Vaser Liposuction

Your surgeon will always discuss with you and recommend the treatment that is appropriate for you. During the consultation, the surgeon will also explain the treatment, its results and benefits, the duration of the result and the frequency of repeating the treatment.

WHERE IS THE VASER LIPOSUCTION TECHNOLOGY FROM?

Ultrasound VASER liposuction surgery is the next generation of ultrasound liposuction surgery using new technology, designed and widely used across America, to gently and precisely reshape the body via the removal of fat pockets. The VASER liposuction system is the latest advancement of ultrasonic-assisted systems and is the most advanced approach to fat removal available today. In fact, the technology is so gentle and specific that it was originally designed to treat brain tumours. Chin surgery is an example of an application for VASER liposuction surgery.

What distinguishes VASER liposuction surgery is its ability to differentiate body fat from tissues that are best left undisturbed – such as nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues. This latest generation of ultrasonic energy simply bounces off these healthy and important tissues while targeting and dissolving the less structured fat cells. Your VASER liposuction surgery will actually remove the fat, but leave your other tissues intact. This allows your skin to retract smoothly and evenly after the procedure and minimises pain and bruising typically associated with fat removal. Most patients experience fast recovery and return to normal activities within days.

WHY ULTRASOUND LIPOSUCTION?

Ultrasound liposuction surgery is an exciting new, gentle technology that allows the safe and precise removal of unwanted fat from your hips, thighs, abdomen, love handles, knees, back, arms, neck and chin. With LipoSelection liposuction surgery using Ultrasound, it is now easier to reduce those stubborn spots that won’t respond to diet and exercise.

As a practice known for using the latest technology for the benefit of our patients, we have selected Ultrasound liposuction surgery ensures smooth, predictable results and fast healing. We have thoroughly researched this technology to make this decision with confidence, and as one of the only clinics within the UK to be using this technology, we welcome the opportunity to help you determine if LipoSelection liposuction surgery is right for you. The information below should answer most of your questions about VASER liposuction surgery.

WHERE THE SURGERY WILL BE PERFORMED

VASER liposuction procedure is performed in our Harley Street clinic.

TYPE OF ANAESTHESIA

The VASER liposuction procedure is carried out under intravenous sedation so there will be no pain and you will sleep through the operation.

THE SURGERY

VASER liposuction procedure usually takes between two to two and a half hours depending on the number of areas to be treated.

PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY

You will be given specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medicines.

If you smoke, plan to quit at least two weeks prior to the surgery and not resume smoking for at least two weeks after your surgery. Avoid overexposure to the sun before the surgery, especially on the abdomen, and do not go on an astringent diet, as both can inhibit your ability to heal. If you develop a cold or infection of any kind, it is important to inform the surgeon, as your surgery may need to be postponed.

You will need to arrange for someone to collect you after your surgery, as you will be unable to drive. It is also advisable to have someone to stay with you for a few days to help you out if needed.

BEFORE YOUR SURGERY

In the week before, you should not take any medications containing aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), since these products affect the blood’s clotting mechanism and therefore may lead to excessive bleeding during and after surgery, hence resulting in increased bruising. Taking high doses of vitamin E preparations, eating large amounts of garlic and consuming alcohol can also produce the same result and should be avoided. If pain medication is necessary, we recommend you take ibuprofen/paracetamol.

It is in your own best interests to quit smoking, at least two weeks before and until 2 weeks after surgery. It is well known that smoking causes narrowing of the blood vessels, which leads to a decreased blood supply to the skin, thus slowing and interfering with the healing process.

Be sure to inform your surgeon of any medications you take, as well as possible allergies including (drug, latex, plasters and so on). Your surgeon will decide whether preliminary examinations are necessary, such as blood tests, an electrocardiogram, or x-rays of the lungs. If this is the case, these tests should be performed several weeks before the surgery.

It is best not to wear any makeup when you come in for your operation, and to wear loose clothing that will fit over the garment you will need to wear after your operation.

Do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours before your operation.

Make certain you have someone to collect you and stay with you overnight after the surgery. You are not allowed to travel unaccompanied or drive a car for 48 hours after the surgery, due to the effects of the anaesthetic.

VASER LIPOSUCTION LONDON – THE PROCEDURE

Your VASER liposuction procedure will be performed at London Centre for Aesthetic Surgery clinic under Local Anaesthetic with Sedation (this is not a general anaesthetic). You may or may not be aware of what is going but will you will totally pain-free and will not remember the procedure.

