VASER Liposuction vs. CoolSculpting

VASER Liposuction and CoolSculpting are two body fat minimizing techniques that have gained popularity in recent years. Both are safe and effective approaches to body contouring. However, for patients wanting immediate, reliable, long-lasting results, VASER liposuction offers significant advantages. VASER liposuction is a “one and done” highly versatile procedure that uses ultrasound waves to break down and dislocate stubborn fat from the connective tissue. The VASER instrument used during the procedure liquefies the fat and suction out via a cannula. This results in natural-looking outcomes for multiple areas of the body that include the abdomen, flanks, back, neck, and more. Results can be seen almost immediately and will continue to improve over time. 

On the other hand, CoolSculpting is a body contouring procedure that uses a device to freeze fat cells, causing them to slowly die and be eliminated gradually by the body. Unlike VASER, CoolSculpting patients require multiple sessions to attain desirable results.

Dr. John A. Millard, M.D. of Millard Plastic Surgery has performed countless VASER liposuction procedures such as VASER Hi-Def lipo and 4D VASER Hi-Def lipo and is a leading authority on liposculpture. In his skilled hands, VASER can achieve what CoolSculpting simply can’t. Make a well-informed choice and see how VASER can dramatically improve your body and self-confidence. Take the first step and schedule a consultation or call the Englewood office at (303) 792-5665

Before and After Photos

About

Many body contouring techniques have come on the market in recent years. They all claim to offer patients a newly contoured body. However, VASER uses advances in an already established field to deliver an effective and precise way to sculpt your physique. This versatile form of liposuction uses minimally invasive technology to achieve desired dimensions. While it does require a few small incisions, it is a highly effective and popular form of body sculpting for patients wishing to give their bodies a slimmer, more contoured silhouette. 

VASER stands for ‘Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance’. This technology uses ultrasound frequencies to break down subcutaneous fat – the fat that rests just below the skin. These sound waves loosen the fat from the surrounding tissues, including nerves and blood vessels. When compared to traditional liposculpture approaches, the advanced VASER technology makes the fat easier to remove, resulting in less bruising, swelling, and downtime for the patient. 

Patients looking to accentuate  other curves of the body can combine VASER with a fat transfer. In a fat transfer procedure, Dr. Millard uses liposuction to gently remove healthy fat cells from an area of concern and redistributes them to an area that would benefit from additional volume, like the breasts or buttocks.

VASER Goes Where CoolSculpting Can’t

vaser liposuction denver

VASER Liposuction and CoolSculpting are both proven effective in eliminating unwanted fat. However, VASER’s  ultrasonic technology has many advantages. VASER can target both deep and superficial layers of fat to create a sleek, optimized body all in one single procedure. In addition, recovery is shorter than with traditional versions of liposuction. VASER technology is also versatile, so patients have the luxury of targeting multiple areas of the body, including buttocks, thighs, calves, and waist. 

By contrast, CoolSculpting uses cooling energy to freeze fat cells. These frozen fat cells are later processed and eliminated by the body, which can take time. With VASER however, the fat is permanently removed during the procedure for immediate results. Furthermore, while with CoolSculpting, only areas of a certain size can be treated due to the shape of the specialized applicators. The only treatable areas are the ones that the applicator can cover. [1] And, once the applicators are attached, there’s no ability to customize a treatment. But with VASER liposuction, Dr. Millard is able to maneuver the cannula to achieve precise results that can be tailored to a patient’s specifications. 

With VASER technology, patients can enjoy more dramatic results in less time than with CoolSculpting. 

What a VASER Treatment Can Do For You

While a High-Definition VASER treatment offers even contours of the body, there are many other added benefits that include:

  • The ability to target multiple areas and create smooth transitions in treatment areas
  • Minimally invasive and requires little downtime
  • Ability to add definition for a more chiseled appearance
  • Immediate fat removal
  • Time-tested surgical procedure with a predictable recovery period
  • Huge boost in self-confidence 

Your VASER experience is an efficient procedure with minimal side effects so you can resume your life faster. By contrast, a CoolSculpting procedure has multiple side effects that make the recovery process onerous. Expected side effects including temporary skin reddening, bruising, and numbness are felt for about two weeks. [2] Although rare, CoolSculpting has an unreported side effect known as paradoxical adipose hyperplasia—a condition where the treated fat expands and hardens instead of shrinking. This can lead to irreversible disfigurement. Recently, Canadian supermodel Linda Evangelista opened up about her harrowing story on social media. After seven CoolSculpting sessions, the supermodel developed hard, bulging, and painful masses under the skin. She underwent two liposuction procedures to correct it but the bulges kept reappearing and left her with keloid scarring.

