Unlike traditional liposuction, which focuses on removing fat cells from the front of the abdomen, Vaser lipo 360 surgery removes fat cells from all around the abdomen — 360 degrees. For this reason, the procedure is often called circumferential liposuction as well.
In this article, we’ll explain how Vaser lipo works, how it differs from standard liposuction, what “Vaser” technology is and its benefits, and how to know if you’d be a good candidate for this.
Vaser Lipo Video
What Is Vaser Lipo 360?
Lipo Vaser 360 is a plastic surgery type of liposuction that uses a specific technology and a specific strategy for removing fat. Let’s first discuss the fat removal strategy — the “360” part to help you gain an understanding.
What is Vaser Lipo?
Unlike other types of lipo, Vaser liposuction plastic surgery takes fat from all around the abdomen. Traditionally, if a patient wanted abdominal liposuction, fat would be removed from the entire front of the trunk — from beneath the breasts down to the pubic bone — or from select areas within that zone. The procedure might add the area slightly beyond the patient’s sides (the flanks), but that would generally be the extent of the area treated.
Vaser Liposuction 360 extends this treatment area even further. So, in addition to removing and sculpting the patient’s contours from beneath the breasts, down to the pubic bone and around to the flanks, the entire back and sides of the patient would also be fat-reduced.
What Does Vaser Mean?
Vaser stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance. This is a fancy way of saying ultrasound technology.
360 Vaser Lipo uses ultrasound energy to liquefy treatment area before it is suctioned out of the body. This provides numerous benefits — from less irritation to surrounding tissue in the treatment area to an easier recovery and better overall results.
Vaser Lipo 360 Before and After
Vaser Lipo vs. Traditional Liposuction
Let’s first talk about how Vaser liposuction 360 is different from standard targeted liposuction in respect to the 360 degree circumferential treatment zone.
If, for example, you were to go to a cosmetc surgeon and say you wanted just a little bit of liposuction because of some extra fat you’ve been carrying around on your lower abdomen, you wouldn’t need it. Small pockets can be effectively treated with traditional Vaser lipo while avoiding blood vessels. This procedure would use Vaser technology (ultrasound energy), but you wouldn’t get results on the entire circumference of your trunk because you wouldn’t need them nor tighten skin.
On the other hand, most patients do require circumferential liposuction because they have extra around their entire trunk. This is often the case with individuals who have upper back rolls they are uncomfortable with, excess fat on their flanks (“love handles”), as well as stubborn excess fat on the front of the abdomen.
Now, let’s move on to how Vaser liposuction is different from traditional liposuction.
The most important thing to look at here is how the fat is actually detached from the body and then suctioned out. With traditional lipo or fat transfer, your plastic surgeon is basically making a small incision, inserting their cannula, and using force to literally rip the fat cells out of your body which is different from Vaser Liposuction. This sounds extreme, but it is the way that traditional lipo works different from Vaser Liposuction, which was originally developed in the 70s, operates.
When we contrast this technique with the ultrasound technique (Vaser), you will immediately see how Vaser Liposuction is so much easier on the body — and easier on the plastic surgeon as well, which translates into better results for you.
With Vaser, Vaser Liposuction ultrasound energy is used in between the numbing and aspiration (fat cells withdrawal) phases. This energy permeates the treatment area and effectively loosens the fat, liquefying it to basically a smoothie consistency. This means that when the fat is aspirated, all your plastic surgeon has to do is gently move their cannula around, which, in turn, allows them to be more precise.
There are numerous benefits to this. First, it allows your surgeon to take more fat cells out. With a traditional liposuction procedure, there are limits on the amount of fat that can be withdrawn from the body. Vaser allows for more fat to be withdrawn.
Likewise, the entire process is far gentler. Surrounding blood vessels in the upper arms and etc. Tissue are not damaged as they so often are with traditional liposuction procedures. This means less bruising and bleeding, less risk for deformities, a shorter and more pleasant recovery time, and superior results overall.
Difference Between VASER Liposuction and a Tummy Tuck
VASER liposuction and a tuck are both procedures, but they address different concerns and are used for different goals. VASER liposuction is a minimally invasive technique that uses ultrasound energy to break down and remove stubborn fat while preserving surrounding tissues. Vaser Liposuction is ideal for patients with good skin elasticity who want to reduce fat and enhance body definition without removing skin.
A tuck (abdominoplasty), on the other hand, is a more comprehensive surgical procedure designed to address excess skin, weakened or separated abdominal muscles, and fat. In addition to removing loose skin, a tuck tightens the abdominal muscles to create a flatter, firmer midsection. While VASER liposuction focuses on fat removal and sculpting, a tuck is best suited for patients with significant skin laxity or muscle separation, often following pregnancy or major weight loss rather than Vaser Liposuction.
Strenuous Exercise and Muscle Definition
Exercise is typically restricted during the early stages of recovery to allow the body to heal properly and protect surgical results. High-impact workouts, heavy lifting, and intense muscle engagement can increase swelling, strain healing tissues, and potentially affect muscle definition or surgical outcomes. For procedures involving the chest or upper body, activating the muscles too soon may delay healing or alter final results.
As recovery progresses, patients are gradually cleared to resume physical activity based on their healing timeline and procedure type. Following your surgeon’s guidance on when and how to return to exercise helps preserve muscle definition, maintain results, and reduce the risk of complications. A gradual, supervised return to activity ensures both safety and long-term aesthetic success.
