What are the risks with liposuction to the chin and neck?

Updated 3 October 2015

Liposuction can be used to redefine the jawline removing jowls and double chins. Newer techniques such as VASER lipo offer a more delicate form of liposuction with less blood loss. However there are risks to the procedure which your surgeon will discuss with you. These relate to the underlying anatomy as the head and neck has important nerves which run along the jawline and also below the ear.

Non-surgical options to reduce appearance of double chins and tighten the jawline include Ultherapy which also use ultrasound energy but without any cuts or surgery. This option will also be discussed during the initial consultation with me.

 

During the surgery, your surgeon will use the best techniques to avoid permanent injury to these important nerves and it is extremely unlikely that permanent injury will occur. However, some temporary complications can occur and these are due to inflammation and the healing process, and only occur in a few patients.

Complications after liposuction to the chin and neck include:

1. Numbness around the mouth and or jaw
2. Bruising
3. Skin tethering
4. Fibrosis

I will try and explain these in more detail now:

The numbness can occur if the marginal mandibular nerve is injured during the surgery. It can become inflamed or irritated by the passage of surgical instruments. I have even seen. Occur when no surgical instruments have been near it, but the has been some prolonged inflammation. The numbness is temporary and usually settles within a couple of weeks. Occasionally it can cause temporary drooping of the mouth.

Mild bruising is to be expected after surgery but occasionally it can be extensive or worse on one side. This is probably due to a haematoma or a collection of blood which developed after surgery. In rare cases it will need further emergency surgery to drain. Thankfully this is rare.

In sun damaged or lax skin, once the fat is removed, the skin retraction can be incomplete and so one can get uneven tightening of the skin. Sometimes post operative carboxytherapy can resolve matters.

In over aggressive liposuction to the neck, there may be prolonged inflammation which can lead to hard scar tissue forming (fibrosis) and this can cause lumpiness as well as all of the above complications. This may take several months to resolve.

All of the above complications can be managed with thorough post operative aftercare using ultrasound and manual lymphatic drainage straight after surgery. Thankfully, these complications are unusual and temporary.

For all of our patients who have received VASER liposuction to the chin, we offer aftercare as routine. This real is a life changing procedure for the right candidates. For more information on Riverbanks Clinic call +441582762877.

Bodytite vs VASER

It can be very difficult for a patient to sift through all the marketing hype to decide which treatment can be best for them. I always get asked by new patients what's the best treatment and why do I prefer VASER?

Lets start off by explaining the basic differences between Bodytite and VASER.

Bodytite uses radio frequency energy to melt the fat under the skin using a twin pronged probe. Above the skin is another radiofrequency head which is designed to help tighten the skin.

VASER Lipo uses ultrasonic energy to emulsify the fat beneath the skin and NOT melt it. This is important because it does not kill fat or surrounding tissue and so there is less collateral damage and so quicker healing. Also the fat can be transferred to other parts of the body for contour enhancement. Typical areas include male chest, female buttocks.

There have been NO clinical studies comparing these two different methods of body contouring to date. However, there have been several independent published studies which have confirmed that VASER offers quicker recovery, less blood loss, more fate removal and better skin tightening over other methods. On the other hand the only studies I have seen about Bodytite have been sponsored by Bodytite and so can't really be used to compare fairly.

But by far the most important factor in choosing your treatment is the skill of your surgeon. You should be choosing your surgeon by his care and results, and not the type of machine he uses. I have seen patients who have bad results from all different methods of liposuction including VASER and that is down to the surgeon not the kit.

Poor result after traditional liposuction

Same patient after I used VASER
to improve her appearance

During all of my new patient consultations in Harpenden and London, I will show you hundreds of examples of my results - no one else's. I will also try and show you results of patients who have similar shape to you.

Only then will you be able to decide if I am the right surgeon for you.

VASER Hi Def / 4D review

We are extremely proud to have received this email from one of our recent VASER 4D patients who had flown in from Los Angeles, USA to have his previous liposuction improved by Dr Ravi Jain. This patient had liposuction twice before but still couldn't see his six pack despite regular workouts.

Here is his complete email:

"Dear Sir/Madam,

I would like to thank Dr. Ravi for his excellent work during surgery and his post-operative attention to detail. His genuine interest in patient satisfaction starting from the pre-operative consultation to post-operative care shows his dedication to achieving what the patient wants. I am quite satisfied with the preliminary results and look forward to sharing the long-term results with you as my healing progresses. 

As for the post operative therapy, I would like to comment on Ms. Fortunata's work ethic and professionalism. Ms. Fortunata worked tirelessly during my therapy sessions to ensure that my pain is minimized. She takes pride in her work and aspires to bring it to perfection. She is without question very highly driven and extremely motivated. 

I would also like to comment on Ms. Fortunata's character. She conducts herself in a highly professional manner while maintaining a friendly attitude that ensures patient comfort. Her work brings the patient experience at Riverbanks to complete satisfaction.

Thank you all for such a pleasant experience. I look forward to keeping in touch and recommending you to other potential clients/patients."

Fortunata is one of our specialists post op therapists who has been specifically trained in after care therapy using ultrasound, manual lymphatic drainage and also pressuretherapy at Riverbanks. She is one of only two therapists in the UK who have received training in Colombia from the International Centre of Artistic Body Sculpting. The other therapist is Bethany, who also works at Riverbanks.