Treat yourself better with a VASER Hi-Def treatment. Dr. Millard and his  staff will look forward to meeting you during your personal consultation in our Englewood office.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Ideal candidates for VASER are recommended to be in optimal health and nonsmokers. Those that do smoke should be willing to temporarily stop before their procedure and during their recovery. We also recommend those seeking treatment to:

  • Be at a stable, healthy weight
  • Looking to eliminating unwanted fat in the undesirable areas
  • Have isolated pockets of fat in the abdominals, chest, hips, and buttocks
  • Have realistic goals and expectations 

It should be noted that VASER should not be looked at as a weight-loss treatment. Those who are currently slimming down should continue to do so until they reach their target weight. To find out more about this exciting treatment, schedule a friendly consultation at our offices in sunny Englewood.

Your Personal Consultation with Dr. Millard

Dr. John A. Millard, M.D. is a board-certified plastic surgeon with the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) with a specialty in Breast, Body, and Extremity Cosmetic Surgery. He is nationally and internationally known in the profession as one of the leading cosmetic and plastic surgeons in the Denver Metropolitan area. Dr. Millard and his world-class staff are dedicated to transforming your body! Our goal is to not only provide safe and effective service, but we want you to step into the world confidently with your newly contoured body.

Your initial consultation will take place at our office along tree-lined Inverness Drive West, where we offer the latest state-of-the-art body contouring technologies. After an informative discussion and a physical exam, we’ll determine whether you are a good candidate for VASER liposuction. If so, we’ll review your treatment plan, how you should prepare for VASER, and aftercare instructions. 

Schedule your consultation at our office or call (303) 792-5665. You can also schedule a virtual consultation if you are unable to make it to our office. In the meantime, have a look at our informative VASER Liposuction YouTube video or read up on additional treatments we offer on our blog.

How to Best Prepare for a VASER Liposuction Experience

Dr. Millard recommends patients completing a few items before their procedure to ensure a smooth experience. We advise patients to:

  • Stop smoking and drinking alcohol temporarily in the days leading up to treatment
  • Avoid certain medications and supplements including blood thinners 2 weeks prior
  • Arrange to have an adult drive you home 
  • Speak to your employer about taking a few days off
  • Enjoy a good night’s rest

What to Expect on the Day of Your Treatment

On the day of your procedure, our staff will show you to your treatment room. Then, Dr. Millard will mark the treatment area with temporary reference marks. We’ll begin your treatment by administering anesthesia. VASER involves injecting tumescent saline into the treatment area to optimize comfort, break down fat, and reduce swelling. A small probe is then inserted through a small incision. This instrument distributes ultrasound waves that break down and liquefy fat cells. This fat is then delicately suctioned out through a small cannula. Depending on the number of areas you decided upon in your consultation, the length of your procedure may vary. The aforementioned steps may be repeated to each targeted area. Once your ideal aesthetic is achieved, the tiny incision is closed with fine sutures.

Fat Transfer

Patients opting to combine a fat transfer with a VASER treatment can do so in one appointment. This procedure uses your own natural fat tissue to shape your face such as the lips, cheeks, orbital areas, jawline, and temples. Dr. Millard carries out the procedures by making a small incision in the donor area such as the abdomen or thighs. A cannula is inserted to carefully extract the fat. Once extracted, the fat is processed to remove impurities. The fat is then prepared for injection. Dr. Millard will insert the needle in the areas requiring volume until a symmetrical, ideal look is achieved. 

VASER Recovery

Patients can return to their regular schedule in 3-5 days after their VASER procedure. You may experience mild discomfort and bruising. We will give you pain medication to manage your discomfort. We highly recommend regular brisk walks to ensure proper circulation. Please avoid heavy lifting for 4-6  weeks to allow your body to properly heal. Some swelling may occur but will usually dissipate in 5-6 weeks. Strenuous physical activities can be resumed in a couple of weeks.

Your Results

vaser liposuction denver

VASER patients can see some results almost immediately. However, they may be concealed by the swelling. You can see the results in their entirety in about 4-6 months when inflammation and swelling have completely diminished. In six months, you should see a tighter more defined physique. Results are long-lasting so go out and celebrate! Just remember to keep up a healthy diet and regular exercise so that you can prolong your new body contours.

Cost

The cost of a VASER liposuction varies. However, unlike CoolSculpting, patients know exactly what results to expect after a single treatment, and can better anticipate the cost of their desired results. The areas treated and the amount of fat removed are all factored into the final cost. All pricing details will be given to you at your consultation. We offer easy payment plans through our lending partners. You should be pleased to know that we offer periodic specials for your benefit. 

FAQ

Are VASER results permanent?

Fat cells destroyed in the process do not regenerate. [2] This translates to contours that are long-lasting. Patients looking for optimal results are encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle as constant weight fluctuations will compromise results. 

References

  1. Sadick, N., Luebberding, S., Mai, S. V., & Krueger, N. (2014). Cryolipolysis for noninvasive body contouring: clinical efficacy and patient satisfaction. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 201. https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s44371
  2. McKeown, D. J., & Payne, J. (2021). Significant improvement in body contour with multiple cycles of CoolSculpting: Results of a prospective study. Dermatologic Therapy, 34(2). https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.14850
  • Share: