What is VASER LipoSelection®?
VASER LipoSelection combines patented technologies with advanced surgical techniques to sculpt the body and remove unwanted fat deposits. The LipoSelection procedure uses ultrasonic energy to break up fat while leaving surrounding tissue - such as nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue - relatively intact. Patients report highly satisfactory results and low to minimal pain*.

Why VASER LipoSelection? Is the LipoSelection procedure different than traditional liposuction?
VASER LipoSelection is a new and very different way to precisely and efficiently remove unwanted fat. An alternative to the harsh techniques of traditional liposuction, VASER LipoSelection uses state-of-the-art ultrasound technology to reshape your body. Only the LipoSelection procedure uses the proprietary VASER® System to first liquefy and then remove fat from the body, which is why it provides such smooth, predictable results. Since it is more tissue selective than traditional liposuction, patients report low to minimal pain and low to minimal swelling and bruising*.

How does VASER LipoSelection work?
High frequency sound energy emitted by the VASER System breaks up fat on contact while leaving surrounding tissues relatively intact. The fragmented fat flows into the wetting solution and is extracted with gentle suction. This process results in smooth, predictable outcomes.

How much fat can be removed?
There are limits to how much fatty tissue can be safely taken from the body. One way to get a good idea for yourself is to stand and bend from the waist. The amount of “loose-hanging” fat you can easily grab above / below your waist will approximate what can be removed. 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 should be pleased with your slimmer new shape.

What body areas can be treated with VASER LipoSelection?
Doctors have experienced great success in treating all of the following areas: abdomen, thighs, knees, buttocks, hips, back, arms, male breasts, love handles, chin and neck areas

What happens during the VASER LipoSelection procedure?
First, the area to be sculpted is filled with a special saline solution that helps numb the site and shrink the blood vessels (to minimize blood loss and reduce bruising). This solution wets and fills the area to be treated, making fat easier to break up with the VASER System’s sound energy. Then a small probe transmits sound energy (similar to that used for cataract removal in the eye) that breaks up fat on contact, while leaving other important tissues relatively intact. Finally, gentle suction of the sculpted site removes the emulsified fat quickly. Thanks to its patented technology, only the LipoSelection procedure first emulsifies and then removes fat in this manner.

Where is VASER LipoSelection® performed?
VASER LipoSelection is performed in a clean environment. Some possible options are your doctor’s office, an outpatient surgery center or a hospital.

What type of results can I expect?
The ultrasonic technology used for the LipoSelection procedure breaks up fatty tissue while leaving other important tissues relatively intact. As a result, treatment with the VASER® System has been reported to result in smooth contouring and low incidence of complications* such as prolonged swelling, loss of sensation or prolonged numbing, blood clots, bruising, blister-like spots called seromas, and skin discoloration.

What’s the advantage of general vs. local anesthesia? Office vs. hospital procedure?
Some individuals find the thought of any surgery very disturbing. In a hospital, under general anesthesia, you are unaware of what is happening – you go to sleep and awaken postoperatively. This method of anesthesia may be preferable if you are having a large amount of fat removed, or having multiple sites treated.

Some individuals find general anesthesia intimidating, preferring to remain awake under local anesthesia – perhaps accompanied by IV sedation. If the treatment is not too extensive, this may be a viable option.

For still others, the convenience and familiarity of their doctor’s office allows for maximum comfort, provided the surgery is not too extensive. Here, under local anesthesia (perhaps accompanied by a sedative), patients experience minimal discomfort while remaining awake but relaxed.

What’s in the infusion fluid? Isn’t lidocaine dangerous?
A 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 of yours, you should definitely discuss it with the doctor before you make your decision.

What is my anticipated recovery time?
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.

What about future weight gain / fat migrating to other areas?
This is a common misperception. Following your VASER LipoSelection® procedure, 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 site remain untreated. If you do gain a significant amount of weight, the remaining fatty tissue will expand. Normal aging changes can also be expected.

Will VASER LipoSelection eliminate my cellulite?
“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.

How can I be certain VASER LipoSelection is right for me?
If you are frustrated by the resistance of certain body areas to diet and exercise, VASER LipoSelection can provide a solution. If you are healthy and seeking a fast, low-pain* solution to losing stubborn fat deposits, the LipoSelection procedure could be your answer. Although there are limits to the amount of fat that can be removed, your doctor can assist you with your decision about potential areas for sculpting, anticipated results, and the recovery process.

How much does it cost? Why pay more?
As with other treatments, costs can vary among surgeons and depending upon the specific nature of the treatment (location of fat pocket, number of treatment sites, extensiveness of treatment, etc.). “Why pay more?” is a question only you can answer for yourself. After talking with a number of potential patients, we have found that most would readily pay a few hundred dollars more to obtain the benefits of the LipoSelection procedure.


* In an independent peer-reviewed published study ["Clinical Application of VASER-assisted Lipoplasty: A Pilot Clinical Study" (2002, March); Aesthetic Surgery Journal 22 (2), 131-146], three prominent plastic surgeons who treated 77 patients with the VASER® System reported low to minimal post-operative pain, bruising and swelling as well as no complications, no required re-treatments, and both patient and surgeon satisfaction.