During the procedure, the area to be sculpted is filled with a special saline solution that helps to numb the site and shrink the blood vessels (to minimise blood loss and bruising). This solution wets and fills the area to be treated, making the fat cells easier to liquefy with the VASER Liposuction system’s sound energy (visualize bursting a wet balloon that is fully expanded versus one that has little or no water in it). Then, small probes transmit sound energy (similar to that used for cataract removal in the eye) that dissolves fat cells on contact, while leaving other important tissues undisturbed. High-frequency sound waves target and dissolve less resistant fat cells on contact, while harmlessly bouncing off other healthy and important tissues. The emulsified fat flows into the wetting solution and is easily extracted because it is in liquid form.

Finally, gentle suction and massage of the sculptured site remove the emulsified fat quickly and easily. Thanks to its unique patented technology, VASER liposuction first liquefies and then removed the fat cells in this manner, which is why it is so gentle, effective, and provides such fast, predictable results.

There are limits to how much fatty tissue can be safely removed, and the deepest layers of fat – those surrounding and protecting your vital organs – cannot be taken safely (which can amount to quite a bit of your fat). One way to get a good idea for yourself is to stand and bend from the waist, the amount of ‘loose hanging’ fat which you can easily grab above/below your waist will approximate what can be removed from the abdomen. Bear in mind that this procedure is not intended as a

weight loss solution. The goal is to create a slimmer silhouette. As fat weighs less than water, you may not notice a significant amount of weight loss, but should be pleased with your new slimmer new shape.

AFTER THE PROCEDURE

The operation will take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending upon the amount of fat to be removed. After the operation, you will remain at the clinic for a further 2 hours to allow us to monitor your progress, after which you will be free to leave. You must arrange for someone to collect you from the clinic and to stay with you overnight. You are not allowed to drive for 48 hours after having sedation.

The recovery time from VASER liposuction varies with the extensiveness of the procedure – the amount of fat removed and the number of sites treated. However, with the exception of some activities (heavy lifting and strenuous exercise) recovery from LipoSelection by Ultrasound technology is so rapid that most patients return to normal activities within days as compared with the weeks normally anticipated with other fat removal systems. You should expect to feel some soreness, similar to what you experience if you have worked out a little too hard at the gym, this will last about a week. Other than the slight discomfort, you will be able to resume most of your normal activities immediately.

After the operation, you will need to wear a special garment for one week. The garment will vary in size depending upon the areas that have been treated but usually cover from the knee to the waist. This garment must be worn 24 hours a day for 7 days; you will not be able to shower during this week. After one week you return to the clinic to see the nurse have your bandages and sutures removed. You may or may not see the surgeon during this appointment, but will return after 6 weeks for a postoperative visit with the surgeon.

To get the best possible results, it is recommended that after your VASER Liposuction you begin a course of Endermologie (a machine-assisted massage), which is available at our clinic.

ALL SURGERY CARRIES SOME UNCERTAINTIES AND RISKS.

The FDA cleared VASER liposuction in September 2002, for use in fat removal. The technology used is so gentle and precise that it was originally used to treat brain tumours. It specifically targets fatty tissue while leaving other important tissues undisturbed. LipoSelection by VASER has reduced both the incidence and severity of potential complications typically associated with fat removal, such as contour irregularities, prolonged swelling, loss of sensation or prolonged numbing, blood clots (DVT), bruising, blister-like spots called seromas, burns, skin discolouration and infection. The risks of developing these complications can be further reduced by the patient’s strict adherence to the surgeon’s postoperative instructions. Recovery from VASER liposuction is fast and patients are able to return to their normal activities within days as opposed to the weeks normally associated with traditional liposuction.

FUTURE WEIGHT GAIN

Subsequent to your VASER Liposuction, should you experience weight gain or loss, it will tend to be proportionately distributed over your entire body. Once you have fat removed, it is gone and, assuming a healthy lifestyle of proper diet and exercise, it will not return or migrate to other areas. However, because fat is necessary for a healthy body, some essential fat in any given site will remain untreated. If you do gain a significant amount of weight, these remaining fat cells will expand. Also, although your post-operative shape is relatively permanent (providing you don’t experience a significant weight gain), normal ageing changes can be expected.

CELLULITE

Cellulite is a term used to describe a specific look of fat in the skin overlying certain areas of the body (often described as ‘orange peel’ or ‘cottage cheese’ skin). As we age, almost all of us develop some degree of cellulite. While you may notice an improvement in the appearance of cellulite post-operatively, it is unrealistic to expect that your VASER liposuction will eliminate cellulite. There is currently no curative ‘fix’ for cellulite.

If you have any further questions or queries about this procedure, please feel free to call and speak to either Dr Roberto Viel, Dr Maurizio Viel or any of our nurses. Please note that it is necessary to attend a consultation prior to your operation, this is also the case with existing patients, it may also be necessary to have a repeat blood test.

For more information about the VASER liposuction surgery or if you would like to book a plastic surgery consultation with Dr Maurizio Viel or Dr Roberto Viel please find the clinics’ details listed below.

To book an appointment for VASER Liposuction, please call: 020 7636 4272

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