Not all six pack abs look the same

Four Pack Abs

Many men who dream of a six pack often trawl through fitness magazines or search through the internet, looking for the ideal looking six pack that they would like to achieve. However, even if they reach the desired body fat % and muscular physique to reveal their six pack. they may not be happy with their results because of their very individual anatomy.

You see, we are all very different and have our own muscle shapes and sizes and these are genetically predetermined. This is what I have to explain to all my VASER 4D liposuction patients, because I am only going to be able reveal their natural anatomy and not create a 'perfect six pack' if they don't have one.

If your surgeon disregards your own natural anatomy and gives you a 'perfect' shaped sixpack, when you naturally have a 4-pack or an 8-pack, then the results are going to look extremely unnatural. This is no more than the outdated method of abdominal etching and not the highly advanced Vaser 4D Sculpt technique.

Not all sixpacks look the same

For sure, most male patients have a six pack, but the exact layout is very different. Some lie above the umbilicus, while other start below the umbilicus as seen above. Some men have 10-pack while others

have only a 4-pack.


In patients whose muscular anatomy is very obvious during their consultation, I perform an ultrasound scan to help locate their muscles, so that their VASER 4D liposuction surgery provides the most natural looking results possible.

Before and after pictures female VASER 4D

Here are some examples of results at 8 weeks after VASER 4D Lipo in females. Final results tend to show at about 6 months.

This lady is very slim but has some stubborn pockets of fat in her lower belly and on her love handles (flanks) as well as her outer thighs. Because of her excellent skin tone and no stretch marks, she was suitable for VASER 4D, technique to create the most feminine shape with VASER Liposuction. 

New body by Dr Ravi Jain

As you can see, amazing results can be achieved very quickly and she has a brand new shape. Results will continue to improve up to 6 months after surgery, when the real definition will start to reveal itself.

VASER Lipo for Chin and Jowls

For many patients, a facelift can be avoided by having Chin & Jowl Lipo using the VASER system. In fact, a lipo lift can be extremely rejuvenating. It is important to recognise that this is a small liposuction surgical procedure with a relatively quick recovery. One will have to wear a head strap for 3 days 24/7 and then for 12-16 hours a day for a 3 more weeks. During the first 3-4 weeks after surgery have some ultrasound and manual lymphatic drainage massages to help reduce fibrosis and promote skin retraction. There are a few risks associated with lipo to the chin & neck.

If you follow all the instructions above for VASER Chin & Neck Lipo, you could achieve results like these:

For more information on chin & neck lipo, visit our website. 

What are the benefits of foam compression after liposuction?

In the UK there is a wide variation in the level of aftercare following liposuction, ranging from simple compression strapping for a couple of weeks, to 12 weeks of compression suits with foam padding as well, together with regular manual lymphatic drainage sessions.

I believe strongly in the benefits of well fitted compression suits for at least 3 weeks 24/7, then for 3 week 12 hours a day for regular VASER Lipo. After more sculpting procedures such as VASER 4D, I would add in extra foam padding as well as increasing the during of compression suits to 8 weeks instead of 6.

The whole aim of liposuction aftercare is to reduce swelling and therefore pain, and also improve the final cosmetic result. Foam padding significantly reduces pain and is very useful if a lot of swelling is anticipated, or, the compression garments cause creases in the skin.

Patients aren't really pleased about it when I instruct foam padding but, it is in their interests and they appreciate it after a couple of days, especially when they see the improved results.

I tend to advise foam padding for the whole torso with all Vaser 4D procedures. I also advise foam padded belts for treating lower abdomens and flanks. But at Riverbanks we have various sizes of padding to fit the area we wish to provide additional compression to.

Vaser Lipo Pre-op Instructions

Once you have made a decision to proceed with VASER Lipo I tend to advise my patients the following pre-op instructions:

4 weeks before surgery

• Start high intensity interval training 3-4 times a week. This will help to burn up any internal fat, which cannot be removed during surgery.
• Try to introduce a gluten-free diet to reduce bloating and also some excess fat.
• Start taking slimming teas such as Jade Fusion every day to help reduce weight further. You will need about 4-6 cups a day.
• Stop smoking as this significantly increases the chances of infection, wound complications and anaesthetic problems.

2 weeks before surgery

• Stop alcohol intake as this will thin your blood and increase blood loss during surgery
• Attend your pre-op assessment with my nurse where you will receive your prescription for your surgery, and be fitted for your compression garments. You will also be risk assessed for deep vein thrombosis and any anaesthetic risks. At this appointment any outstanding balances will need to be settled.

