VASER Liposuction

No type of liposuction is intended for weight loss. VASER liposuction aims to improve the contours of one or more areas of your body through targeted fat removal, and fat is measured in volume. The volume of fat removed may depend on the area you’d like to treat and the number of areas you wish to target. The guideline that your board-certified plastic surgeon will most likely follow is to remove no more than five liters of fat at one time. This can be in one area or across multiple areas. While liposuction is not a weight loss strategy, five liters equates to about 10 pounds.

VASER liposuction is designed to be as comfortable as possible. Using ultrasound technology helps break down fat with minimal impact on surrounding tissues, which can reduce discomfort during and after the procedure. You will receive anesthesia to keep you pain-free throughout the treatment. While some mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness may occur afterward, the pain is usually minimal and short-lived. Many patients find that recovery is quicker and easier compared to traditional liposuction. Your team at Somenek + Pittman MD will provide guidance for a smooth and comfortable healing process.

Most patients require a single surgical appointment for their VASER liposuction procedure. However, you will have multiple touchpoints with Dr. Pittman and his team before and after surgery. These include an initial consultation, a pre-operative appointment to review details and obtain medical clearance, the surgery itself, and several follow-up visits to monitor healing and assess results. If additional contouring is desired, a secondary procedure may be discussed during your post-operative follow-ups.

As swelling decreases, initial improvements from VASER liposuction become noticeable within a few weeks. However, the full, refined results typically develop over three to six months as your body fully heals and adjusts to the treatment. Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle will help preserve your sculpted contours in the long term.

Of course! Many of our Washington, D.C. patients choose to pair their VASER liposuction with a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, or body lift to achieve a more sculpted and proportionate appearance.

While it is considered a safe and effective body contouring method, potential complications can include swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, or fluid accumulation. Some patients may experience uneven results or skin irregularities, especially if they have significant skin laxity. More serious but rare risks include infection, blood clots, or prolonged healing.