The chase after a healthy lifestyle including diet and exercise has grown common and despite the effort, some stubborn fat deposits can remain in certain areas, for this there are cosmetic surgery techniques available like BodyTite and VASER Liposuction.
BodyTite uses radiofrequency assisted lipolysis (RFAL) to achieve targeted fat reduction and noticeable skin tightening. It uses a specialized probe that is inserted beneath the skin’s surface to release radiofrequency (RF) energy.
VASER (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) is a procedure that uses ultrasound to liquefy fat before suctioning it out. The ultrasound waves work by disrupting and emulsifying fat cells with the other tissues untouched.
Small incisions and specific area targeting are required for both techniques, with VASER applied mostly when removal of larger volumes of fat is required while BodyTite focuses more on fat reduction with skin tightening benefits.
Introduction to Modern Body Contouring Techniques
In recent years there’s been growth in body contouring techniques. Traditional liposuction has given way to the advanced techniques such as laser lipolysis, radiofrequency assisted lipolysis and ultrasound assisted lipolysis. Unlike traditional liposuction, these modern techniques target the unwanted fat cells while inducing skin tightening benefits through thermal effects on collagen.
Branded techniques like VASER and BodyTite make use of this new technology with advantages of smaller incisions, less recovery time and low risk compared to traditional liposuction. While healthy diet and exercise remain to be the cornerstones , these techniques give a variety of options for contouring to one’s specifications.
Understanding BodyTite: Technology and Application
BodyTite is a minimally invasive body contouring procedure that uses radiofrequency assisted lipolysis (RFAL) to remove unwanted fat and tighten skin through a handpiece that is made up of an internal electrode that is inserted beneath the skin and an external electrode that slides in tandem with the internal one to release radiofrequency (RF) energy that creates a heating effect within the treated tissue layers.
RF energy works by liquefying Fat Cells which is then removed through a small suction tube inserted during the procedure and Boosting Collagen Production through
the controlled heat which also serves as a catalyst for collagen production, therefore increased collagen production results in tighter and smoother skin in the treated areas.
During the BodyTite procedure, a RF handpiece is made up of an internal electrode that is inserted beneath the skin and an external electrode that remains on top of the treatment area. The internal electrode delivers controlled radiofrequency energy to heat up and liquify fat cells, which are then suctioned out. On the other hand, the RF energy heats the dermal skin tissues causing increased collagen production results in tighter and smoother skin in the treated areas.
BodyTite in comparison to traditional liposuction is advantageous in that there’s minimal invasion with just few small incisions, less recovery time and skin tightening benefits. The technology behind BodyTite shows improvement over the other previous skin tightening procedures and with it not being a weight loss procedure, it is an effective solution for specific fat reduction and skin tightening when diet and exercise are not enough.
The BodyTite Procedure Explained
Pre-Treatment Preparation:
- Consultation with the provider to discuss goals, take measurements, budget and come up with the appropriate treatment plan
- Medication adjustments like avoiding anti-inflammatory medications, supplements, and products like vitamin E for 1-2 weeks prior as well as blood thinners
- Lifestyle changes like stop smoking several weeks before the procedure to improve healing
BodyTite Procedure:
- Anesthesia which is given typically through local anesthesia and oral sedation
- Making of small incisions in the treatment area, ranging 3-4 mm in length
- Insertion of the BodyTite handpiece containing the radiofrequency probe under the skin
- The external electrode is placed on top of the treatment area’s skin surface
- RF energy is sent through the probe to liquify the unwanted fat cells while the external electrode monitors skin temperature
- The liquified fat is suctioned out using a gentle vacuum
- The RF energy also heats up the dermis, causing collagen contraction and stimulation of new collagen production
Post-Procedure Care:
- Compression garments are worn for several weeks to help skin tightening and reduce swelling
- Limited activity including exercise for the first few days but walking is encouraged
- Swelling and bruising are common and resolves within the first and second week after procedure
- Final results become visible around 3-6 months as skin tightening progresses
Exploring VASER Liposuction: A Detailed Look
VASER (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) is a procedure that uses ultrasonic technology to get rid of unwanted fat deposits and compared to traditional liposuction it offers a more gentle and precise approach to body contouring.
From its name Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance, this procedure works by emitting high frequency sound waves. During the procedure, a specialized handpiece releases high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) into the targeted fat deposits.
