. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking
With any cosmetic procedure, whether it’s Vaser liposuction, a tummy tuck or a facelift, the advice is similar for alcohol and smoking. For the best liposuction outcome, quit smoking altogether if possible. You should avoid drinking alcohol and smoking before and after your surgery to ensure proper healing. In general, you should avoid alcohol for 2-3 days after your Vaser liposuction, but your plastic surgeon will tell you when you can resume normal activities.
5. Monitor for Infection
Another key part of post-operative care is monitoring for infection. Your surgeon will let you know what to look out for and the typical signs of infection. If you have any concerns at any moment, contact your plastic surgeon. They can see you right away and make sure that everything is healing as it should.
Although Vaser liposuction only uses a small incision, you still need to wait for the incision to heal. It takes around 2 weeks for the incision to heal. You need to take the proper steps to avoid infection and promote good scar healing.
6. Go for a Walk
It’s important that you get moving after the procedure. Like any surgery, getting up and going for a gentle walk is hugely beneficial. Walking promotes healthy blood circulation, reduces swelling, and promotes proper healing.
7. Avoid the Gym
If you love your exercise routine, don’t panic. You only need to avoid vigorous exercise for about 4-5 weeks. You can start walking gently before that, but the heavy lifting is a no-go. At 3-4 weeks, you can re-introduce light exercise. You should wait at least 5 weeks to do vigorous exercise.
While it’s important to be active for recovery and reducing swelling, that means going for a gentle walk. Try to hold off on more intense exercises like lifting, spin classes, or any vigorous exercise until your doctor gives you the all-clear. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor, and they will be able to guide you on the safest way to resume your exercise regime.
8. Be Patient
In most cases, you will see immediate results. But, there will be some swelling and bruising too. Generally, you can expect to see the final results in 6 weeks. Be patient, wait for the swelling to go down, and allow your body to recover fully before judging the final results. Over the next few months, the skin should retract, and you will be able to see your new contours.
9. Stock Up on Bedding
There may be some leaking in the first couple of days of recovery. Make sure you have a mattress protector to catch any leaks. It’s also a good idea to wear darker and loose clothes in the first few days when you’re out and about to hide any leaks more effectively.
Vaser Lipo London at the Harley Clinic
Vaser liposuction recovery does take some time but is faster in comparison to traditional liposuction. Vaser liposuction is especially useful for targeting areas that are hard to tone and sculpt through diet and exercise alone.
Body contouring procedures like liposuction are not weight-loss tools. A suitable candidate for Vaser liposuction is in good overall health and is either at or just slightly above their ideal weight. Vaser lipo can help target those frustrating areas to reveal the muscle tone underneath.
If you’re considering getting liposuction, book a consultation at the Harley Clinic today, and we can help guide you on this journey.
