Mr Christopher West, plastic surgeon Book a consultation
Mr Christopher West in blue scrubs and a red theatre cap in an operating theatre.

VASER liposuction

Liposuction that uses ultrasound to break up fat cells before removal.

Book a consultation Questions and answers

The operation

Despite regular exercise and a good diet, many people find they have stubborn pockets of fat that they cannot get rid of. VASER liposuction is a technology that uses ultrasound to break up the fat cells, making them easier to extract. This makes VASER an option to reshape, contour and sculpt the body. The Coppergate Clinic in York is able to offer this technology to its patients.

The ultrasonic energy released from the VASER probe melts the fat, allowing the surgeon to precisely target the fat to be removed. VASER liposuction can be performed alone. If it is only a small area, it can sometimes be done with the patient awake. It is often combined with other procedures such as a tummy tuck, an arm lift and Renuvion skin tightening while under general anaesthetic.

In theatre
1 hour or more
Anaesthetic
General, deep sedation or local
Downtime
2 weeks
Exercise
3 to 4 weeks
Suited to
Areas of excess fat tissue.
How it works
Ultrasonic energy melts the fat before it is removed.
The result
Improvements in the shape and contour of the body.
Mr West talking a patient through her consultation in clinic.

Step by step

From the first consultation to your recovery.

  1. Your consultation

    Book a consultation online or call the team. Consultations are in York and Leeds, with virtual consultations for patients travelling from further afield.

  2. The day of surgery

    If you are having a general anaesthetic, you will meet the consultant anaesthetist, who will discuss the anaesthetic with you.

    Mr West marks the areas to be targeted with the VASER liposuction. Once in theatre and comfortable, Mr West performs the liposuction through small 5mm incisions. These incisions are closed with small skin stitches. Dressings are placed over the scars and a post-surgical compression garment is put on.

  3. Recovery

    Following surgery you will be transferred to the recovery area and looked after by our dedicated recovery team. We will make sure all aftercare is explained and follow-up appointments are arranged before you leave.

What patients say

Reviews from Mr West's Google profile, published as written.

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Frequently asked questions

The questions patients ask most often. Anything specific to one patient is covered at the consultation.

What areas can be treated with VASER liposuction?

Liposuction is best for targeting specific pockets of fat. The most common places for liposuction are the stomach, hips, flanks, thighs, arms, neck, chin and the chest in men.

Does VASER liposuction leave scars?

Small 5mm scars are needed to allow the liposuction cannula to be inserted and the fat removed. These are small and generally settle down well over time.

What is the difference between standard liposuction and VASER liposuction?

Liposuction works by breaking up the fat before sucking it out. In standard liposuction the fat is physically broken up with the liposuction cannula. VASER uses ultrasound waves to break up the fat. It is therefore thought to be less traumatic to the tissue.

What are the follow-up or aftercare procedures?

Wounds are checked 7 to 10 days after surgery and scar massage begins after 2 weeks. If you have had extensive liposuction, we might also recommend deep tissue massage. A further review appointment is usually made 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

Will I have drains?

In most cases Mr West does not use drains.

When can I start playing sports again?

Light activity is fine after 2 weeks. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least 3 to 4 weeks.

When can I shower?

You can shower the day after surgery. Dressings are showerproof and should be dabbed dry.

Book a consultation

A consultation with Mr West covers the anatomy, what surgery can realistically achieve and the risks involved. A fixed written quote follows afterwards.

Surgery is only planned after this assessment, with time to reflect before any decision. Virtual consultations are available for patients travelling from further afield.

Book a consultation
A patient is welcomed at the reception desk of the Coppergate Clinic in York.