Liposuction Surgery

Removing Unwanted Bulges with the Vaser™ Liposuction Procedure

Before and After Gallery

WHAT IS THE VASER™ LIPOSUCTION PROCEDURE?

Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance - Liposuction System is an impressive technology that maximizes fat extraction without compromising the comfort and safety of our patients in Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach and Fleming Island. It combines precision fluid management, controlled tissue-selective emulsification, patented probe design and proprietary cannulae. By selectively emulsifying fatty tissue prior to removal, the VASER™ Lipo System enables optimal control during procedures and reduces aspiration time and physician fatigue. It is important to remember that treatment with the Vaser™ Liposuction System is a body contouring procedure and not a weight loss procedure.





WHAT IS TUMESCENT ANESTHESIA?

This is the type of anesthesia that dermatologists and plastic surgeons use to remove localized deposits of excess fat from the body. Dermatologic Surgeons, in the 1980's, advanced liposuction surgery and made it safe for all surgeons by inventing the tumescent technique, or "wet technique". This procedure makes use of a localized form of anesthesia, which allows for less bleeding, enhanced patient comfort and eliminates the need for general anesthesia.

WHO IS THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR VASER™ LIPOSUCTION?

Those who are of relatively normal weight but have pockets of excess fat in localized areas are the best candidates for liposuction. You should be physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in your expectations. Most importantly, having firm, elastic skin will result in a better final contour. Candidates should not be excessively obese and their weight should be within 40 pounds of their ideal body weight. Patients heavier than 40 pounds above their ideal body weight are not encouraged to have this procedure performed until they have reached a more appropriate weight.

Table I. Areas that are commonly treated with Vaser™ Liposuction.

HOW IS THE VASER™ LIPOSUCTION PROCEDURE PERFORMED?

At Ponte Vedra Surgery Center, patients are evaluated by our ADAS medical staff and a complete history and physical is taken prior to surgery. Once determined to be a suitable candidate, the patient is placed on oral Arnica preoperatively to minimize bruising as well as an antibiotic. The actual procedure takes about 2 to 4 hours and requires small painless incisions. To begin the procedure, the cosmetic dermasurgeon infiltrates tumescent anesthesia (Step 1). He or she then makes a small incision, just large enough to allow the insertion of a hollow tube called a cannula. The opposite end of the cannula is attached to the Vaser™ Ultasound System which liquefies the fat (Step 2). The doctor then can easily manipulate a different cannula deep within the fat layers under the skin, further breaking up the fat and suctioning it out (Step 3). Sometimes additional incisions are needed to remove all areas of extra fat. Healing and tissue contraction occurs in approximately one to two weeks (Step 4). Final results are seen at 6 months. Touch up procedures are sometimes needed.

AFTER YOUR VASER™ LIPOSUCTION SURGERY

A fitted elastic garment must be worn over the treated area to control swelling and bleeding, and to help your skin shrink to fit your new contour. You will need to wear this garment for six weeks.

You'll even be heavier for a while, because the extra fluids you've been given. The suctioned areas will be swollen and bruised, and you may feel a burning sensation. The pain can be controlled with medications prescribed by Dr. Harvey, though you may still feel stiff and sore for a few days. You may temporarily lose some feeling in the suctioned area; don't worry-it will return.

For your benefit, we recommend a very nice post surgical kit. Concealing makeup, e.g. Jane Iredale™, can also be used to minimize any unwanted visible bruising.

GETTING BACK TO NORMAL AFTER VASER LIPOSUCTION

Dr. Harvey and our ADAS surgical team advises their patients to start walking around as soon as possible (to help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs). Strenuous activity should be avoided for two to four weeks. Sutures will be removed in five to ten days, and you should be back at work within a week or two. While most swelling and discoloration disappears a week or two after surgery, some swelling can remain for six months or more. Therapeutic massage is a good way to enhance your post op healing and smoothen out irregular skin surfaces.

HOW LONG WILL THE BENEFITS OF THE PROCEDURE LAST?

Vaser™ Liposuction Surgery benefits can be seen for several years. We advise our patients to continue on their exercise and diet plan. In our experience, patient satisfaction has been extremely high for this procedure. As mentioned earlier, touchup treatments are sometimes performed later to enhance your cosmetic results.

HOW CAN I SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION OR TREATMENT FOR THE VASER™ LIPOSUCTION PROCEDURE?

For more information on liposuction or to set up a consultation, click here or call 904-285-7546. Thank you and we look forward to helping you.

Before and After Gallery-(performed by Dr. Harvey)