Tried & Tested: Vaser Liposelection

By: Sarah Hedley
Created on 16th November 2009

In this issue, Sarah Hedley puts the latest fat-busting fix to the test

What is it?

Vaser Liposelection is the latest solution for shifting stubborn areas of fat. Whereas previously SmartLipo had utilised laser energy to melt the fat, Vaser uses ultrasonic frequency to selectively emulsify it with much quicker and effective results.

During the procedure the area to be reshaped is filled with a special saline solution that helps numb the site and shrink the blood vessels (to minimise blood loss & reduce bruising). Next, a small probe transmits sounds energy (similar to that used for a cataract removal from the eye) to break apart fatty tissue on contact while preserving other important tissue. Finally, the liquefied fat is removed through a gentle suction process designed to minimise damage to surrounding tissues.

The procedure takes on average about three hours (although this really does depend on the number of areas and amount of fat being aspirated). The first evidence of improved muscle definition can be seen at about two weeks when procedure swelling has decreased. It is also required that you wear the compression garment for this amount of time. Patients typically see the results at about six weeks.

What really happens?

The first step is to see a specialist to discuss your expectations. It should go without saying that it's imperative to choose a reputable surgeon as a good one will tell you that this treatment is not designed for overall weight reduction - it's prescribed for those within a healthy weight range who want to tackle a particular area of fat that doesn't respond to exercise, like a persistent muffin-top around the hips or a heavy double chin.

I booked a consultation with Dr Josh Berkowitz of the Wimpole Aesthetic Centre who's a reputable leader in this field, and asked whether my ‘mummy tummy' could be worked on. I'm not a mum - I just look like one due to a disproportionately rotund potbelly.

This fat surplus could be decreased, according to Dr Josh, who also pointed out possible side effects, including infection and permanently uneven skin surface post-treatment. He then showed me ‘before' and ‘after' pictures of other patients so I fully understood what results where possible.

I left the consultation knowing that I wasn't about to become a body double for Elle McPherson, but that Dr Josh could re-sculpt my figure enough to prevent well-wishers from offering me their seats on public transport and asking when ‘it' was due.

Personal preparation for Vaser Liposelection involved abstaining from cigarettes, alcohol, aspirin and any other meds for a couple of weeks prior to treatment. Then, on the day of the procedure, I arrived bright and early at the clinic for my own ‘before' photos.

After my close-up, dressed in surgical attire and decorated with pen markings that highlighted my fat bits, I was escorted to the treatment room and Dr Josh began his work.

There was very little pain over the two hours that followed; anaesthetic solution was injected into my stomach, incisions were made but not felt, and then first the ultrasonic rod, and then the suction tube was moved back and forth beneath my skin. The sensation was alien and a little uncomfortable with the odd sharp twang, but nothing so distracting as to stop Dr Josh, his assistants and I chatting about holidays.

I was thrilled to see the equivalent of a coke can's worth of fat fill the apparatus attached to my suction tube, and then it was time to shower, and dress my incisions and myself.

This last part was tricky. Post-op an extremely tight ‘compression garment' (in my case, knee-to-chest support underwear) must be worn with strategically placed padded boards for 10 to 14 days, and the dressings beneath the garment must be changed frequently, particularly in the first few days when operation fluids leak from the incisions.

Getting in and out of the compression garment requires certain skills (or a helping hand from a husband, at least). On the upside, it shapes the body better than any Spanx I've ever worn, and will come in handy should I ever need miracle undergarments to get into a (far too) little black dress.

Does it work?

The difference was instantly visible and I immediately felt more comfortable in my size 10 clothes, rather than straining to get into my size 12s. It's now been almost three months since I had the treatment so the accumulative results are also in full effect and I'm happy to report that I'm still a comfortable size 10 and no one has offered me their seat on public transport in ages.

This treatment isn't a licence to live on ice cream and pizza, as remaining fat cells can expand to put you right back where you started, but if you follow life's tedious, yet trusty rules (exercise regularly, eat healthily), Vaser Liposelection will help to reshape your figure and motivate you to keep in shape.

CS&AM