Gynecomastia review 1 week after VASER Lipo (with pics)

Today I reviewed a patient I treated last week using my VASER 2.0 Lipo system. He had suffered from gynecomastia since his teens and it had effect his confidence hugely. He wouldn't take off his top on the beach nor infront of his partner.

About 2 years ago he read an article in the Daily Mail about one of my patients who I treated for a very similar condition. He kept the article and it took him 2 years to pluck up the courage to book an appointment to see me.

When he did attend his consultation, I listened carefully and after examining him was able to reassure him that a treatment was possible and that it was highly likely to be successful, using the VASER 2.0 system. He went away and thought about it and decided to book in for surgery a month later.

On the day, he brought his partner to the clinic who was very supportive. The surgery went without complication and was very successful. No gland needed to be removed, as he only had pseudo-gynecomastia which is generally just fatty-breast tissue.

Here are his results taken a week after his surgery.

He described almost no pain whatsoever, although some patients do eed pain killers for a few days afterward. There is a slight amount of bruising which will settle after a couple more weeks. In a week's time he can exercise again.

If you would like to find out if VASER can help reduce the size of your male breasts, please call 01582762877 for a consultation with Dr Jain in Harley Street or Hertfordshire.

What is Medcontour?

Medcontour uses ultrasound energy similar to VASER Lipo but instead of passing probe into the body, underneath the skin, with Medcontour, the probe is rolled over the skin allowing the ultrasonic energy to pass through the skin into the fat cells. The fat is then disrupted and massaged away using the specific lymph node activation which is part of the Medcontour System.

What is VASERSHAPE?

When Medcontour was first introduced into the UK it was given the name Vasershape. However, many people confused this with VASER Lipo or VASER 4D which are surgical procedures. In Europe and the rest of the world, Medcontour is extremely successful, with millions of treatments being successfully carried out.

What sort of results can I get with Medcontour?

Medcontour can deliver results which are similar to liposuction in some patients. Together with a sensible lifestyle results are very encouraging and our patients are amazed at how much they lose. Loko at these results:

This is what one of our patients said about her treatments:

"After nearly completing a course of Vasershape, prior to my holiday I am delighted with the results!! Not only have I gone down a dress size, the weekly treatments have kept me focused on sticking to diet and exercise programme." Helen C, Harpenden

If you would like to book in for a consultation at our London or Hertfordshire offices please call 01582762877

VASER Mid Def swelling

VASER Mid Def is a term used by some clinics to describe an advanced form of liposuction which creates an athletic looking abdomen but without the appearance of your six pack.

Because there will be some work in the superficial layer of fat, it is advisable to have ~10 sessions of VASER AFTERCARE to minimise any swelling following the surgery. The aftercare will also help prevent any complications and smoothen results.

At Riverbanks as long as our patients sign up to our aftercare programme they will all get a VASER MID DEF procedure at the same price as a regular VASER lipo procedure.

BeforeVASER

After VASER Hi Def

Liposuction to the arms

VASER'd fat

VASER Liposelection is a great option for reducing the size of the upper arms without the need for more extensive surgery. The VASER system is very selective at treating fat and reducing damage to surrounding tissues. Clinical studies have shown that VASER causes less blood loss compared to standard liposuction. The image on the left shows the emulsified fat collected from the patient below, showing virtually no blood loss.

For those women who are concerned about the size of their upper arms, we understand that you may choose clothes that hide your arms and that you long to wear sleeveless tops in the summer. You may have only thought that Brachioplasty was necessary which involves a long scar along the length of your upper arm. Well for most sufferers of these 'bingo wings', VASER Lipo is a great treatment choice.

There are only a couple of tiny scars (about 4-5mm across) and you won't feel a thing as the surgery will be performed with some local anaesthetic and mild sedation. Afterwards you will need to wear a compression sleeve on each arm for about 4-6 weeks and we recommend manual lymphatic drainage at least 2-3 times a week during that time to optimise your recovery and outcome.

Then you can enjoy results like these:

before VASER

after VASER

If you would like to find out more about VASER Lipo to your arms, book in to see Dr Jain in Harley St, London or at Riverbanks, Harpenden.

Virtual consultations available

We appreciate that many of our patients don't live near our clinic and that they are keen to make the journey worth while. Well it is now possible to have virtual consultations with Dr Jain where he will explain if a full consult will be necessary. If you have a webcam you will get more out of your consultation, or you could send photos across.

All of this can be done via Skype or our Riverbanks App for iPhone or iPad available from the App Store.

Independent VASER Review about Riverbanks

This review was posted on an internet forum by a patient explaining their VASER experience at Riverbanks. For the record, it was totally unprompted.

I am coming up to 1 week post op having had Vaser to my chest, upper & lower abs and flanks and wanted to share my experience. After a lot of research on Vaser and which were the best clinics, I decided on going to Dr Ravi Jain at Riverbanks. I arranged for an initial consultation (£50) at his clinic to go through my options and what results I could expect. The clinic itself made a really good first impression on me. It's clean, modern and the staff are very friendly. During the consultation I told Dr Jain the areas that I wanted treated before stripping off so he could examine me. I was encouraged to hear him say that I had good musculature and he would try and go as close to Hi-Def as he could.

I booked up there and then. I thought the price was very reasonable considering other quotes I had seen and given Dr Jain's credentials. The next available appointment was in 2 weeks time, so I didn't have long to wait. During that period, I had to have a blood test (this is arranged by Riverbanks, but the cost isn't covered in the fee) and was sent some pre op instructions on how to prepare myself. These included a prescription for my antibiotics and painkillers. 

I was to take my first medication the night before the operation, which was booked for 10am. I arrived at the clinic at about 9:15 so that I could get prepared and marked up by Dr Jain. I was measured and weighed so that the anaesthetist could make his calculations before being led into Dr Jain's office. I changed into a very fetching pair of paper pants before I had my pictures taken. I was then marked up in the areas that were going to be operated on before being taken into the operating theatre. 

Firstly, I was washed down with alcohol. I was warned that this was going to be be cold (and it was), but it wasn't too uncomfortable. What was uncomfortable, however, was when the alcohol dripped down to my bits and pieces! That did sting a bit, but didn't last too long. I knew I was going to be under local anaesthetic and had read other patient's accounts of how they were awake the whole time. I can remember the needle going into my hand and the feeling of the anaesthetic being administered, but that was it. The next thing I remember is being woken up by the nurse after it was all over. 

I was helped into my compression garment and changed back into my clothes. I would recommend wearing dark, loose fitting clothes as there will be a lot of leaking and padding. I was led to a waiting area where I had something to drink but couldn't tackle the sandwich on offer. I was leaking quite a bit, so had to sit on some padding. I was also feeling really tired, which was an effect of the anaesthetic still in my system.

Once I got home, I was aching a bit but it wasn't anything too painful. I took a couple of painkillers and went straight to bed. I had a pretty good night's sleep but my back was aching when I woke up. This was more due to the layers of towels and padding I had on my bed in case I leaked during the night. 

The following morning, I undid my compression vest to take my first look at my new body. The results looked amazing. My chest was now flat, as was my stomach and the love handles had gone. This was even with post op swelling, so give it a few months and I will look even better. The 'pain' over the last few days has only ever been like an ache and I have been taking my prescribed painkillers. I am wearing the compression garment 24/7, and taking regular walks to help minimise the build up of any further fluids. I have my follow up appointment this Friday and will be interested to hear what Dr Jain thinks of it.

I would recommend Vaser to anyone who is thinking of it. It really does work. I would also recommend using Riverbanks Clinic. They are very professional, friendly, very reasonably priced and Dr Jain is the most highly qualified Vaser surgeon in the country. 

VASER Lipo Reviews - London, UK

Thank you very much for sending these photos, I still cant believe what a fantastic job you've done and words cannot describe how pleased I am with the results.  The service I've received from yourself and your wonderful team has been amazing and made the whole experience worthwhile and it's exceeded all my expectations.  EJ, Northamptonshire

The results are amazing! I found it very difficult to find a place to do the kind of specific surgery I wanted done - and as such I didn't really have high hopes that I would be able to get the kind of outcome I wanted. But credit to Mr Mouallem, he did a fantastic job! Paul, Hemel Hempstead

Ever since I had vaser sweat therapy my sweating had reduced to half the amount. It has remained constant & haven't had any side effects other than  the dark marks left from the incursions . I would recommend the treatment because it has changed my life, I'm more relaxed. KD, SW London

Its been just over a week since I had my procedure and results are already showing, shaping up beautifully, almost no bruising, very very pleasing, as usual your brilliant work, thank you so much. MT, SE London

I too have had vaser lipo at Dr Ravi Jain's Riverbanks Clinic in Harpenden. I am a 38 year old female professional and at present one week post vaser on my arms, thighs and knees....Dr Jain and his team are truly wonderful. They have made me feel welcome, at ease and so thankful to have made the right decision to have had vaser lipo at Riverbanks Clinic. They have gone above and beyond to make me feel comfortable and looked after. I am so excited to see my new arms and legs. Anon, S. London

I would recommend Vaser to anyone who is thinking of it. It really does work. I would also recommend using Riverbanks Clinic. They are very professional, friendly, very reasonably priced and Dr Jain is the most highly qualified Vaser surgeon in the country. JA, SE London

VASER Lipo review at Riverbanks - my experience by Mandy

For as long as I can remember my body has been pear shaped and very out of proportion with my small waist.  After doing some research on liposuction i came across vaser liposuction and it really sounded ideal.  I went on a hunt looking for a good doctor and after meeting with 3 doctors, from the moment I walked in to the Riverbanks Clinic I knew I would be well looked after.  Dr Jain was very realistic and put my mind at ease with the procedure.  I went ahead and had vaser done on both my thighs and flanks.  There was literally no pain at all during the procedure and if I had to describe it, the word I would use is it was weird! It felt as though someone was building something under my skin but it really was not painful in any way.  The results were immediate and I was absolutely over the moon.  I remember walking in to Dr Jains office and saying I literally want the sides of my body taken off to give myself a nice smooth shape, not so pear like - this is exactly what Dr Jain did for me and the results surpassed my expectations by a million. 