Are You a Good Candidate for Vaser Lipo 360?
There are pros and cons to Vaser liposuction and HD liposuction, so it is not for everyone. You may be a good candidate for high definition liposuction if you:
Have excess fat on your front, sides, and back that you’d like to have removed.
Vaser liposuction can usually be used on any patient who is seeking to remove deposits of unwanted fat and who qualifies for this form of liposuction. However, as the circumferential removal of fat from all the way around the abdomen — should only be performed on individuals who actually need fat removal for their front, sides, and back.
The procedure is more expensive because the treatment area is larger, so if you don’t need this procedure, you should simply reduce unwanted fat with targeted Vaser lipo.
Are in good overall health with no major health issues.
Patients should be in good physical health without major health issues or ongoing health treatments. It’s best if patients do not smoke at all or are able to stop several weeks before and after the procedure.
All plastic surgeons have different guidelines when it comes to maximum BMI or body mass index numbers. With that said, Vaser lipo 360 is not an appropriate treatment for individuals who are significantly overweight or obese. Try to eliminate stress because that constricts blood vessels.
Have good skin elasticity.
The best candidates for liposuction have good skin elasticity. This usually means that younger patients make better candidates, but it does not preclude older patients from getting lipo either. Your plastic surgeon will examine your skin and how lax it is at your consultation appointment to see if you need skin tightening.
Note that if you have too much excess skin, a body contouring, skin tightening, or a tummy tuck may be for you.
Skin Tightening
Skin tightening refers to treatments and surgical techniques designed to improve skin firmness and elasticity after fat loss, aging, or body contouring procedures. As the skin stretches over time due to weight changes, pregnancy, or natural aging, it may lose its ability to retract fully on its own. Skin tightening approaches aim to encourage the skin to conform more smoothly to the body’s new contours, creating a firmer and more toned appearance.
Depending on the degree of laxity, skin tightening may be achieved through minimally invasive technologies, energy-based treatments, or surgical procedures that remove excess skin. In body contouring, techniques such as VASER liposuction can support mild skin retraction, while more significant looseness may require procedures like a tummy tuck or body lift. A personalized evaluation helps determine the most effective skin tightening option for achieving balanced, long-lasting results.
Vaser Lipo 360 Cost
The cost of Vaser Lipo 360 can vary depending on several factors, including the number of treatment areas, the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s expertise, geographic location, and whether additional body contouring procedures are performed at the same time. Because Vaser technology uses ultrasound energy for more precise fat transfer removal and enhanced sculpting, it may be priced higher than traditional liposuction. A personalized consultation is the best way to determine exact pricing, as it allows the surgeon to create a customized treatment plan based on your body goals and anatomy.
FAQS
Can you do 360 and a BBL at the same time?
Combining complementary body contouring procedures, such as 360 Lipo and a Brazilian butt lift (BBL), can lead to dramatic results.
Will I have loose skin after?
No, liposuction does not cause sagging skin. What liposuction does is remove the volume beneath the skin by eliminating excess fatty tissue. However, if the skin does not have good elasticity, it may not retract and bounce back as desired.
Can you gain weight after?
Patients often experience rapid weight and fat return following the procedure, as the body aims to recoup fat and the affected areas fill with fluid used for healing.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial to manage this weight gain and support the body’s recovery process.
Is it a weight loss procedure?
Liposuction 360 is not a weight loss procedure. As a body contouring technique, Lipo 360 won’t significantly alter the number you see on the scale.
Would I go under general anesthesia for my procedure?
In most cases, yes, surgery procedures are performed under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety throughout surgery. Anesthesia allows you to be fully asleep and pain-free while the surgeon works with precision and care. Anesthesia is administered and monitored by a board-certified anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist in an accredited surgical facility.
The type of anesthesia used may vary depending on the specific procedure, its complexity, and your individual health history. During your consultation, your surgeon will review anesthesia options with you, explain what to expect before and after surgery, and address any concerns to help ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
Would I need compression garments after?
Yes, compression garments are commonly recommended after many surgical procedures to support proper healing and optimize results. These garments help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and provide gentle support to the treated areas as your body recovers. Wearing compression as directed can also help tissues settle into their new contours and may lower the risk of fluid buildup.
The type of compression garment, how long it should be worn, and when it can be removed will depend on the specific procedure performed and your surgeon’s preferences. Your surgeon will provide detailed post-operative instructions to ensure comfort, promote healing, and achieve the best possible outcome.
What type of pain medication is prescribed after VASER liposuction?
After VASER liposuction, most patients are prescribed a short course of pain medication to help manage post-operative discomfort, especially during the first few days of recovery. This may include prescription-strength pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications, depending on the extent of the procedure and individual pain tolerance. Many surgeons also recommend transitioning to over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen, as discomfort improves.
How to maintain a healthy lifestyle after a cosmetic procedure?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle after a cosmetic procedure is key to preserving your results long term. Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions, attending follow-up appointments, and allowing your body adequate time to heal are essential first steps. Once cleared for activity, gradually reintroducing regular exercise helps maintain muscle tone, circulation, and overall wellness without compromising your results.
Schedule Your Personal Consultation
If you want plastic surgery to remove stubborn fat around your entire midsection and are considering liposuction, 360 Vaser liposuction could be for you. Schedule an initial consultation today with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Sieber.
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