These sound waves create tiny bubbles in the fat cells in a process called Cavitation, which then expand and collapse specifically damaging the fat cell membranes without the other surrounding tissues being harmed. The damage to the fat deposits caused by the cavitation process liquefies the fat making it easy to remove with minimal effort.
VASER vs. Traditional Liposuction
Traditional liposuction depends on a thin tube, to mechanically suction out fat during the procedure and whereas it being effective, there may be unproportioned results and may end up damaging the surrounding tissues. VASER’s ultrasonic technology on the other hand gives a more precise and controlled approach to fat removal.
Some of the advantages of VASER include;
- There’s low risks of damage to the surrounding tissues
- There’s enhanced fat removal in that liquefied fat allows for easier and possibly more thorough removal, leading to smoother results.
- The extracted fat cells may be used for fat grafting procedures, therefore allowing for fat transfer to improve other areas of the body.
- The thermal effects brought about by the ultrasound energy can promote collagen production for skin tightening over time.
VASER Procedure: Steps and Expectations
Pre-Treatment preparation
- A consultation session with the provider is necessary so as to get your medical history, discuss your goals and take a physical exam to see if the procedure is suitable for you or not and to clarify any doubts or concerns you may have.
- Some blood tests or other medical clearances may be taken by the provider to ensure you’re in a good state to undergo the procedure.
- Some medications, like blood thinners and supplements may need to be adjusted or stopped for a period before the procedure so it doesn’t affect the procedure.
- Some lifestyle changes like cessation of smoking might be necessary so as to promote healing and taking a healthy diet to improve the general results.
Procedure
- The procedure starts with sedating the patient with local anesthesia for the patient’s comfortability during the procedure.
- Small incisions are then made in the targeted treatment areas.
- A specialized VASER probe is then inserted releasing ultrasonic sound waves through one of the incisions.
- The sound waves target fat cells, creating microscopic bubbles that rapidly expand and collapse in a procedure called cavitation therefore causing disruption to the fat cell membranes, liquefying the fat.
- A cannula is then inserted through a separate small incision, where the liquefied fat is suctioned out.
- The incisions are then closed with sutures.
- The procedure starts with sedating the patient with local anesthesia for the patient’s comfortability during the procedure.
- Small incisions are then made in the targeted treatment areas.
- A specialized VASER probe is then inserted releasing ultrasonic sound waves through one of the incisions.
- The sound waves target fat cells, creating microscopic bubbles that rapidly expand and collapse in a procedure called cavitation therefore causing disruption to the fat cell membranes, liquefying the fat.
- A cannula is then inserted through another small incision, where the liquefied fat is suctioned out.
- Finally the incisions are then closed with sutures.
Post-Treatment Care:
- There’s a need for a compression garment for several weeks following the procedure in order to help reduce swelling and promote skin retraction.
- Pain medications will be prescribed to manage pain after procedure if necessary
- Enough rest is encouraged to allow the body to heal and strenuous activity should be avoided for 2-4 weeks.
- Regular follow-up visits are necessary so as to monitor progress and address any concerns.
This procedure offers a gentler approach but there will still be some swelling, bruising and numbness after the procedure which may last several weeks. Recovery time can vary so it is important to follow your provider’s instructions for optimal healing. Final results can take 3-6 months as swelling resolves and skin tightening occurs.
BodyTite vs. VASER: A Comparative Analysis
Technology and Effectiveness
| Feature | BodyTite | VASER Liposuction |
| Technology | Radiofrequency Assisted Lipolysis (RFAL) | Ultrasound Assisted Lipolysis |
| Fat Removal Mechanism | RF energy liquefies fat, which is then suctioned out | Ultrasonic waves create cavitation to disrupt and liquefy fat cells |
| Skin Tightening Mechanism | RF thermal effects cause collagen contraction and neo-formation | Ultrasonic thermal effects stimulate collagen production |
| Fat Removal Effectiveness | Can remove moderate amounts of fat effectively | Highly effective for larger volume fat removal |
| Skin Tightening Effectiveness | Provides significant skin tightening benefits | Moderate skin tightening effects |
Procedure, Recovery, and Downtime
BodyTite involves deeper tissue numbing injections and there’s need for wearing a compression garment for several weeks to aid skin tightening while VASER may have less recovery time period, but compression garments may still be recommended to promote skin retraction.
Both procedures encourage resuming light activities within a few days, but discourage strenuous exercise for 2-4 weeks.