Before VASER

After VASER

All my clothes are looking incredible on, I no longer have the dreaded 'muffin top' and I feel absolutely wonderful.  I could never have achieved these results without the help of Dr Jain - no gymming or dieting would have given me what I have now.  I feel even more motivated now to keep my shape and have been gyming very hard.  I am now around 2 months post vaser and the results just keep getting better.  The scarring is minimal and my cellulite has reduced.  I no longer have 'love handles' and I no longer have big thighs.  I would like to thank Dr Jain and his team for really making a dream of mine come true.  The only thing I think I think I did wrong, was not doing more areas!  

Mandy, N. London

What to expect after liposuction - secrets to help you heal quicker!

It is important to understand that liposuction is a significant step in a lifestyle change to improve the shape of your body. After all, liposuction is a surgical operation and all the risks need to be considered carefully.

Rather than being a quick fix day case, the procedure can be a rather protracted process, and one that must not be interrupted even after the actual surgery itself has come and gone. The recovery is in fact the most important stage a patient having undergone the liposuction process must take very serious by caring carefully for their body. The ability to look after oneself after the surgery determines the overall success of the procedure.

After liposuction surgery, patients usually experience fluid drainage from their incisions. In many bigger cases, a small drainage tube can be inserted beneath the skin to stop the fluid buildup. Swelling may also occur, as well as bruising, in the regions of the body specifically addressed by the surgical process. In order to control the swellings, a fitting elastic garment can be worn over the treated areas for some weeks while antibiotics must be taken as prescribed to prevent or control infections while also enhancing recovery. Post operative aftercare treatments all help to reduce swelling, bruising, infection and improve contour and hasten recovery.

To avoid infections that could result to prolonged recovery, post surgery instructions must be taken seriously. People who don’t adhere to this, despite the warnings always end up with unnecessary complications. Please don’t be one of such people as it could be life threatening.

Pains, swelling and numbness experienced after the surgery are discomforts that can be controlled with prescribed medications as well; however, the soreness and stiffness may continue for a period, and the patient should remember that. Regular movement will improve the stiffness - i.e. don't lie around doing nothing as that will also increase the risk of developing blood clots in your veins (deep vein thrombosis).

Depression is another aftermath that has been shown to occur in several patients of a liposuction surgery. Patients who experience this can help themselves by engaging in minor social activities and seeking support from their friends and families to ease the depression. Focusing on the merits of the surgery also has been known to work for some, although generally the depression disappears on its own after a few days. Normally, depression can kick in at about day 4-5 and as long as your are social and mobile it should only last a few days. But don't be suprised by the sudden tearfulness should it occur!

The healing process begins immediately after the surgery. Serious activities should be avoided for 2-4 weeks to allow the wounds to heal and also for the stiffness to settle. Liposuction does not affect the muscles and so recovery is relatively quick.

The right diets and keeping up with appointments should also be pursued for the duration of recovery as they are very essential. Liposuction patients will have had the surgery because they have struggled to lose fat! So don't go and carry on eating the same foods you were before surgery and doing the same exercises? They obviously weren't helping. After your liposuction, we advise patients to seek the support of a nutritionist or personal fitness coach who can advise on diet and exercise programmes to maintain and further enhance your new body.

If patients follow these simple instructions, you should be able to enjoy your new body quickly and permanently.

10 reasons to choose Riverbanks for your VASER Lipo surgery

1. Dr Ravi Jain is the only UK doctor to hold all 4 levels of training in VASER Lipo
2. The Riverbanks VASER team is the first UK team to visit Colombia for specific training in VASER Aftercare
3. Consultant Anaesthetists will provide you a pain-free procedure using concious sedation
4. Thanks to our VASER 4D Sculpting skills, all of our regular VASER Lipo patients get even better results as we can't help ourselves giving you the best we can!
5. We perform ultrasound scans to help plan your surgery, results and aftercare at no additional cost (in Harpenden only)
6. Your package prices will include 2 sets of compression garments and padded vests when necessary.
7. You can choose to have vaser liposuction treatments at our flagship clinic in Harpenden or in our central London offices too.
8. After your initial consultation with Dr Jain there are no further consultation fees.
9. The Riverbanks team takes pride in providing you with correct medical advice, ethical practice and high standards of care.
10. Our revision rate is one of the lowest in the world.

To book in for an exploratory consultation with VASER expert Dr Ravi Jain in London or Harpenden please call 0158 276 2877 or complete our enquiry form.

Is VASER liposuction better than BODYTITE at skin tightening?

Newer technologies arriving on to the market are all trying to better the absolutely amazing results of VASER liposelection. However, to date, I have not seen any which come near. BodyTite, uses radiofrequency energy which cooks the fatty tissue. It is NOT selective to fat and can burn other body tissues such as skin and muscle. Even the most experienced plastic surgeons who perform many liposuction procedures have reported burns with the Bodytite.

Bodytite is being heavily marketed as being the best treatment for tissue shrinkage after liposuction. However, it must be said that if there is excess skin before surgery, then liposuction may well not be the most appropriate surgery and that an abdominoplasty ('tummy tuck') may be more suitable.

For many patients, a tummy tuck is too big a surgery for them and they prefer a less surgical approach with smaller scars and just an improvement in their bulge. If I consult with a patient who has some relaxed skin due to previous pregnancies or weight loss I usually advise them that a tummy tuck is more suitable for them. However, some really want to try a less drastic option first and if they can accept that after the VASER there will be fat reduction and some skin retraction but not as good as with a tummy tuck, then I will agree to perform the surgery.

Because the VASER system protects the tissue architecture, the scaffolding of the skin  remains largely intact. As a result it shrinks back more evenly and even to this day I am amazed by the amount of tissue retraction I can get with VASER, especially using the 4D Sculpt techniques.

Before VASER

After VASER

In the above examples, the lady was recommended to have abdominoplasty with VASER 4D Sculpt to create a beach perfect body. She chose to try regular VASER Lipo first as she wanted to see what sort of results she could get without the need for a long scar. You can see that at her 4 week review she has great skin retraction. The creases are from the compression vests and garments she has to wear for 8 weeks.

If you would like to book a consultation with VASER Lipo expert Dr Ravi Jain, please call +44 1582 762877.

Whats the difference between Smart Lipo and VASER 4D Sculpt?

This is a very common phrase searched on the internet and I will try to explain it.

SmartLipo (or laser assisted liposuction)

• Laser technology
• Heats ALL tissues with most of the energy being absorbed by blood.
• KILLS fat cells so not able to perform fat transfer
• Not specific to fat
• Can overheat connective tissue (skin) and cause burns or contracted skin
• Long operation times
• Incision points are about 2 mm
• Cannot perform high definition liposculpture as will burn the skin

VASER (or ultrasound assisted liposelection)

• Ultrasound energy
• Selective for fat tissue
• Protects skin, nervesm blood vessels and muscle
• Burns are extremely rare
• Incision points are about 4 mm
• Can perform high definition liposculpture as protective to skin
• Fat cells stay ALIVE so can perform fat transfer

The laser technology of SMARTLIPO is quite destructive and kills tissues. VASER does not kill tissue and that is why there is less risk of damage. Clinical studies have shown that there is 70% less blood loss with VASER compared to liposuction. VASER protects tissues and so that is why it is possible to perform highly selective liposculpture using VASER 4D Sculpt techniques. Liposculpting techniques often require the surgeon to work immediately beneath the skin (superficial fat) and lasers will burn the skin at this level.

Do you want a treatment which is destructive or one that protects your body?

You choose!

Vaser 4D Sculpt Review at Riverbanks

Watch Lee explain why he chose Vaser 4D Sculpt and also see his results 4 months post op.

How safe is office-based liposuction?

A recent paper published by Startling et al in the journal Dermatological Surgery (2012;38:171-177) examined 10 years of data collected in Florida and 6 years from Alabama. The investigators looked at all in-office adverse event data in order to determine which were the safest surgical procedures carried out in-office.

Here are some of the conclusions which were made:

1. Cosmetic procedures performed in offices by dermatologists under local and dilute local anaesthesia yielded no reported complications.
2. Liposuction performed under general anaesthesia requires further investigation because deaths from this procedure continue to occur despite the ability to use dilute local anaesthesia for this procedure.
3. Requiring physician board certification and physician hospital privileges does not seem to increase safter of patients undergoing surgical procedures in-office.
4. There were NO deaths from liposuction when using tumescent local anaesthesia.

As expected, the study reported that liposuction is extremely safe when using tumescent anaesthesia instead of a general anaesthesia. There was no mention of conscious sedation so we are unable to comment on that although we believe that conscious sedation provides patients the best of both worlds in anaesthesia - i.e. complete pain relief without the risk of a general anaesthetic.

Can I have Vaser 4D Sculpt if I've had liposuction before?

Many of our Vaser 4D Sculpt patients have had liposuction before but now want to benefit from the sculpting effects of this new technique. Patients who have had a liposuction before will be referred to as 'secondary patients'. They often are not aware that their previous liposuction will make any future procedures much more challenging with greater risks and more unpredictable results. So during a detailed consultation with me, I always explain the following points:

• The previous liposuction will have caused fibrosis (scar tissue) beneath the skin and sometimes this is quite dense. Dense fibrosis raises the risks of perforation and uneven results because more force is required to pass the instruments through the tissues. However, the Vaser 2.0 Lipo system, delivers ultrasound energy much more efficiently and this copes very well with fibrotic tissues.
• When trying to create a six-pack or High Definition Liposculpture, the lines may not be as obvious during the surgery due to the fibrosis. In a patient who has not had lipo before, the sculpting is more obvious because only fat is sculpted. However, in a lipo (secondary) patient, the sculpting is done in both fibrotic and fatty layers and because the fibrotic layers are more stiff, they do not necessarily reveal their new shape straight away.
• There will be much more inflammation and swelling in secondary cases because there will be generally more trauma and blood loss when compared to first timers. As such, more aftercare sessions are generally required over a longer time and results may take much longer to develop (even up to a year). The strength of the definition achieved is much more unpredictable due to the prolonged, although patients will be slimmer and there will be a hint of definition in the worst case scenario.

For a full consultation with Dr Ravi Jain in London or Harpenden, please call 01582 762877 now.

THE FIRST VASER 2.0 LIPO SYSTEM ARRIVES IN EUROPE

We've had 9 months experience now with the Vaser 2.0 Lipo system at Riverbanks and we absolutely LOVE it because it allows us to treat more difficult cases such as patients who've had liposuction before, correct deformities from previous liposuction, perform vaser 4D sculpting and also harvest and transfer fat to other areas of the body such as the hands, decollete, buttocks and scars because the stem cells in the fat are preserved.

