Difference between Power assisted lipo and VASER lipo - my personal experience

Doing high volume liposuction and multiple area lipo, is a very physically demanding job, especially when patients are men. Male body physique is more fibrous, tissues are tougher than the soft female counterparts. Being a female surgeon, this poses a challenge for me. So the use of the power-assisted liposuction (PAL) came to my mind to help me make the lipo easier especially when I only need to do a debulking procedure and not necessarily a sculpting procedure.

I had the opportunity to use it thru a friend. We used her Power assisted lipo and the VASER liposuction on one patient who wanted to do a full torso lipo. I also encouraged her to try out the VASER so we can compare. To make the procedure short, I did the patient’s chest and she started out on the patient’s abdomen. Power-assisted liposuction is a motorized handle with a special cannula that moves forward and backward automatically and vibrates as well. There was less resistance in burying thru the thick fat, less effort on the surgeon, however, there was so much vibration, not only on the handle of the machine but the vibration is also reflected in the fatty compartment of the patient. It is very traumatic and I’m sure it does not differentiate whether you are sucking out fat or connective tissues. The aspirate was quite bloody and a big part of the aspirate was fluid and not fat. It may lessen the effort of the surgeon but it does not shorten the operative time. It’s not a very efficient machine. And due to the vibration emitted, one cannot do superficial liposuction, cannot go near the rib area, and of course cannot do the face. After the lipo her hands were shaking due to the vibrations emitted by the machine. It’s like holding on a jackhammer.

My doctor friend tried out the VASER liposuction, I showed her the different probes and the ventex cannulas that go with it. She tried the VASER and she realized that she did not have to give too much effort in doing the liposuction because the fat was already emulsified and very soft. Operating time was shorter and she was able to take out more fat, the aspirate was less bloody and the percentage of fat is around 80% of the total aspirate, there was less water aspirated. She only did gentle strokes, no vibrations on the hands, and there was no surgeon fatigue. She actually appreciated how nice and very efficient the VASER machine is, how it can take out more fat and sculpt the body to perfection. She was very happy and was also thinking of buying a VASER system of her own.

This was a first hand trial and I was able to appreciate more my VASER Machine. Buying a Power-assisted lipo machine is out of the question.

The Vaser Body Sculpture

I always look forward to my monthly facials and visits to dermclinics; this time since May was all about mothers, as a mother of 3, I thought of treating myself to something new. As per advised by good friends, I visited Contours Advanced Face and Body Sculpting Institute conveniently located in Paseo de Magallanes commercial center.

I was impressed on how they conceptualized the institute because it definitely does not look like a typical cosmetic surgery clinic. Had I not read fully the name of the institute I wouldn't even have the slightest idea that I stepped in to a surgical clinic.

The lobby or receiving area was calm and serene. Once registered they will then lead you to the adjacent waiting room enhanced once more with its modern classical design.

Definitely not the usual dark, cold and eerie clinics we usually go to. Don't get intimidated by its name, although they are a "body sculpting institute" whose forte lies in the areas of slimming and body contouring (either surgical or non-surgical) they also offer the dermatological services we meticulous ladies love.

As I was waiting for my facial and (the something "new" for me that I decided to try) diamond peel I was lucky enough to meet Dr. Claudine S. Roura, the brains behind Contours who out of concern asked me if everything was okay and made sure I was taken cared of.

I was pleasantly surprised, she not only has the brains, but this young and attractive Board-certified dermatologist is a graduate of University of Santo. Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, my alma matter and with her long list of medical achievements which includes being awarded the 2005 Walter de Groot Phlebology Fellowship, I knew instantly I was in good hands.

Because of her great passion in the art of body sculpturing she had undergone extensive training and is proud to say that she is the first and only cosmetic surgeon certified to do VASER High Definition Liposculpture in the Philippines. She was personally trained by Dr. John Millard of Colorado,, USA and Dr. Hoyos, the "Father of VASER Hi-Definition Liposculpturing".

I am not much of a fan of "liposuction" because first, I wince on the idea of being cut up open and second because of the horrifying stories that I've heard regarding this procedure that is why I couldn't help myself but ask what makes the VASER Hi-Def treatment different from the "traditional liposuction".

Have you ever wondered what happens after religiously going to the gym and miraculously surviving all the diet do's and don'ts and achieving your desired weight and still you haven't actually achieved your desired "drop dead gorgeous body".

To be more specific, as far back as I can remember, after having 3 kids, I have been doing all sorts of crunches just to have my old abdominals backs; the one which I can be proud to show off especially in the beach. I've been doing crunches practically all my life and still not satisfied, then this is where VASER Hi-Definition Liposculpturing comes in.

Dr. Roura said VASER is best suited for men and women who are generally healthy and fit. These are the people who desire a more sculpted appearance without having to go through pumping iron until you reach a "hulk" like appearance, yet in the end still not having the desired body contour.

Contours Medislim Program

Beauty TALK

Summer's Must-Try Procedures

CONTOURS' MEDI-SLIM PROGRAM

2/F South Park Plaza, Paseo de Magallanes, Makati City

(02) 556-4878, 489-8526; 0915-1163911; http://www.contours.com.ph/

WHAT IS IT? A non-invasive way to get a bikini-ready you can flaunt. The procedure instantly trims your tummy, hips, arms, back, love handles, and thighs.

THE COSMETIX FIX: The hour-long session involves three steps: radiofrequency (RF) heating, ultrasound and suction. First, your therapist runs a heated RF device over your bod to melt fat near the surface of your skin and smoothen out the cellulite-induced dimpling. Cosmo tip: If the heat gets uncomfy, ask your therapist to lower the temp. During the ultrasound, a cold rod is run over your targeted areas to break down the deeper layers of fat. THen, the suction macjine loosens the melted fat to make it easier to flush out of your system. Step three is a bit ticklish, so be prepared to let out a giggle.

THE COSMO TEST: We were amazed to see insta-results after the first procedure (three and a half inches off!). But, we were warmed that some of the jiggle would return after. To test it further, we finished a ten-session program, losing a few inches here and there during each visit. The amazing results: less back fat our string-bikini bottoms now tie perfectly over shrunken saddle bags, and we finally don't have to suck in our bilbil at the beach.

THE REAL DEAL: Though the results aren't as instantaneous as liposuction's, this gradual contouring of the body is a great option for those who don't want to go under the knife. To score even better results, couple the program with a healthy diet, so you can continue to keep of the inches you lose with every session.