BODY SCULPTURE
Body Sculpture
High definition Vaser liposculpture offers exceptional ways to achieve an athletic look.
- This Quarterly July 2011 -

Liposuction is a well established technique to remove fatty tissues in order to attain a more balanced weight. VASER Liposelection is a fairly new technique that combines patented ultrasound technology with advanced surgical techniques to destroy and remove stubborn, unwanted fatty deposits. Commonly treated areas include the tummy, hips, buttocks, thighs, calves, back, arms, face and neck — any place where there are some extra inches that need removing.

The ultrasound selectively breaks down fat leaving important structures such as blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue largely intact. This means there is minimal swelling and bruising, low to minimal pain, while the procedure results in smooth contouring of the body. In addition, VASER liposelection offers precise control over fat removal, especially in delicate areas.

THE ATHLETIC LOOK

VASER Hi-Definition Liposculpture (VAHDL) is a new technique pioneered by Colombian Plastic Surgeon Dr Alfredo Hoyos, which involves the creation of athletic-looking, well toned bodies.

The main difference between VAHDL and the standard liposuction, is that VAHDL is an exacting technique. The debulking (to remove most of the fat) is just the first step. In high-definition, there are two more steps involved — the superficial and deep liposculpture, so that the superficial anatomy (like the abdominal six-pack in men) can revealed in the desired areas. According to Dr Hoyos, VAHDL is not about the amount extracted, but what to leave behind to create the illusion of an ideal shape for the patient.

VAHDL requires the surgeon to radically rethink his views of how liposuction should be performed. He must first study to acquire a keen eye for beautiful body shapes so that he can decide which pockets of fat to remove or retain.

The procedure can be performed under local anaesthesia, but when treatment of the entire torso is required, it is done under general anaesthesia. For an accurate extraction, objective tumescent infiltration is mandatory. The downside of VAHDL is that it is more time-consuming for the surgeon, the finesse required is more art than science.

On top of acquiring the technical skills required for VAHDL, special technology is required that allows the surgeon to achieve a fine and smooth treatment of the superficial layer of fat. VASER is the enabling technology for VAHDL; it affords a consistent and soft management of the superficial layer ensuring a reproducible, reliable result.

The risks of VAHDL are similar to any liposuction. High definition not only removes fat from unwanted areas, but retains fat in selected key areas. The amount of fat extracted may be less than traditional methods which, in a sense, is safer. On the other hand, VAHDL requires more time and precision.

After VAHDL, it is recommended that patients seek advice pertaining to diet, exercise and healthcare routine for permanent lifestyle modifications and enduring results.