Here's Vaser's official press release about this news:


VASER for Physicians | News & Events - THE FIRST VASER 2.0 LIPO SYSTEM ARRIVES IN EUROPE

How quickly will I see results after Vaser when treating my man boobs?

When treating gynecomastia with the Vaser 2.0 Lipo system at Riverbanks, we are confident that you will see results immediately. Here are some photos taken immediately before surgery started, and right at the end of the same surgery.

before

after Vaser 2.0 Lipo

Vaser 2.0 Lipo system

The Vaser 2.0 Lipo system at Riverbanks Clinic is the ONLY one in the UK. It allows our team of Vaser specialists to create amazing results like above with much more accuracy than previous models. Only Dr Jain has the Vaser 2.0 Lipo system in the UK, the very latest in Vaser Lipo technology.

If you would like to find out more, visit our main website or book a consultation.

What happens if I put on weight after Vaser?

I get asked this question a lot and during my consultations I make sure this is covered even when it is not asked as it is an important fact which needs to be considered. Lets first explain how fat is deposited in adults.

pinching subcutaneous fat

Adults have a finite amount of fat cells and not usually grow any more fat cells. When people put on weight, their current fat cells simply expand, and when they lose weight, these cells shrink again. Men and women lay down fat differently. Women tend to lay down fat under the skin and around the abdomen. This is called peripheral fat or subcutaneous fat and is easily pinchable around the waistline. Only when women are obese do they tend to put down fat internally around the organs.

On the other hand, men tend to put down fat inside the abdomen, around the internal organs first. When they are obese they then lay down fat under the skin. This has important consequences as internal fat or 'visceral fat' can lead to heart disease, diabetes and cancers. So it is very important for men to lose visceral fat to prolong their lifespan. However, most men have both peripheral and visceral fat present especially those that work out, and there may be more peripheral than visceral fat present in such individuals. If so, they maybe suitable candidates for Vaser 4D Lipo.

before & after Vaser 4D Sculpt

Liposuction gets rid of peripheral fat very effectively and it is this fat which we sculpt in Vaser 4D Sculpting.  On the other hand, visceral fat cannot be treated with liposuction! The only way to get rid of visceral fat is through lifestyle changes. However, the good news is that visceral fat responds very well to lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. On the other hand, peripheral fat responds more slowly and that is why many people get frustrated when they can't lose more weight around their waistline despite shrinking the size of the tummies.



So what happens if you gain weight after liposuction?
After liposuction, there is a reduced amount of peripheral fat in the body. So when someone's lifestyle becomes more sedentary the body will lay down fat. But if there is no peripheral fat to absorb this extra fat, then the next place to take it is the internal visceral fat, inside the abdomen and thorax. This is very unhealthy for reasons explained above. The other areas which may grow are areas of untreated peripheral fat such as the buttocks or breasts. So if someone does put on weight after Vaser, they may get bigger buttocks or breasts or their tummies may swell.

This is why any form of liposuction should NOT be used as a weight loss alternative but more of a option for getting rid of stubborn areas in patients who are only slightly overweight. Vaser 4D Sculpt can be used to treat patients who were previously considered to be too slim for traditional liposuction and this has opened up sculpting possibilities for a whole new population.

If you need more Vaser Lipo information contact our friendly team on 01582 762 877 now!

How does Vaser Lipo work?

Vaser Lipo is a 3rd generation ultrasound device used to EMULSIFY fat before removing it from the body with relatively gentle liposuction. How is this possible? Well, the best way to explain it is to describe how traditional Suction-Assisted-Liposuction (SAL) works first.

With SAL, fluid is injected into the fatty tissue in order to minimise blood loss and also soften some of the fat. The fat cells are present in small globules of fat, a bit like seeds in a pomegranate and are held in place by collagen scaffolding, much like the pith in a pomegranate. These globules are STILL ATTACHED to the body when SAL is commenced. So it is necessary to use a relatively high powered suction to detach the fat from the body and as a result  there tends to be a higher amount of collateral damage, i.e. damage to the other structures such as blood vessels, nerves and also the collagen scaffolding. This is why there is a higher amount of blood loss with SAL when compare to VASER, and also why recovery is often slower.

pomegranate

Fat structure

Fat before treatment

VASER Lipo, starts off in a similar fashion to SAL, in that the fat is first injected with anaesthetic fluid in order to minimise blood loss, provide pain relief and also soften the fat. BUT, before suction is performed, the Vaser probe is inserted into the body and it emits ultrasonic waves into the fat to shake the fat globules off the body, breaking them up in to smaller groups of VIABLE fat cells, which look like a liquid. The energy from the Vaser probes primarily effects just the fat cells and so the surrounding tissues such as nerves, blood vessels and skin are left largely undamaged. Then the special suction tubes valled VENT-X Cannulae are used which have no sharp edges, and together with LOW POWER SUCTION, the fatty liquid is removed. The Vent-X Cannulae and low power suction cause hardly any collateral damage and so the body is less traumatised and hence recovery is quicker.

infusing anaesthetic fluid

Emulsification of fat

Aspiration (suction)

Natural Skin Restraction

Below is a video of how the Vaser probe emulsifies a fatty globule, extracted from a live operation performed at Riverbanks Clinic.

