Vases Lipo

VASER liposuction and Smartlipo, PAL and traditional liposuction

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Liposuction is a common cosmetic procedure performed throughout the industrialized world. Liposuction is not used for weight loss but to shape the body and remove fat in areas where it is unwanted, usually on the abdomen, flanks and hips, arms, or on smaller areas such as the neck, shaping around the buttocks and the outside and inside of the thighs. 

Most people have heard of liposuction, but what is less well known is that there are several different techniques and modern technologies and protocols for liposuction and fat transplantation that are suitable for different situations and needs. These more modern methods can remove more fat, result in less downtime and, to a certain extent, tighten the skin at the same time. If you ask the man on the street, they may think of the traditional liposuction method, which literally involves a vacuum-like suction method and which many still use as their only method. In many cases, this is good enough, especially in connection with the simultaneous surgical removal of skin that leaves a scar, as the amount of skin removed is then adjusted. However, there are increasingly less invasive and more advanced methods for treating these unwanted fat areas, where the incisions are made in areas that are not visible or for patients with fat and less excess skin who do not want scars. VASER lipo is an example of this protocol, while laser liposuction is a more traditional method for achieving some of the same results.

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What is VASER liposuction?

VASER Lipo is a reliable liposuction method that in many cases provides better results, tighter skin, and shorter recovery times. Since VASER is more targeted and breaks down the fat into smaller pieces before it is suctioned out, it is generally better for sculpting and improved definition than traditional liposuction. We use a VASER probe during the procedure before liposuction to transfer ultrasound energy. This breaks up the fat and makes it easier to remove larger amounts, while the surrounding tissue such as nerves and blood vessels remain unaffected. The fat is then suctioned out in liquid form.

VASER Lipo is an abbreviation that stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance, and is an innovative type of ultrasound-assisted liposuction. In short, VASER shakes the fat like grapes from a bunch, helping to liquefy the fat deposits, which makes removal much easier and more effective. In addition, it provides an effective method without causing significant damage to the surrounding and healthy tissue compared to traditional liposuction. In all liposuction procedures, a mixture of fluid and local anesthetic and substances that prevent bleeding is first injected. Then, using an ultrasound probe under the skin, ultrasound waves are applied to the fat deposits. The sound waves shake the fat into smaller components and emulsify it, making it easier to remove afterwards. This method also produces very fine fat for fat transplantation. The remaining fat in the area acts as a fat tissue graft and distributes evenly, giving consistent results. The heat serves to tighten the skin, e.g. on the stomach, back, or arms where there may be sagging skin, for example under the bra, on the stomach, or smaller "love handles." This method is also the preferred method for high-definition liposuction ("hi def lipo") or liposculpture, where liposuction can be performed according to positive and negative vectors, i.e., where there should be light and shadow in relation to the underlying contours and musculature.

What is Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL) or vibration-assisted liposuction?

Power-assisted liposuction, or vibration-assisted liposuction, uses a specialized cannula that vibrates rapidly to break up the fatty tissue into smaller pieces. The cannula is the thin metal tube used to suction out the fat during any liposuction procedure. The vibrating cannula's oscillating action allows Dr. Vigen to shape the desired area with less manual work, allowing him to focus on removing the right amount of fat to create the desired contour, and is suitable for removing larger amounts of fat quickly.

In addition to increased precision, vibration-assisted liposuction has also been shown to result in less bruising for patients. Because the cannula is able to break up fat so effectively, liposuction procedures using these devices are much faster than traditional methods. Studies have shown that procedures performed with this method are on average 30-50 percent faster. Finally, the reduction in manual movements makes vibration-assisted liposuction ideal for sculpting the abdomen, flanks, or, for example, male breasts (gynecomastia) or female breasts for breast reduction where in some cases the skin is tight enough. This method reduces surgeon fatigue, making it easier to continue for a long time until the desired result is achieved. Liposuction can be physically demanding and sometimes take 2-4 hours for larger procedures, which in some cases requires the PAL technique to help remove the fat more efficiently and prevent the surgeon from becoming tired, resulting in insufficient fat removal. 

Vibration-assisted liposuction may or may not be the best method for achieving the results you desire. The only way to find out for sure is through a consultation with Dr. Vigen. He can assess your needs and desired appearance and determine the best way to help you achieve it.

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What is laser liposuction (Smartlipo, Slimlipo, Fotona R27)?

