Vaser Faq

Q. What is VASER Liposelection? How does it differ from traditional liposuction?

1. VASER Liposelection is an advanced body contouring procedure that selectively removes unwanted body fat.  An alternative to the harsh techniques of traditional liposuction, VASER Liposelection uses state-of-the-art ultrasound technology designed to gently reshape your body.  What distinguishes the VASER Liposelection procedure is its ability to differentiate targeted fat from other important tissues – such as nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue.  Innovative VASER technology breaks up fat while preserving these other important tissues to promote smooth results and rapid healing.
2.  First, the area to be reshaped is filled with a tumescent anesthetic solution that helps numb the site and shrink the blood vessels. This solution wets and fills the area to be treated, making it easier to break up fatty tissue with the VASER system’s ultrasound energy. Then a small probe transmits sound energy to break up (liquefy) fat on contact while preserving other important tissues. Finally, the liquefied fat is removed through a gentle suction process designed to minimize trauma to surrounding tissue structures such as nerves, blood vessels and other connective tissues.
3. The best candidate for VASER Liposelection is generally no different than a candidate for the traditional liposuction procedure: normal weight individual with firm elastic skin who has pockets of excessive fat in particular areas.
4. Dr. Ishoo has experienced great success in treating all of the following areas: abdomen, thighs, hips, back, arms, male breasts, love handles, chin, face and just about any other body part you need treated.
5. VASER Liposelection is performed in a safe, private and pleasant environment here at Boston Cosmetic Specialists, our state-of-the-art facility located in Marshfield, Massachusetts.
6. Tumescent saline solution is injected to “loosen up” fatty tissue. This solution includes diluted amounts of a blood constrictor [Epinephrine] to reduce bleeding and bruising and an anesthetic numbing agent [Lidocaine]. The percentage of lidocaine and the amount of fluid is carefully monitored and administered to avoid toxicity issues. If this is a serious concern for you or if you are allergy to Lidocaine you should definitely discuss it with the doctor before you make your decision.
7. This varies with the extensiveness of the procedure and the amount of fat removed, the number of sites treated, and so on. It is important that you establish realistic expectations through discussion with your doctor. It used to take weeks, or even months, of painful healing and limited mobility to recover from traditional liposuction. But with VASER Liposelection recovery time is now relatively fast. Patients often return to work as soon as 3 days of undergoing the procedure. VASER Liposelection recovery is made up of several stages. Minor bruising and numbness occur directly after the procedure, but these should disappear within days, if not hours, of leaving the recovery room. The swelling will drop within a week. You will be able to view the VASER Liposelection procedure’s final results in as little as 6-8 weeks.
8. VASER Liposelection allows Dr. Ishoo to treat multiple body areas at one time. Dr. Ishoo will be able to give you a better idea of what is right for you and how much fat will be taken out during your procedure. Bear in mind that this procedure is not intended as a weight loss solution. The goal is to create a slimmer silhouette. You may not notice a significant amount of weight loss, but you should be pleased with your slimmer new shape.
9. This varies with the extensiveness of the procedure-the amount of fat removed, the number of areas treated, and so on. Many patients report that they see results immediately after the procedure with the final result in as little as 6 to 8 weeks. It is important that you establish realistic expectations through discussion with your doctor.
10. This is a common misperception. Following your VASER Liposelectionprocedure, 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. However, because fat is necessary to a healthy body, some essential fat layers in any given area remain untreated. If you do gain a significant amount of weight, the remaining fatty tissue will expand. Normal aging changes can also be expected.
11. “Cellulite” is a term used to describe a specific look of fat in 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 cellulite. There is currently no curative “fix” for cellulite, but we carry other treatments that may diminish the appearance of cellulite, at least temporarily. Please visit our VelaShape page.
12. As with other treatments, costs can vary depending upon the specific nature of the treatment (location of fat pocket, number of treatment sites, extensiveness of treatment, etc.). VASER Liposelection prices range between $3000-$7000 and the typical procedure will last about 2 hours. We offer competitive financing options. For more information visit our pricing and financing page.