For more information about Vaser Lipo and to see if its suitable for you, book a consultation here.

Male Breast Reduction with Vaser in the UK

Gynecomastia reduction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures requested by men in the UK. Many men have suffered since childhood and are embarrassed to take off their tops in front of others, such as on the beach, swimming pools or sometimes in front of new partners. Sufferers often carefully choose loose clothing to hide the shape of their breasts. For many men, the condition is not responsive to diet or exercise and so the only alternative is surgery. Previously, the only option was quite a traumatic procedure with a long recovery. Vaser liposuction is a much gentler treatment option with many men returning to work in just a couple of days.

Watch this video to see Dr Jain explain how a Vaser Lipo surgery is performed to treat gynecomastia. This video contains surgical footage.

Surgery is performed under a light anaesthesia called 'concious sedation' where you will have all the benefits of a general anaesthetic (i.e. absolutely no pain or memory of the event) but without the risks (i.e. you are breathing yourself and awake). Following treatment, you will need to wear a compression vest for 3 weeks 24/7 then another 3 weeks for 12 hours a day. Most men require simple painkillers such as paracetamol for about a week. Results are evident very quickly.

If you would like to book a consultation with one of our Vaser specialists call our clinic on 01582762877. Consultations are available in Harley St or Harpenden.

Can women have Vaser Hi Def?

Vaser Hi Def liposuction or even the more advanced Vaser 4D Sculpt, is not just for men. Women can also get sexy, hot bodies, we just recreate a different athletic look rather than a six pack. Six pack abs are a more masculine appearance so most women prefer a more streamlined abdomen with discreet diamond shape contours and shadows.

Abdomen treated only

Even though the abs are treated in a more gentle fashion than a male six pack, the female arms are treated in a more drastic fashion in that we tend to take away most of the fat over the triceps to create a less of a bingo wing with slight fashioning of the space between the deltoid and the biceps.

Vaser 4D Arms, courtesy Dr Alfredo Hoyos

Female Vaser Lipo is the most popular treatment we perform. We can also lift buttocks by moving the fat from love handles to the buttocks creating a Colombian Butt Lift. The inner and outer thighs can be refashioned in order to sculpt a complete hour glass shape.

So when you think Vaser 4D Sculpt, think Hot Sexy Bod rather than just six pack abs!

For more information on Vaser Lipo please fill out this enquiry form.

Can I have Vaser Hi Def if I've already had liposuction?

Many of my patients at Riverbanks are patients who have previously had liposuction but now want a sculptured look rather than a flat, boxed shape. Others have had liposuction elsewhere, previously, and are not happy with their results so they have come to me to try and improve them. For many of these patients the only option is Vaser Hi Def or Vaser 4D Sculpting as the only layer of fat left behind is in the superficial layer, which is not usually amenable to traditional liposuction techniques.

When treating patients who have already had liposuction, it is important to wait at least a year from the previous surgery so that the tissues have stopped healing. There is often a degree of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the remaining fatty layers and this will make the operation more challenging and also slightly more bloody  than a first time case. The amount of definition achievable can vary between individuals but is generally only slight less than with a first time case. It depends on how much fat was left behind after the previous surgery.

4D Sculpt results correcting a failed Smartlipo treatment

The healing will be much longer though and aftercare sessions at the clinic are essential in order to facilitate the healing of the treated areas. It is important to stimulate the lymphatic drainage channels and encourage new vascularity of the treated areas and this is achieved with specialised aftercare at Riverbanks. I generally advise patients who had already had a liposuction and want high definition liposculpture to book in for 10-20 aftercare sessions over 4-6 weeks.

Your results will take a bit longer to show. You will see good changes immediately but the swelling will last for a few weeks and the first signs will show at 6 weeks. We will review you at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months post op.

For more information you can call 01582 762 877 or book a consultation. 

Vaser 4D Sculpt to the arms

Many men & women prefer to have more defined arms allowing them to look better at the gym or just with short sleeves. There are subtle differences between the two sexes which need to be considered. Women prefer smaller arms with slight definition of the deltoids. The lower border of the upper arm should be straighter with slight curvature at each end, defining the triceps. It is key not to make the female arm too defined or bulky.

Female 4D Sculpt definition by Dr Alfredo Hoyos

Men, on the other hand,  like bulkier biceps and triceps with well-defined deltoids. It is important not to shrink the size of the male upper arm. We can give the illusion of a bigger biceps by sculpting the fat around the biceps and the deltoid creating a horseshoe effect, often sought after at the gym. Care must be taken to compensate for the natural movement of the muscles and this is identified and marked during your pre-op examination. It is also possible to transfer some fat into your deltoids to further boost their volume.

Male 4D Sculpt definition by Dr Alfredo Hoyos

Find out more information on Vaser 4D Sculpt or other types of liposuction on our full website. You can book an appointment with one of our surgeons in London or Harpenden by calling 0158 276 2877.

Male Breast Reduction with Vaser 4D Sculpt

All of our vaser patients during 2011 requested to have their chests reduced in size with our Vaser 2.0 Lipo system. This was often in combination with treating other areas such as Vaser 4D, but for many reducing the size of their breasts was their primary concern.

Some of our men needed only sculpting while others required significant debulking of fatty breast tissue with some gland excision. The exact nature of your surgery will be discussed during your consultation with your doctor.

