VASER LipoSelection
- VASER LipoSelection
- Are You A Good Candidate
- Meeting With The Doctor
- How The Procedure Is Performed
- What To Expect After Surgery
- Possible Side Effects And Risks
- How Long Will The Results Last
- Questions You May Have
VASER LipoSelection
VASER LipoSelection is a revolutionary technique for removing unwanted fat pockets from the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, back, knees, neck, and chin. Unlike traditional liposuction techniques, this new procedure targets only the fat cells you want removed, leaving the important tissues - such as nerve, blood, vessels, and connective tissues - largely undisturbed. Because VASER LipoSelection uses refined ultrasound technology, it does not cause the immediate swelling that occurs with liposuction, allowing the doctor to much more precisely sculpt the areas being worked on. This targeted, less aggressive approach results in more precise treatments, exceptionally smooth and shapely outcomes, and much faster recovery times.
The doctors at The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery are the first surgeons in the Washington DC area certified to perform VASER LipoSelection surgery. They have the state-of-the-art technology and special training required to perform this simple and relatively painless procedure that can give you the body you desire.
Are You A Good Candidate for VASER LipoSelection?
The ideal candidate for VASER LipoSelection is within 10 to 15% of their target body weight, exercises regularly, consumes a healthy diet, and has fat deposits that have been resistant to dieting and exercise. At your initial consultation with the doctor at The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery, your individual risks will be evaluated and the appropriate procedure for achieving the results you desire will be determined.
Some areas of the body are better suited for VASER LipoSelection than others. The regions that generally produce the best results are the hips, abdomen, outer things, and neck. However, VASER LipoSelection allows surgeons to work with such precision, even delicate areas such as the face can be successfully enhanced.
Meeting With The Doctor
Prior to scheduling your VASER ipoSelection procedure, you will meet at length with the doctor and staff at The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery to determine if the procedure is right for you and to answer any questions you may have. At this initial consultation, the areas you would like improved will be evaluated and you will discuss how you want these areas to look after surgery. Specific limitations of the surgery will also be discussed.
The doctors and staff at The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery will:- Explain the VASER LipoSelection procedure
- Clearly discuss the potential risks of the procedure
- Outline in detail how the surgery is performed and what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure
- Provide detailed cost and payment information
- Answer all your questions
You will be asked to provide:
- Details about your medical history
- A list of all medication you currently take including over the counter medications such as aspirin, vitamins, and herbal supplements
- Information regarding your tobacco and alcohol use
How The Procedure Is Performed
Your surgery will be performed at the Center for Ambulatory Surgery, Inc. (CASI), where the and staff are dedicated to your complete comfort during and after the procedure. In most cases, local anesthesia with deep sedation can be used. The surgery takes between one to five hours to complete, depending on the extent of the areas being treated. The anticipated length of your procedure will be discussed with you at your initial consultation.
To begin the procedure, the doctor makes a tiny incision in the area to be treated. Unlike traditional liposuction, the incisions required for VASER LipoSelection are extremely small and heal very quickly. A special saline solution that helps numb the site and shrink blood vessels is injected into the targeted area. The doctor then inserts a very thin device that emits ultrasonic waves into the incision area. The doctor is able to use the energy of the sound waves to precisely break down the structure of the targeted fat cells into liquid form. Because the ultrasound energy simply bounces off vital tissues such as nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, it leaves them virtually undisturbed.
Once all the targeted fat cells have been turned into liquid form, the doctor inserts a small cannula. This tube is gently moved under your skin to precisely remove the liquid created by the sound waves. Unlike traditional liposuction, which causes immediate swelling and bruising, VASER LipoSelection causes no immediate - and very little long-term - bruising so the doctor can more accurately see the actual results as they happen. This less aggressive approach creates surgical outcomes that are much closer to desired results than traditional liposuction. Stitches are used to close the incisions, gauze dressings and tape are applied over the surgical area, and a compression garment is placed over the treated areas.
