VASER vs. Traditional Liposuction

The Difference Between VASER Liposuction and Traditional Liposuction

Many men and women are often concerned with unwanted stubborn fat such as double chins, love handles, and excessive abdominal skin. Some people exercise regularly and adhere to a healthy diet; however, these may not be sufficient to burn away stubborn fat or tighten loose skin.

As stubborn fat is difficult to eliminate even with diet and exercise, many patients undergo liposuction in Singapore, which is one of the most widely performed cosmetic procedures. When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, this is an effective and safe surgical procedure that uses suction to remove fat deposits in specific areas of the body, thereby improving the body's proportions and contours.

Liposuction is an umbrella term used to describe all suction-based surgical procedures that use different tools and techniques for fat removal, including VASER liposuction and traditional liposuction.

What Is VASER Liposuction?

Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance (VASER) liposuction surgery is an advanced procedure that utilises ultrasound technology. It is a minimally invasive technique that employs powerful ultrasound waves that break down and liquefy fat cells without affecting the nerves, blood vessels or structural tissue. As a body sculpting treatment, VASER lipo may be able to effectively remove stubborn fat from localised areas of the body such as the stomach, neck, chin, chest, buttocks and hips.

What Is Traditional Liposuction?

A technique invented in the 1970s, traditional liposuction is generally referred to as suction-assisted liposuction (SAL), which is the basis for all modern liposuction techniques. Other techniques in traditional liposuction include the use of water, laser and power to eliminate fat cells. With the suction-assisted procedure, a small tube known as a cannula is inserted into the treatment site to break up fat cells and gently suction them out. Wearing compression garments after the procedure is recommended to facilitate healing.

What Is the Difference Between the Two Procedures?

Both traditional liposuction and VASER liposuction utilise suction tubes to remove patients' unwanted fat. However, the difference between the two procedures mainly lies in the method used to break up the fat cells.

Traditional Liposuction

• A general or local anaesthesia will be administered prior to liposuction. A plastic surgeon begins the procedure by making a tiny incision through which a cannula will enter to reach the deep fat layer. This step is crucial as working on the superficial layer of the skin may cause injury. By rotating the cannula, fat cells are broken down and then suctioned into a flask by a vacuum device.

VASER Liposuction

• In Singapore, liposuction surgeons inject a local anaesthetic and a saline solution beforehand to minimize bruising. This fluid also makes the fat deposits easier to break down since it wets the area and fills it. VASER lipo penetrates the fat gently with ultrasound energy, unlike the traditional method that uses a cannula, which causes trauma to tissues. Through vibration, fat cells are loosened and emulsified with fluid. A process called aspiration then removes the liquefied fat using gentle suction.

What Benefits Do Each Procedure Offer?

Both VASER and traditional liposuction provide several benefits to patients, including:

Traditional Liposuction

• This may be better suited for patients with a higher body mass index (BMI) or wish to remove a large amount of fat.
• Patients' recovery time takes a week or two with noticeable outcomes within a few weeks.

VASER Liposuction

• In comparison to traditional liposuction, this procedure is gentler, resulting in less blood loss and bruising.
• It identifies and treats fat cells without causing damage to neighbouring healthy tissue, which reduces the likelihood of contour deformities.
• It improves the aesthetic appearance of other body parts by facilitating the transfer of fat cells.
• It is more comfortable and can be performed under local anaesthesia and mild IV sedation in lieu of general anaesthesia.
• The recovery time is faster, usually within 12 hours, while the full recovery takes two to three weeks.

What Makes VASER More Effective than Traditional Liposuction?

The VASER liposuction technique provides better results than traditional liposuction based on the following factors:

• Accuracy - A precise and thorough removal of fat deposits improve contouring results and is also effective in areas with a greater density of fat.
• Skin Tightening - Compared to other methods, VASER involves ultrasound that stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in stretched skin.
• Recovery - Due to the reduced trauma in treatment areas, this method offers a quicker and more convenient recovery time.
• Fat Grafting - VASER provides a higher level of graft take for fat grafting and BBL procedures.

Who Is a Good Candidate for VASER Liposuction?

Liposuction may not be suitable for all patients since there are several requirements that must be met in order for the procedure to be considered. These include the following:

• The patient is at 30% of their ideal weight
• The patient has firm and elastic skin with a well-defined muscle structure
• Individuals who are in good health and do not suffer from any life-threatening disease
• An individual who has realistic expectations regarding the procedure
• The patient is a non-smoker

At SW1 Plastic Surgery, we focus on safety and precision to help patients achieve their desired figure. Our comprehensive and experienced staff, along with our experienced plastic surgeons, allow us to provide individualised and trusted service to our clients. Contact us today for enquiries or to schedule a consultation.