24 hours before surgery

• Pack your day bag for surgery day to include loose fitting clothing of dark colours
• Take your prescribed medications as instructed, so make sure you have collected them from your local pharmacy.
• Drink lots of water - about 3-4 litres of water during the day before surgery to hydrate yourself which will help speed up your recovery
• Have a really good 'cheat meal'!
• Do not eat or drink 8 hours before your surgery time

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!

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. 

Riverbanks & Vaser 4D featured on MTV

When we were asked to feature on an MTV documentary discussing the various options available to a young girl who is not happy in her own body, we were very concerned that the right message would be portrayed to her and the show's target audience. Liposuction is NOT a treatment for weight loss and should not be considered as a first option for any form of body contouring. However, for those who have honestly tried their best with diet & exercise and still find it difficult to shift those unwanted bulges, or show off their six packs, Vaser 4D Sculpting is a good, if not extreme option.

Sophie Kasaei at Riverbanks Clinic

Sophie Kasaei, star of MTV's Geordie Shores, created the documentary 'Get Thin or Die Tryin' especially for MTV in which she went on a journey to try and decided if liposuction was the right option for her. She spoke to her friends, people who have had liposuction with good results and also to one lady who had suffered horrific complications from a laser assisted liposuction. When Sophie visited Riverbanks, she met with myself, Dr Ravi Jain and my colleague Dr Alfredo Hoyos. We explained to her in the ins and outs of Vaser Liposuction and Vaser 4D Sculpting (not all of which were included in the final edit).

Sophie even got the chance to speak to one of our male patients who was about to have his 4D Sculpting procedure at the clinic. We dressed Sophie up in our brand new Riverbanks scrubs, and invited her into the operating room and watched Dr Jain carve six pack abs into the patient using the latest Vaser 4D Sculpting techniques with Dr Hoyos commentating.

I think Sophie (and the camera crew) did very well not to pass out as the procedure can be quite gory to the unaccustomed! Sophie gave a frank and honest overview of the surgery and we found her conclusions absolutely spot on. Sophie made the right decision for her. If she really wants the body she is after, then we would advise her to invest in a personal fitness & nutrition trainer for at least 6 months. If after that she wants an extra boost, then Vaser 4D maybe a good option.

You can watch the highlights of the show here:

For more information on Vaser 4D Sculpting at Riverbanks visit our website

5 Reasons why it is important to wear compression garments after Vaser Lipo

Vaser Compression Garment

This is probably what people dread the most about any liposuction procedure as they fear the discomfort and constant reminder that they have had surgery. However, if high quality garments are used, it does not need to be such an ordeal as good garments are actually quite supportive and comfortable. Below are 5 reasons why it is such an important step in your care plan:

1. Following liposuction, a potential space has been created in the layers between your skin and your muscles as most of the fat has been removed. This space needs to be constantly compressed in the first few weeks post surgery, in order to prevent collections of fluids such as blood (which could cause a haematoma), inflammatory fluid (which could cause a seroma) or infection.

2. On top of that, good compression garments assists the body's natural lymphatic system, flush away any excess inflammatory fluids from the would sites.

3. The compression ensures that the skin wound edges are closed and so improves the appearance of the scars.

4. The compression helps the skin 'stick' back down to the deeper layers, enhancing the skin retraction and final appearance of your new body.

5. The garments actually make you look slimmer!

What about the compression padding?

4D Vest by Marena

For more extensive liposuction cases such as after treating abdomens or following Vaser Hi Def/4D Sculpt, your surgeon may recommend the addition of a compression foam padding vest to wear UNDER your compression garment for 4 weeks. This is to apply even, consistent pressure around your torso which helps prevent complications such as seroma and also enhances the contour of your new body.

It is a good idea to order at least 2 complete sets of compression hosiery and padding and maybe 3 sets. You may also need a second stage set to use after 3 weeks when most of your swelling has reduced and so your initial garments become too loose.

What are the common complaints with compression garments?

a) It needs 2 people to get them on in the first few days.
b) It can be so tight I can't breathe properly (this is too tight and you should get a bigger size)
c) They have shrunk after washing - only hand wash in cool water and do NOT tumble dry!
d) Its so hot!
e) between weeks 3-6, your skin starts to get its sensation back and this lends itself to experience intense itching! This is very frustrating, but its all a good sign that you are healing well!

So whats a typical timetable for wearing compression garments?

Vaser Lipo - wear the garments for 3 weeks 24/7, then another 3 weeks 12/7
Vaser Hi Def / 4D Sculpt - wear the garments with the foam vest 24/7 for 4 weeks, then just the garments 24/7 for another 4 weeks.

Where can I get compression garments from?
We have used Marena, Macom & Holistic Garments following Vaser. Following his very own 4D Sculpt procedure, Dr Jain used garments from Marena.

If you would like more information about Vaser Lipo at Riverbanks Clinic,
please call 01582 762877 or fill out the form below.