1.  What is Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction (UAL)?

All forms of liposuction the infiltration of a lidocaine and epinephrine saline solution.  The method of the subsequent fat treatment and removel is what differentiates various liposuction techniques.  In ultrasonic-assisted liposuction, a specialized cannula is used which transmits ultrasound vibrations within the fat.  This vibration bursts the walls of the fat cells, emulsifying the fat (i.e. liquefying it) and making it easier to suction out.  UAL is a good choice for working on more fibrous areas, like the upper back, flanks or male chest.  After ultrasonic liposuction, it is necessary to perform suction-assisted liposuction to remove the liquefied fat.  Ultrasound-assisted liposuction techniques used in the 1980's and 1990's were associated with some cases of tissue damage, usually from excessive exposure to ultrasound energy.  New third-generation UAL devices address this problem by using pulsed energy delivery and a specialized probe that allows Physicians to safely remove the fat.  Ultrasonic assisted liposuction is a three step process.  The first step is infiltrating the tumescent solution into the fat. The second step is liquefying the fat using the ultrasonic probe. The third step is removing the liquefied fat and residual tumescent solution by using variously sized hollow cannulas.

2.  What is VASER?

The VASER Lipo system is a third-generation ultrasonic assisted liposuction device. The VASER system represents a major advance in the application of ultrasonic technology to cosmetic procedures.  The system is designed to preserve as much of the tissue matrix as possible, yet still remove the desired amount of fatty tissue. The VASER works by selectively emulsifying (liquefying) the fatty tissue prior to its removal.  The VASER is best used in fibrous areas of the body including the back, male chest and upper abdomen. The VASER and its proper is an excellent tool for body contouring surgery.

See these before and after images to get an idea of the success other patients have found with Dr. Mitchell and his team.