Q. How does VASER LipoSelection procedure work?

A.  First, the area to be reshaped is filled with a tumescent anesthetic solution that helps numb the site and shrink the blood vessels. This solution wets and fills the area to be treated, making it easier to break up fatty tissue with the VASER system’s ultrasound energy. Then a small probe transmits sound energy to break up (liquefy) fat on contact while preserving other important tissues. Finally, the liquefied fat is removed through a gentle suction process designed to minimize trauma to surrounding tissue structures such as nerves, blood vessels and other connective tissues.

Q. Who are the best candidates for VASER Liposelection?

A. The best candidate for VASER Liposelection is generally no different than a candidate for the traditional liposuction procedure: normal weight individual with firm elastic skin who has pockets of excessive fat in particular areas.

Q. What body areas can be treated with VASER Liposelection ?

A. Dr. Ishoo has experienced great success in treating all of the following areas: abdomen, thighs, hips, back, arms, male breasts, love handles, chin, face and just about any other body part you need treated.

Q. Where is VASER Liposelection performed?

A. VASER Liposelection is performed in a safe, private and pleasant environment here at Boston Cosmetic Surgery Center, our state-of-the-art facility located in Marshfield, Massachusetts

Q. What is in the infusion fluid? Is lidocaine dangerous?

A. Tumescent saline solution is injected to “loosen up” fatty tissue. This solution includes diluted amounts of a blood constrictor [Epinephrine] to reduce bleeding and bruising and an anesthetic numbing agent [Lidocaine]. The percentage of lidocaine and the amount of fluid is carefully monitored and administered to avoid toxicity issues. If this is a serious concern for you or if you are allergy to Lidocaine you should definitely discuss it with the doctor before you make your decision.

Q. What is my anticipated recovery time?

A. This varies with the extensiveness of the procedure – the amount of fat removed, the number of sites treated, and so on. It is important that you establish realistic expectations through discussion with your doctor. It used to take weeks, or even months, of painful healing and limited mobility to recover from traditional liposuction. But with VASER Liposelection recovery time is now relatively fast. Patients often return to work as soon as 3 days of undergoing the procedure. VASER Liposelection recovery is made up of several stages. Minor bruising and numbness occur directly after the procedure, but these should disappear within days, if not hours, of leaving the recovery room. The swelling will drop within a week. You will be able to view the VASER Liposelection procedure’s final results in as little as 6-8 weeks.

Q. How much fat can be taken? Can you treat multiple areas at once with VASER Liposelection ?

A. VASERâ„¢ Liposelectionallows Dr. Ishoo to treat multiple body areas at one time. Dr. Ishoo will be able to give you a better idea of what is right for you and how much fat will be taken out during your procedure. Bear in mind that this procedure is not intended as a weight loss solution. The goal is to create a slimmer silhouette. You may not notice a significant amount of weight loss, but you should be pleased with your slimmer new shape.

Q. How soon will I see my results after VASER Liposelection ?

A. This varies with the extensiveness of the procedure-the amount of fat removed, the number of areas treated, and so on. Many patients report that they see results immediately after the procedure with the final result in as little as 6 to 8 weeks. It is important that you establish realistic expectations through discussion with your doctor.

Q. What about future weight gain / fat migrating to other areas?

A. This is a common misperception. Following your VASER Liposelectionprocedure, 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. However, because fat is necessary to a healthy body, some essential fat layers in any given area remain untreated. If you do gain a significant amount of weight, the remaining fatty tissue will expand. Normal aging changes can also be expected.

Q. Will VASER Liposelection procedure eliminate my cellulite?

A. “Cellulite” is a term used to describe a specific look of fat in 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 cellulite. There is currently no curative “fix” for cellulite, but we carry other treatments that may diminish the appearance of cellulite, at least temporarily. Please visit our VelaShape page.

Q. How much does it cost?

A. As with other treatments, costs can vary depending upon the specific nature of the treatment (location of fat pocket, number of treatment sites, extensiveness of treatment, etc.). VASER Liposelection prices range between $3000-$7000 and the typical procedure will last about 2 hours. We offer competitive financing options. For more information visit our pricing and financing page.