What is VASERLipo?
VASERLipo™ is a revolutionary technique for removing unwanted fat pockets from various parts of the body. This form of liposuction can also reduce the appearance of cellulite. Unlike traditional techniques used in other practices, VASERLipo targets fat cells without damaging surrounding tissue. This targeted and less aggressive approach is more precise, gets exceptionally smooth and shapely outcomes, and has a much faster recovery time.
How is VASERLipo Liposuction Performed?
Prior to scheduling your VASERLipo procedure, patients will meet at length with Dr. Ruff, Dr. Arsalan, and their team at West End Plastic Surgery. They will discuss whether the procedure is right for you, answer any questions you may have, and detail the risks of surgery. Additionally, Dr. Ruff and Dr. Arsalan will evaluate any areas you would like to improve and discuss how you want these areas to look after surgery. Patients will need to provide their medical history and a list of medications they are currently taking, including aspirin, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Your liposuction procedure will be performed in our state-of-the-art surgical suite or at one of the area hospitals where our surgeons operate. They have the top technology and special training required to perform this simple and relatively painless procedure that can give you the body you desire. In most cases, local anesthesia with deep sedation can be used. Depending on the extent of the treatment areas, surgery can take from 1 to 5 hours.
To begin the procedure, Dr. Ruff and Dr. Arsalan will make a tiny incision in the treatment area. Unlike traditional liposuction, the incisions for VASERLipo are extremely small and heal very quickly. Next, they will inject a special saline solution that helps numb the site and shrink blood vessels. Then, Dr. Ruff and Dr. Arsalan will insert a very thin device that emits ultrasonic waves into the incision area. The sound wave energy precisely breaks down the structure of the targeted fat cells into liquid form. The ultrasound energy bounces off vital tissues, leaving them virtually undisturbed.
Once all the targeted fat cells have become liquid, Dr. Ruff and Dr. Arsalan will insert a small cannula and gently move it around to remove the liquid. Because VASERLipo uses refined ultrasound technology, there isn’t the immediate swelling that occurs with traditional liposuction, allowing Dr. Ruff and Dr. Arsalan to precisely sculpt the treatment areas. This less aggressive approach creates surgical outcomes that are closer to ideal results than traditional liposuction. Finally, our staff will use stitches to close the incisions and apply gauze dressings, tape, and compression garments over the surgical area.
VASERLipo Target Areas
Some areas of the body are better suited for Liposuction than others. VASERLipo provides precise results so even delicate areas such as the face can be successfully enhanced. The most common regions for VASERLipo include:
- Abdomen
- Arms
- Back
- Chin
- Hips & Flanks
- Neck/Chin Area
- Outer/Inner Thighs
This image is 6 weeks post-Vaser Liposuction of the abdomen and flanks with Dr. Amir Arsalan.
Liposuction with Renuvion
Renuvion is the only device FDA-cleared to be used after liposuction. Liposuction effectively removes fat volume, leaving behind empty space which may increase the appearance of excess or loose skin. Renuvion goes beneath the surface and applies precise energy directly to the source of the loose skin. This energy contracts the collagen fibers and pulls the skin down, closer to the muscle, for a more contoured appearance. By adding Renuvion to these procedures, physicians have another tool to help them obtain optimal liposuction results.
Using Renuvion after liposuction allows patients, with minimal to moderate skin redundancy, to attain high-definition results that were once only available with skin excision. Renuvion and liposuction are the gold standards for amazing body contouring results.
We’re as thrilled with our patients’ results as they are. Check out our before-and-after photo gallery and see for yourself the kind of work our talented surgeons do.
Dr. Paul Ruff Explaining VASERLipo:
Recovery after Liposuction with VASERLipo
In most cases, VASERLipo surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. You can typically go home shortly after your surgery is complete but the use of anesthesia requires that you do not drive home. Pain medication will be prescribed to alleviate as much post-surgery pain as possible. In most cases, you can remove the dressings over your incision the day after your surgery and can shower as soon as you feel comfortable.
Everyone heals at different rates, and you are the best judge of when you are ready for certain activities. Patients often resume all normal activities within 2 to 3 weeks of surgery as the swelling and bruising subside. Walking every day promotes fast healing so patients can drive once they are comfortable and return to work within a week. After about 6 weeks patients can return to their exercise routines. Scars will require the most healing time and should be hidden from the sun for at least a year.
| Shower or Bath | Day After Surgery |
| Back to Work | 2 to 3 Days After Surgery |
| Driving | As Soon as You Feel Comfortable |
| Normal Activities | As Soon as You Feel Comfortable |
| Fading of Scars | Several Months to 1 Year |
| Final Contour | 3 to 6 Months |
What Results should I expect after Liposuction using VASERLipo?
