VASER® Liposuction Cost and Procedure Guide

If extensive bruising, long recovery times or unpredictable results are holding you back from trying liposuction, VASERlipo® might be an alternative to consider.

It may sound similar to laser liposuction, but it's actually an advanced technique that uses ultrasound technology and a specialized device to gently break up and remove stubborn areas of fat. This means you could experience less trauma, faster healing and more precise body contouring than with traditional liposuction.

What Is VASER Liposuction?

VASER® Liposuction uses high-frequency sound waves to selectively target and gently remove fat pockets, minimizing damage to surrounding nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue and allowing for a fast recovery with less pain and bruising.¹

"VASER" stands for "vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance," highlighting the technology behind the approach.¹

Just like traditional lipo, SmartLipo®, Lipo 360 and other types of liposuction, it also stimulates collagen production, which helps tighten the skin over time.²

VASER Liposuction is designed for people who want to eliminate localized pockets of stubborn fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise. Some of the most commonly treated areas include:¹

• Abdomen
• Arms
• Back
• Buttocks
• Calves
• Chest (including male breast tissue)
• Chin and neck
• Flanks (love handles)
• Thighs (inner and outer)

Candidates

Keep in mind that liposuction, in general, is for body contouring, not weight reduction. VASER Liposuction works best for people who:³

• Are close to their ideal weight but struggle with localized fat deposits
• Are in good general health, without serious medical conditions that could impact healing
• Have firm, elastic skin that will contract after fat removal
• Have realistic expectations and a clear understanding of what the procedure can and cannot do

VASERlipo vs. traditional lipo

Knowing the differences between VASER Liposuction and conventional lipo can help you achieve your goals for your body and lifestyle. Both procedures remove unwanted fat, but they use different techniques that affect your recovery experience and end results.

Here is a look at some of the key differences:³

How Much Does VASERlipo Cost?

The average cost of VASER Liposuction can range from $6,000 to $12,000, depending on the area, size, where you live and your provider’s experience.⁴

Is VASERlipo Covered by Insurance?

Insurance companies generally do not cover liposuction because they consider it a cosmetic procedure rather than medically necessary. However, when used to treat lipedema or gynecomastia, insurance may cover the treatment.⁵

How VASERlipo Works

From planning through recovery, everyone's VASER Liposuction experience is unique, but here is a quick breakdown of what you may expect:

Preparation

Just because VASERlipo is "minimally invasive" doesn't mean that you should go into it without proper planning. During your VASER Liposuction procedure, your surgeon will evaluate your health, explain the process and help you prepare by providing instructions and discussing any medications to avoid.⁶

To improve healing, they may also advise you to stop smoking or using nicotine products. Be prepared to ask questions and discuss your goals to develop a surgical plan designed to deliver the outcomes you want.⁶

Procedure

On the day of your procedure, your surgeon will mark the treatment areas and administer anesthesia, which is often local anesthesia with sedation but can also be general anesthesia, depending on your specific case.⁶

During the procedure, your surgeon will inject a tumescent fluid containing a local anesthetic into the targeted areas. This fluid not only numbs the area but also reduces bleeding and makes fat removal easier.

Next, the surgeon will insert a small probe that emits ultrasound energy to gently loosen and liquefy fat cells, while protecting nearby nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue.

Once the fat breaks down, your surgeon will use a thin tube called a cannula to suction out the fat. This method is less invasive than traditional liposuction, allowing for more precise body sculpting.⁶

Recovery

After the procedure, swelling and bruising is typical, which usually improves within a few days to weeks. Your surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions to support healing and reduce discomfort. Here are some important milestones to look for as you recover:⁶

• Initial phase. On days one to three, you may experience some swelling and tightness in the treated area as well as some minor discomfort. By the end of the first week, bruising will start to subside, allowing you to return to your usual daily routines, as your surgeon permits. Because VASER Liposuction is less traumatic than a traditional liposuction, there is usually less swelling, and you may see initial improvement sooner.
• Intermediate period. During weeks two to four, your body may begin to feel less heavy, and the reduction in swelling will continue to progress.
• Long-term results. By the six-month mark, you can usually see the final aesthetic outcome, as your skin fully adapts and settles over the new contours.

Consider Precision Body Contouring

VASER Liposuction is a precise, gentle way to remove stubborn fat and achieve your body contouring goals with less downtime and discomfort than traditional methods. Costs vary significantly based on the number and size of treatment areas, your geographic location and clinician experience. If you’re close to your ideal weight and want to refine your shape, VASER Liposuction may be an option for you.

Financing VASER Liposuction With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for VASER Liposuction and related expenses not covered by health insurance.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Pamela Cagle, R.N., has extensive experience in a range of clinical settings, including ER, surgical and cardiovascular. For the past decade, she has leveraged her nursing experience in writing for health and technology publications such as AARP, VKTR, National Council on Aging and others. She is passionate about blending her medical and storytelling expertise to bring authenticity to health and wellness topics.