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Vaser lipo is simply a further development of the traditional laser lipo technique that came before it. Laser lipo aims to achieve the same goal of melting fat cells, enabling easier and more effective extraction. However, instead of an ultrasound probe, a probe with a laser fiber is used to break down the fat. The primary difference comes from the way the heat energy is applied and the effect it has on the fat cells. Laser lipo or Smartlipo breaks down the fat with very high energy at a tip. This is effective for removing more resistant fat, such as on the neck or in smaller areas where you want to selectively remove fat. The procedure is gentle because the fiber is moved slowly and carefully under the skin, resulting in smaller incisions, and it is also suitable for performing under local anesthesia. The procedure is particularly suitable for smaller liposuctions and significantly reduces swelling afterwards. The remaining fat dies and disappears over time. It is important to go to a clinic that suctions out the fat afterwards, as lipolysis (fat destruction) alone will leave large amounts of dead necrotic fat and will not give good results. Note that only plastic surgeons are allowed to perform liposuction. Because the fat is destroyed and dies, it is not suitable for fat transplantation. Another advantage is that the laser also tightens the skin from underneath. It is important to go to an experienced practitioner who uses the right amount of energy for skin tightening, and not too much, which can leave scars, burns, or unevenness in the skin. If the technique is used correctly, it is a very good method for selectively removing fat and tightening the skin at the same time. Since the fat is broken down with the probe and minimal force is used, and it is most often used for smaller areas, the procedure is also suitable for local anesthesia, as you will be sufficiently numb. At our clinic, approximately 50% of patients wish to be asleep during the procedure with anesthesia personnel present, while the remaining 50% wish to remain awake because they want to drive home themselves, are having smaller areas treated, or are skeptical about anesthesia. Please note that only clinics with anesthesia personnel present are permitted to administer anesthesia.

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What are the differences between Laser and Vaser Lipo?

This may sound quite similar, but there are major differences between the various liposuction methods, which also lead to different results. First and foremost, the heat or technology used to emulsify or break down fat is completely different. Traditional liposuction uses mechanical energy, either by shaking or using vacuum and force to quickly move a suction needle back and forth. This creates small channels in the fatty tissue, almost like Swiss cheese. The advantage of this is that it is cheaper for the clinic because there is no investment, and it is quick and often ideal in combination with other methods. In some cases, this is good enough. Most clinics only offer this method. Beyond this, both Vaser and Smartlipo offer some advantages that traditional liposuction does not, and you should choose a clinic that can freely choose between different methods to see which method is best for you. The way the energy is delivered between laser and VASER is different. With laser lipo, the energy at the tip of the probe is very intense, almost like a laser sword. This means that the heat is very intense and spread over a very narrow distribution area. This is good for breaking down fat in specific areas, but in the wrong hands it can cause unevenness and indentations in the fatty tissue, especially if the liposuction is too superficial, as well as a risk of burns. At the same time, with the right settings and superficial, well-distributed use, it can provide a nice tightening of the skin in certain areas, eliminating the need for plastic surgery to remove skin and leave scars. With VASER lipo, a much larger ultrasound probe is heated, providing a much wider spread and distribution of heat. There is another significant change in V - vibration. This shakes the fat into smaller pieces and emulsifies it, making it easy to remove, which is ideal for fine fat grafting, and the fat that remains is distributed very evenly as a fat tissue graft, leaving more even results.In addition, the more widespread distribution of heat will tighten the skin over a much larger area than conventional liposuction. Because of this, most international plastic surgeons consider VASER liposuction to be the first choice and the most exclusive for effective liposuction and liposculpture, providing the highest quality results. Because it is a very expensive investment and also takes twice as long, the procedure will be more costly. We cannot show before and after pictures online, but these can be shown during a consultation. To get an idea of the results that can be achieved with VASER lipo, you can search for #VASER or #Vaserlipo on social media and find these on accounts other than Norwegian ones, which are restricted by marketing legislation.

The best way to choose between VASER lipo, Smartlipo, and traditional liposuction is to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon who is skilled in all methods and who can evaluate your individual needs, goals, and whether there are medical reasons to choose one method over another.
Ultimately, the choice between techniques will depend on several factors, including the amount and location of fat, your health, the plastic surgeon's experience with different methods, and your desired outcome. The plastic surgeon can provide you with further information about the advantages and disadvantages of each technique and help you make an informed decision based on your wishes and needs.

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Combination procedure

More and more people are combining different types of liposuction with other procedures. For example, removal of implants and high-definition liposuction and fat transfer to Breast replacing silicone implants with fat, replacing implants with fat), or breast lift and mommy makeover and liposuction procedures at the same time. 

We also perform many liposculpture procedures, where we remove fat and shape the fat on the body, for example by creating the appearance of abdominal muscles or transplanting the fat to other areas to increase volume in areas such as Breast buttocks.

Preferred method

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Dr. Alexander Vigen will typically recommend VASER lipo for liposuction procedures. The targeted ultrasound energy gives him more control over your surgery. Not only that, but VASER leads to reduced side effects. In some cases, other methods such as PAL for large areas or smartlipo for smaller areas are recommended, but there may also be recommendations that go slightly against this. At clinics that do not have either PAL or VASER, it will be more physically demanding for the surgeon to remove a sufficient amount of fat in some situations. Contact our team to find out if you are a candidate for one of the treatments. We are happy to answer your questions and address your concerns.

Preparing for your consultation

Although both traditional liposuction and VASER liposuction are generally safe, it is important to have a consultation to assess your wishes and needs. At your meeting with Alexander Vigen, you should show him the problem areas and explain your wishes. He will ask you about your diet and exercise habits and find out whether you are a candidate for the procedure, as well as about your health, any medications you are taking, and any medical conditions you may have. This is essential in order to arrive at a good, tailor-made treatment plan based on your needs.

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For consultation, book an appointment here