Vaser 4D allows the surgeon not only to debulk your chest and reduce it size but to also reshape your chest providing a more athletic shape. Athletic chests often have straighter lower sides and a straight edge towards the armpit. More feminine chests are rounded and fuller in the lower half of the breast. If one works out, the pectoral muscle will bulk up in the upper half of the breast rather than the lower half. It are these fine details which will be in the surgeons mind when he reshapes your breast during a Vaser 4D Sculpting procedure. In order to bulk up the pectoral muscles, fat may be moved from one part of your body to the pecs with Fat Transfer. After all, who has six pack abs without defined pecs?

For more information about Vaser 4D Sculpt or Male Breast Reduction surgery at
Riverbanks, it is best to book an appointment with one of our surgeons. Call 01582 762 877 now for consultations in Harley Street or Harpenden.

Vaser 4D patient talks to SKY News

Lee was treated at Riverbanks Clinic by Dr Jain. His original surgery was filmed for MTV in Dec 2011. Watch this clip form Sky News, aired 30/1/12, discussing male cosmetic surgery.

It should be noted that Vaser 4D is NOT a weight loss solution but gives men who are self conscious about their physique an option to develop an abdominal six pack and defined body without having to resort to the extreme diet and lifestyle normally required without surgery. A healthier lifestyle is required after surgery to maintain and maximise the results. Complications can occur during or as a result of any surgery, and rarely these can be life threatening.

For more information about Vaser 4D Sculpting, see our full website.

Clinic gives student athletic physique - News - Luton Today

Every single one of our male patients who had Vaser last year, treated their chests as well. With highly advanced sculpting techniques called Vaser 4D and by using the very latest Vaser 2.0 Lipo system, we can not only remove unwanted glandular tissue in the male breast, but also carefully reshape the chest and pecs into a more muscular and athletic shape.

One of our patients who suffered so much from his gynecomastia that it restricted his choice of clothing, was so pleased with his results that he told his story to the press. You can read his story in the Luton News, link below.

Clinic gives student athletic physique - News - Luton Today

Whats the difference between Vaser 4D Sculpt & Vaser Hi Def?

There is no denying that the VASER Hi-Def technique was one of the most influential body contouring procedures in the last decade. However, even earthshakers have their flaws. And as Dr. Hoyos worked more and more with Hi-Def, he realized the multiple flaws the procedure presented.

That is why he went back to the drawing board, re-imagined his creation, and has now released 4D Sculpt™ which is what I practice exclusively at Riverbanks Clinic.

The differences between 4D Sculpt™ and Hi-Def may be subtle, but when applied in the operating room, the nuances are distinctly profound. 4D Sculpt™ means the difference between clunky sculpture and natural human beauty.

Here is an in-depth explanation of the differences between VASER Hi-Def and the highly improved version, 4D Sculpt™.




VASER 4D Sculpt takes into account natural muscle movements.

VASER Hi-Def results often do not show the muscles in motion. It does not incorporate the natural progression of the body in motion. This can give rise to an 'etched' appearance rather than a natural six  pack.

How 4D Sculpt™ Fixes It:
4D Sculpt™ uses a customized combination of anatomical landmarks to prevent deformities. This ensures the newly defined muscles do what muscles are supposed to do: move! That is why 4D Sculpt™ is called 4 dimensional liposculpture. It uses height, width, depth, and dynamic motion. 4D Sculpt™ makes the natural progression of the body apparent according to muscle activity.



VASER Hi-Def is a “One Size Fits All” Procedure.

Aesthetic surgeons probably know better than anyone that every body is unique. Trying to fit a 300lb man and a 125lb woman is ineffective and produces exactly what it looks like, a “one size fits all” result. This attitude of VASER Hi-Def toward the patient causes the surgeon to be biased toward each patient, as though every body type were the same, and every individual patient just like the last.

How 4D Sculpt™ Fixes It:

4D Sculpt™ is a completely customizable procedure that takes every variable into account. A woman hoping to reverse the signs of pregnancy will be viewed much differently than a man with an excess of intraabdominal fat. An example of variables include: age, gender, body type, muscular motion, predicted weight loss, post-pregnancy markers, and so on. Every individual has their own set of different anatomical landmarks that must be taken into consideration for the final result to look like the patient’s natural body.



VASER Hi-Def is Not Dynamic Definition.

VASER Hi-Def results often appear stiff and do not move fluidly with the rest of the body. This is partially because of both the reasons stated above, because VASER Hi-Def does not plan according to each body type or according to where the muscles will move in the future. Dynamic definition encompasses the ideals of 4D Sculpt™, in that once the muscles are defined, they do not appear as though they’ve been carved out of plastic.

How 4D Sculpt™ Fixes It:
4D Sculpt™ fixes a “plastic” appearance that not only incorporates motion, but flows with it. It does this by integrating a second set of pre-surgical markings, drawn according to the patient’s muscles in a static position and in dynamic motion.

4 weeks after Vaser 4D as seen on MTV

VASER 4D Sculpt incorporates much more intensive aftercare than Hi def and this reduces the risks of complications and also speeds up recovery as well as enhancing results. You can watch a video of a treatment session here.

Click here to schedule an appointment with Dr Ravi Jain at Riverbanks Clinic or at his Harley Street consulting rooms.