Have you felt unhappy or self-conscious about excess fat around your belly or other areas? If so, you’re not alone! Thankfully there are modern options to help target those stubborn areas that diet and exercise won’t touch. Here at Dermatology Realm, we’re proud to offer our Memphis-area patients VASER Liposuction and VASER Shape treatments. But how is VASER liposuction different from traditional liposuction? Our team is here to answer your questions!
What is traditional liposuction?
Traditional liposuction has been around since the 1970s, so needless to say the procedure has undergone some advancements. Traditional lipo, also known as Suction-Assisted Liposuction, is the basis for every modern modification and is still widely used today.
This type of liposuction is invasive and often performed under general anesthesia. It requires your physician to continuously move a cannula back and forth until the desired amount of fat is removed. Traditional lipo can remove up to 14 pounds of fat in a single session.
Traditional liposuction can be more efficient for those with a higher BMI. However, the procedure is more invasive than other methods and typically has a longer recovery time.
The VASER Liposuction difference
The innovative VASER Liposuction treatments we use at Dermatology Realm use ultrasound technology to eliminate fat with minimal downtime and discomfort. Instead of the invasive method of traditional liposuction, Dr. Baker can melt fat before gently removing it, giving you smooth results without the pain, bruising, and risks. We perform VASER treatments under local anesthesia, so you’ll have minimum downtime from your procedure. We offer two types of VASER treatments in our Germantown office:
VASER Liposuction
VASER Liposuction is a revolutionary way to approach liposuction. The procedure is performed right here in our office under local anesthesia and won’t result in the bruising and prolonged soreness of traditional methods. VASER Liposuction is a great way to remove excess fat from your upper and lower abdomen, the “spare tire” area, arms, neck, the inner and outer thighs, knees, and nearly anywhere else.
VASER Liposuction is a 2-3 three-to-four hour procedure and requires minimal downtime. Most patients we treat are back to work in a few days and working out within two weeks!
VASER Shape
VASER Shape is a new, painless procedure that can remove unwanted fat and reduce cellulite, and we’re excited to be the first to offer it in the Mid-South! This is a low-frequency ultrasound that Dr. Baker uses to treat localized fat and cellulite. A dual-head, focused ultrasound beam is directed through your skin, which causes fatty cells to implode while leaving the surrounding tissue intact. The lipids and triglycerides released are drained through the lymphatic system.
This process is completely pain-free and requires a series of five treatments two-to-three days apart. Your skin will look smoother, and you’ll see exciting results right away!
So, how do traditional and VASER Liposuction compare?
The most significant difference between traditional and VASER Liposuction is the invasiveness of each procedure. Since VASER Liposuction options are minimally invasive, you won’t experience the bruising and bleeding of a conventional approach. This is an excellent option for patients who are on the go and don’t want to take a large chunk of time out of their schedule.
VASER Liposuction causes less damage to the surrounding tissues, so you won’t have to worry about as much soreness following the procedure. This type of liposuction is also exact so that it can target particular areas.
VASER may not be ideal for more fibrous body tissue and may take slightly longer than traditional liposuction. It may also not be the best option for patients with a higher BMI. When you schedule an appointment at Dermatology Realm, Dr. Baker will walk you through every aspect of treatment so nothing will come as a surprise.
How to prepare for VASER Liposuction
When you’re getting ready for your VASER Liposuction or VASER Shape treatment appointment, Dr. Baker will give you a few steps to take to prepare, including:
- Remove A detailed skin cleaning routine that will include a prescription soap to prevent infection at the incision sites
- Any medications that you may need to stop taking leading up to your procedure
- Information about compression garments that should be worn following your procedure
What to expect after your procedure
Since your procedure is done under local anesthesia, you’ll be able to go home right away. You may experience some slight discomfort for a few days after your procedure, but as we mentioned before, the bruising and bleeding that traditional liposuction causes aren’t likely with VASER treatment. You should be able to return to your routine without any issues!
Schedule an appointment with Dermatology Realm for more about VASER
If you’re considering liposuction to treat stubborn areas of fat, the best thing to do is talk to a professional! Dr. Baker at Dermatology Realm can help you decide if VASER Liposuction or VASER Shape treatment is right for you. Contact our office in Germantown to schedule an appointment today.