VASER (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) is one of the new technologies applied to conventional mechanical liposuction, to achieve superior results and safety. VASER, simply means that liposuction cannula is additionally powered with ultrasound energy at the tip. Vaser liposuction was first introduced by Michelle Zooch in the year 1990’s. It is an advanced form of liposuction surgery that does not uses laser. Under vaser liposuction, ultrasound energy of high frequency is passed through the probes which are made upon the fat layers. The ultrasonic waves liquefy the fat which is then sucked out with the help of a ‘cannula’.
Conventional liposuction involves introduction of hollow metal blunt tip cannulas with side holes (similar to straw) into the fatty layer under the skin through small cuts, under anaesthesia. Cannula is attached through tubing to a negative pressure liposuction machine. When surgeon moves the cannula back and forth into the fatty layer, it breaks through softer fatty tissue with causing relatively less damage to tougher surrounding tissues namely blood vessels, nerves and fibrous connective tissue. Fat is usually loosened prior to liposuction by injecting tumescent fluid, which also helps in shrinking blood vessels and thus reducing blood loss. Limitation of conventional liposuction is blood loss which can be significant when larger than 5-7 percent of body fat is aspirated in a single sitting. Additionally it gets tiring for the surgeon to remove larger amounts of fat especially from tougher areas like back, male chest and abdomen.
VASER liposelection is 3rd generation ultrasound assisted liposuction technique. After injection of tumescent solution special solid titanium VASER cannulas with grooved tip, is introduced into fatty layer through small cuts in skin and surgeon moves the cannula gently back and forth delivering ultrasound energy evenly to the tissue. Ultrasound selectively breaks down fat cells without causing collateral damage to blood vessels, skin, nerves or fibrous tissue. This is why it is called VASER liposelection. After the fat is liquefied with VASER energy, it is suctioned out with hollow cannulas as usual.
According to a survey done by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 84% of the patients were satisfied with this surgery. Out of 306 patients, 257 patients were satisfied with this surgery as no skin reactions occurred. In 2002, the Vaser Lipo technique has acquired clearance from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the United States for body contouring. Vaser lipo is also known as vaser liposelection. It involves the use of advanced surgical techniques to sculpt the body by getting rid of unwanted fatty deposits. The process enables the plastic surgeons to achieve predictable outcomes. The saline solution that is injected into the targeted area that helps in shrinking blood vessels and ensures minimal blood loss and bruising. It can be used on body areas such as chin, face, neck, arms, back, chest, hips, abdomen, buttocks, thighs, knees and so on. It enables the removal of large volumes of fat within a short period of time. Therefore, it is suitable for both larger and smaller body areas.
It is ideal for both men and women. Men who want to undergo breast reduction surgery or Gynecomastia or those women who want to augment the size of their breast, i.e. Augmentation Mammaplasty. Various other types of surgeries are also performed with this procedure.