Swelling, bruising and numbness are common side effects for both procedures which can last for several weeks.
Final results begin to show around 3-6 months as swelling subsides and skin tightening progresses.
Risks and Safety Considerations
Potential risks include; infection, bleeding, scarring, skin discoloration, asymmetry, and unwanted results.
Seromas defined as fluid accumulations and prolonged numbness or nerve pain are other possible side effects with burns and deep vein thrombosis being rare but serious complications.
Safety considerations include;
- Receiving treatment from experienced, qualified, and certified providers.
- Following all pre-and post-operative instructions carefully.
- Avoiding smoking and certain medications that can impair healing.
Cost Analysis: BodyTite vs. VASER
Both of these procedures are considered advanced body contouring techniques and they use specialized technologies, therefore their costs may be high compared to traditional liposuction methods although the prizes might vary depending on other specific factors like;
- Location whereby the costs tend to be high in metropolitan areas compared to the rural areas
- The experience of the care provider, the most experienced charging higher fees for their services
- Size of the treatment area with the larger areas like the abdomen and flanks being more costly compared to smaller areas like the arms and chin.
- Procedures that involves larger volumes of fat removal are more costly
- According to realself.com’s customer reviews, the average cost of BodyTite in the U.S. is around $6,800 while typical VASER liposuction costs range from $4,000 to $12,000
- Combining BodyTite with other procedures like liposuction will be costly like fat removal through VASER together with RF for skin tightening
Most providers give the detailed prices of these procedures after consultation so as to provide an accurate and individualized estimation of costs for the desired treatment areas and goals.
Patient Testimonials and Real-Life Experiences
A BodyTite patient from New York reported that she had the procedure on her abdomen, flanks and lower back. She said the procedure was explained to her in detail and felt confident to proceed, adding that she was initially concerned it would be an uncomfortable procedure but then, she reported feeling comfortable throughout and already being amazed by her results.
A VASER Lipo patient reported being 6 months post-op from her VASER liposuction on her waist, hips, flanks, upper and lower back, reporting that it took her 7 years to gain courage for this treatment, which was her first cosmetic surgery. She admitted to being incredibly nervous on the day of surgery but said the team was incredible, stating that the aftercare was fantastic. She concluded she was so happy with her results.
Choosing the Right Procedure for You
Choosing between these procedures is mostly dependent on needs of the individual, goals and expectations together with physical conditions. These are some factors you may consider;
Treatment area – BodyTite favors areas with moderate fat and mild skin laxity like the arms and abdomen while VASER targets areas with larger volume fats like the thighs flanks and the back
Skin tightening goals – BodyTite offers a greater degree with the use of radiofrequency energy
Recovery Considerations- Both procedures require some recovery time but Bodytite may take longer.
Cost and Budget- BodyTite is costly compared to Vaser Lipo due to the combined effects of excess fat removal as well as skin tightening effects.
Conclusion
BodyTite and VASER liposuction are advanced body contouring techniques that work by providing radiofrequency assisted lipolysis with skin tightening benefits while VASER uses ultrasound to remove larger volumes of unwanted fats.
One’s choice is dependent on the individual’s goals , treatment areas and other individual factors. Although these procedures being less invasive compared to traditional liposuction, it can still cause risks that need careful considerations.
Consultation with an experienced, qualified plastic surgeon still remains important as their professional guidance, together with your goals can bring about the ideal body contouring approach for you.
The professionals at gtaesthetic.com can give personalized advice based on your unique needs, incase options like BodyTite and VASER Lipo interest you.
FAQ Related To BodyTite vs. VASER
How long does the recovery process take for BodyTite and VASER liposuction?
For BodyTite 2-4 weeks, it is longer due to skin tightening while VASERlasts 1-2 weeks
How do BodyTite and VASER liposuction differ in terms of results and effectiveness?
BodyTite works by removing unwanted fat cells and tightens skin therefore good for loose skin while VASER removes fat primarily therefore may need extra procedures for tightening
What is the cost difference between BodyTite and VASER liposuction?
According to realself.com’s customer reviews, the average cost of BodyTite in the U.S. is around $6,800 while typical VASER liposuction costs range from $4,000 to $12,000
Are the results of BodyTite and VASER liposuction permanent?
Both BodyTite and VASER liposuction can have long-lasting results, but in order to sustain the outcomes one needs to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.