VASERsmooth Procedure Explained
VASERsmooth is a revolutionary outpatient surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia by the plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons of the Liposuction and Cosmetic Surgery Institute in Chicago, Arlington Heights, Oak Brook and Naperville. VASERsmooth is designed for one-time treatment of cellulite of the thighs and is based on the latest technological advances from Sound Surgical Corp.
“This is a revolutionary technology” said Dr. Leon Forrester Tcheupdjian, M.D., a renowned cosmetic surgeon and author. “I have been treating stubborn cellulite in my patients since the 1980s. Back then we used to use the “Leon Heart”, a small heart shaped instrument with a thin long stalk and handle to release and bisect the puckering septae bands under the skin. It was introduced in a shallow subcutaneous plane during liposuction procedures and made many of my patients very happy by improving the appearance of their cellulitic dimples. Occasionally, I would inject the patient’s own fat in the area to fill deeper dents and divots. To date, I still rely on my useful invention. With the advent of VASERsmooth, I have a new modality that will provide patients a wonderful new advanced cellulite-fighting option.”
Prevalence of Cellulite
“Cellulite is a common condition among women of all shapes, sizes and races” said Leslie Forrester, R.N., B.S.N., author and health care practitioner in Chicago. “Cellulite affects over 90% of all women, and may be related to female hormonal composition.”
“As long as humans have walked the Earth, there has been cellulite” said Dr. Leon Forrester Tcheupdjian M.D., emphasizing how common and ancient this condition truly is. “Even malnourished individuals can develop cellulite. You can either ignore it or do something about it. Until recently the treatment options were all non-surgical and requiring multiple treatment sessions. Now a new one-time surgical cellulite release option is available to women, VASERsmooth.
Anatomy of Cellulite
- Cellulite is caused by excessive and unevenly distributed fat cells, which are trapped in uneven sized compartments under the skin.
- Cellulite becomes abundantly visible when thick bands known as septae cause puckering and dimpling. Some of the dimples disappear lying down, while others remain even in recumbent position.
- Cellulite appears as weakened, poor quality skin. The skin will appear as excessive, loose and stretched skin.
The causes of cellulite may be multi-factorial. Some of the theories about what causes cellulite are genetic factors, body weight fluctuations resulting in weight gain, weight loss cycles, hormonal and oxidative stress, and “free radical” theory. With time and added sun damage the septae harden and the skin loses its elasticity, further exacerbating the condition.
For the millions of women who have suffered with the unsightly cellulite and uneven fatty dimples on their thighs, buttocks, and even arms the wait for a truly effective treatment is finally over thanks to the groundbreaking new procedure called VASERsmooth.
VASERsmooth comes from the same company that brought us Vaser Hi-Definition Ultrasoni Liposuction. This is a delicate, one-time surgical procedure that dramatically improves and, at times, even eliminates the appearance of cellulite with long lasting results.
In Chicago, at the Liposuction and Cosmetic Surgery Institute cosmetic and plastic surgeons have unsurpassed skill and experience in performing this highly precise surgical procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What IsVASER Smooth?
VASER Smooth is an advanced surgical treatment of cellulite or loose skin
What can VASERsmooth effectively treat?
Cellulite or loose skin of the thighs, arms, neck and abdomen.
What types of patients can benefit from VASERsmooth?
Any patient with cellulite, dimples or dents under the skin.
Is there any downtime associated with the VASERsmooth procedure?
Normally patients experience only one day of downtime.
About VaseSmooth
VASERsmooth, unlike many non-surgical cellulite treatments, addresses the core problem of cellulite by releasing the thickened fibrous band septae of connective tissue as well as melting the fat cells that cause the skin to dimple, giving that puckered orange peel appearance of the skin that we know as cellulite. Once the fat cells are eliminated and the fibrous vertical bands are severed, the puckered look of cellulite is reduced.
VASERsmooth is performed at any of our four Chicago and suburban private, advanced surgical facilities. The procedure starts with precise marking the skin by your doctor. Each and every dent and elevation is carefully outlined, labeled and photographed.
For your comfort sedatives, pain medications and local anesthesia to the area is administered. A small incision, approximately ⅛ of an inch in size, is made to introduce the tumescent local anesthesia to completely numb the area. After waiting few minutes for local anesthesia to take effect, the VASERsmooth probe is inserted through the tiny incision under the skin to release the cellulite bands.
The VASERsmooth probe is a unique hand piece that emits safe ultrasonic waves that not only melt and emulsify the fat cells but also break down and release the extensive network of fibrous bands (known as septae) underneath the skin that cause the puckered appearance of cellulite. The heat energy delivered by the VASERsmooth device results in tighter, smoother and more elastic skin. Since the treatment depth is only a few centimeters, there is minimal chance of injury to major nerves or blood vessels. Mild bruising, swelling and discomfort at the treated area a are expected for a few days. This procedure requires downtime of only one to two days and a return to work the next day is possible. It is recommended to avoid strenuous exercises for a few days following your VASERsmooth procedure. A special compression garment will be provided to you, and should be worn for up to two weeks post-procedure. Showers may be taken the day following the treatment and use of a medical grade anti-bacterial shower gel and body scrub are recommended. In-office ultrasound treatments that vary in frequency between one and three times weekly are advised. Dietary restriction of sugars and complex carbohydrates are also recommended. Please follow your doctor’s instructions.
Individualized treatment and recovery plan for each patient is developed by our surgeons depending on your needs.
Initial results are noticeable in one to six months after the procedure, but the appearance of your skin will continue to improve for up to 12 months following VASERsmooth.
After undergoing a VASERsmooth treatment at the Liposuction and Cosmetic Surgery Institute of Chicago our patients report significant improvement in appearance of their stubborn cellulite.
Many patients tell us that they are no longer embarrassed to show off their legs.