With VASERLipo, you finally have a simple and relatively painless way to reshape areas of your body that have collected excess fat deposits. Although there are limits to the amount of tissue that can be removed, in most cases you can achieve the results you desire. These results last for several years as the fat cells in the treatment area are permanently removed. A healthy lifestyle, regular exercise program, and maintaining an appropriate weight keep your body in the best shape possible.
How Much Does Vaser Liposuction Cost in Washington, DC?
The cost of Vaser Liposuction starts at around $4,000 per hour. The price will vary depending on the extent of treatment necessary to deliver your desired results. During your consultation, our surgeons will assess your cosmetic goals and develop a treatment plan tailored to meet them. The starting price is provided for your convenience, and it is important to note that it does not encompass facility or anesthesia fees. The comprehensive cost, inclusive of all potential fees, will be confirmed during your visit.
We also offer financing options, including CareCredit® and Alphaeon®, to help you with the cost of your cosmetic surgery.
How long after any liposuction procedure will I see my results?
At West End Plastic Surgery, we take pride in providing liposuction options that create less tissue trauma and bruising, require smaller incisions, and make for easier overall recoveries. After any of our liposuction procedures, you’ll initially have compression bandages over the treated area.
Those will be replaced relatively quickly with compression garments once your bandages are removed.
Compression garments have a couple purposes for our liposuction patients. First, they help to minimize swelling and subsequent bruising. Second, they help the outer tissues slim down and tighten over your slimmer contours without the underlying fat.
So, while you’ll instantly see a difference with your areas addressed with liposuction, you’ll need to wait a few weeks to see your results once your swelling fully subsides. For the nuances created with your slimmer contours, you will need as much as three or four months to fully see your final results.
How much weight can you lose with a liposuction procedure?
At West End Plastic Surgery, we require our liposuction patients to be within 10 to 15 percent of their ideal body weight. That’s because liposuction isn’t a weight-loss procedure; it’s a body contouring procedure. Liposuction is meant to remove stubborn pockets of fat that don’t respond to changes in diet and exercise. It’s actually dangerous to remove too much fat in a single liposuction session.
CoolSculpting: Non-Surgical Alternative for Liposuction
Do you have stubborn fat and you aren’t ready to have Liposuction? West End Plastic Surgery offers CoolSculpting, a non-surgical alternative that freezes away fat.
The results achieved with CoolSculpting and Liposuction are similar - both treatments eliminate stubborn fat from various parts of the body. Specifically, CoolSculpting stimulates the natural elimination of fat without having surgery; liposuction extracts fat through a small tube.
Since CoolSculpting is not a surgical procedure, it doesn’t involve incisions or the insertion of a surgical instrument beneath the skin, therefore bruising and swelling are uncommon.
However, if you do go with CoolSculpting, multiple treatments would be needed to meet your desired outcome. During your consultation at West End Plastic Surgery, our team will review this in detail and discuss a treatment plan that best fits your needs.
Does Insurance Cover Liposuction Surgery?
Liposuction is considered cosmetic surgery and, therefore, is not covered by insurance. You are responsible for the full payment of the procedure. Cost and payment information will be fully discussed with you during your initial consultation.
Who Is The Ideal Candidate For Liposuction?
Liposuction is one of those procedures that is highly individualized. People get this cosmetic procedure for a variety of reasons, such as feeling self-conscious or having fat deposits that are not going away from eating a healthy diet and exercising. However, liposuction is not a procedure anyone can get on a whim. You must first be deemed a suitable candidate first.
You are considered to be an ideal candidate for liposuction if you meet the following criteria:
- You are a non-smoker.
- You are within 30 percent of your ideal weight.
- You have good muscle tone.
- You have firm skin.
- You have a positive outlook on the results.
- You have realistic expectations regarding the procedure.
- You are willing to follow the plastic surgeon’s orders.
What Are The Risks of Liposuction?
Liposuction can help you achieve your ideal appearance. However, this procedure is not for everyone as there are plenty of risks to take into account.
Below are the risks of getting liposuction:
- Numbness
- Increased chance of contracting an infection
- Fat embolism
- Lidocaine toxicity
- A buildup of fluid
- Internal puncture
- Irregularities with your contour
You will need to decide whether or not the benefits of liposuction outweigh the risks. The doctor will go into more detail regarding the risks during your consultation.
Are There Different Types of Liposuction?