What To Expect After Your Surgery
| Activity | When |
| Shower or Bath | Day After Surgery |
| Back to Work | Two to Three Days After Surgery |
| Driving | As Soon as You Feel Comfortable |
| Normal Activities | As Soon as You Feel Comfortable |
| Fading of Scars | Several Months to One Year |
| Final Contour | Three to Six Months |
Immediately After Your Surgery
In most cases, VASER LipoSelection surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. You usually go home shortly after your surgery is completed. You may be sleepy from the anesthesia and the area around your incisions will be sore so you will need to have someone drive you home. Once you go home, someone will need to stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours. Pain medication will be prescribed to alleviate as much post-surgery pain as possible.
The First 24 to 48 Hours After Your Surgery
During the first 24 to 48 hours after your procedure, you may experience mild to moderate discomfort. The doctor will prescribe pain medication to alleviate as much of the discomfort as possible. In most cases, you can remove the dressings over your incision the day after your surgery. There will be slight swelling, tenderness, and bruising in the area of the incisions; this should disappear within three to four weeks after surgery. Your discomfort level will improve rapidly after the first two days.
The First Two Weeks After Surgery
You will notice a marked improvement in your discomfort level during the first few weeks after your surgery. In fact, you can most likely resume all normal activities within two to three weeks of surgery.
- You may experience temporary swelling, bruising, tenderness, or a burning sensation. These conditions are all normal and will gradually disappear.
- You may shower as soon as you feel comfortable doing so.
Resuming Your Normal Routine
Everyone heals at different rates and you are the best judge of when you are ready for certain activities, but the following are general guidelines:
- You can most likely return to work or school within a week of your surgery.
- You should walk every day, beginning the day of your surgery to promote fast and effective healing.
- You can resume driving as soon as you experience no pain.
- You can most likely return to your physical exercise program within six weeks of your LipoSelection. Our patients are encouraged to plan an exercise program and discuss it with the staff prior to resuming exercise.
- The scars caused by the incisions should be protected from sunlight for at least a year after surgery.
Things To Be Aware Of After Your Surgery
- You may experience a loss of sensation or numbness in the area of your surgery. This is entirely normal and may take several weeks to disappear.
- The skin in the area of your surgery may appear shiny due to swelling. Within a few weeks, the swelling will disappear and the skin will return to a normal appearance.
- You may notice a tingling sensation in the surgical area. This feeling is a result of the healing of the nerves in the area and will go away within several months of your procedure.
- The final results of your surgery may not be apparent for up to six months after the procedure.
What Are Possible Side Effects or Risks?
As with all surgical procedures, there are risks associated with VASER LipoSelection surgery. During your initial consultation with the doctors and staff of The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery, your individual risks will be assessed and discussed. As with any surgery, you can help reduce the risks by closely following the pre and post-surgery instructions provided to you. And the doctor and staff of the Institute will be with you every step of the way to ensure a safe and pleasing outcome.
Some possible side effects include:
- Infection
- Changes in asymmetry of the surgical area
- Wavy or irregular skin contours
- Scarring
How Long Will the Results of Your VASER LipoSelection Last?
With VASER LipoSelection, you finally have a simple and relatively painless way to reshape areas of your body that have collected excess fat deposits. Although there are limits to the amount of tissue that can be removed, in most cases you can achieve the results you desire. These results last for several years. The fat cells in the areas treated are permanently removed. A healthy lifestyle, regular exercise program, and maintaining an appropriate weight keep your body in the best shape possible.
Questions You May Have
Are there other procedures that could be done along with VASER LipoSelection?
If more extensive reshaping and contouring are required, you may elect to undergo a variety of additional contouring surgeries such as a buttock lift, thigh lift, or tummy tuck. These options will be discussed with you during your initial consultation.
Will my insurance coverage pay for my VASER LipoSelection surgery?
VASER LipoSelection surgery is considered cosmetic surgery and, therefore, is not covered by insurance. You are responsible for the full payment of the procedure. Cost and payment information will be fully discussed with you during your initial consultation.
Are there alternatives to VASER LipoSelection surgery?
Options for reducing the amount of fat deposits include weight loss and exercise, especially toning exercises. In addition, other procedures such as a buttock lift, thigh lift, or tummy tuck can also be performed to enhance overall appearance.