Yes, there are multiple variations of the liposuction procedure. Suction-assisted liposuction is the most commonly performed procedure. It is when a surgical vacuum called a cannula sucks out the unwanted fat deposits after a small incision is made in the target area.
Here are the other types of liposuction you can choose from:
- Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL)
- Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL)
- Power-assisted liposuction (PAL)
Dr. Paul G. Ruff and Dr. Amir Arsalan will go over these types of liposuction in greater detail during your consultation with him.
Are There Any Specific Pre-Surgery Instructions I Need to Follow?
Preparing for liposuction in Washington, D.C., involves some essential steps. Your surgeon will provide detailed pre-surgery instructions. They may include:
- Avoiding certain medications and supplements, especially those that can increase bleeding risk (blood thinners, NSAIDs, etc.).
- Stopping smoking for at least a few weeks before surgery. Smoking can impede healing.
- Asking someone to drive you home post-procedure and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
- Ensuring you have comfortable, loose clothing to wear post-surgery.
- Staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet to encourage long-term healing.
Can I Combine Liposuction and Other Surgeries?
Yes, you can combine liposuction with other cosmetic procedures. Doing so can enhance overall results and reduce the amount of time you spend recovering. Common combinations include:
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): Removing excess skin and tightening abdominal muscles along with fat removal.
- Breast Augmentation or Breast Reduction: Sculpting the body for a balanced, proportionate look.
- Facelift: Enhancing facial contours by removing extra fat in areas like the neck and jowls.
Should I Wear Compression Garments After Surgery?
Yes, wearing compression garments after liposuction is essential. They help to:
- Reduce swelling
- Support the healing tissues
- Improve body contours by ensuring the skin contracts smoothly to your new shape.
Typically, patients wear these garments for several weeks. Your surgeon will share specific guidelines following your procedure.
How Do I Maintain My Results After Liposuction?
Maintaining liposuction results requires a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips to help you keep your new shape:
- Exercise Regularly: After you’ve recovered, incorporate both cardiovascular and strength-training exercises into your routine. Doing so will help you maintain a healthy weight and muscle tone.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid excessive sugar and unhealthy fats.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and support overall well-being.
- Stick to Your Follow-up Schedule: Attend scheduled appointments with your surgeon to monitor progress.
Will I Have Visible Scars After Liposuction?
Liposuction involves small incisions, which generally result in minimal scarring. Your surgeon will strategically place incisions in inconspicuous areas to reduce visibility.
Over time, any scars that do form will likely fade and become less noticeable. Using surgeon-recommended scar care treatments can also aid in minimizing their appearance.
What Should I Expect During the Initial Consultation for Liposuction?
During the initial consultation at West End Plastic Surgery, you can expect a comprehensive and personalized evaluation. Your surgeon will:
- Discuss Your Goals: They will learn your aesthetic objectives and what you hope to achieve with liposuction.
- Conduct a Medical History Review: This review includes any previous surgeries, current medications, and any conditions you may have.
- Perform a Physical Examination: They will conduct a physical examination to assess your body contours, skin elasticity, and areas of excess fat.
- Develop a Treatment Plan: They will tailor a plan to your needs and goals. This process includes discussing the locations to be treated and the amount of fat to be removed.
- Address Questions and Concerns: They will discuss any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure, recovery, and expected outcomes.
- Review Before and After Photos: They will show you before and after photos of previous patients to give you an idea of potential results.
Why Choose West End Plastic Surgery?
The West End Plastic Surgery team is dedicated to excellence and compassion. Dr. Paul G. Ruff IV, Dr. Amir Arsalan, Dr. Lexie Wang, and our skilled medical professionals work hard to promote our community’s well-being. Dr. Ruff is a double-board-certified plastic surgeon, and Dr. Wang is a board-certified surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the face and neck region. They offer innovative treatments tailored to each patient’s unique needs. They also ensure that everyone is treated with the utmost respect and dignity.
At West End Plastic Surgery in Washington, D.C., we value the doctor-patient relationship. We’re committed to fostering mutual trust and understanding throughout your journey. Our team is experienced in both surgical and non-surgical services. It doesn’t matter if you seek liposuction or another aesthetic treatment. You can trust that our staff will deliver the highest standards of care and support.
Schedule a Consultation for Liposuction
Dr. Paul G. Ruff IV, FACS and Dr. Amir Arsalan of West End Plastic Surgery is one of the first plastic surgeons certified to perform this advanced type of liposuction in the Washington, D.C. area. If you want to learn more about VASERLipo, request a consultation online or call our office at 202-785-4187 and a member of our knowledgeable staff will schedule a consultation.
