VASER High Definition Liposuction
Cellon Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam, Seoul — VASER uses ultrasound energy to loosen fat before it is removed, which allows fat to be targeted with less disruption to surrounding tissue than traditional mechanical suction. It is used both for contouring and for correcting irregularity after previous liposuction.
How VASER differs from conventional liposuction
Conventional liposuction removes fat by mechanical action of the cannula, which also affects surrounding connective tissue and blood vessels. VASER applies ultrasound first, selectively loosening fat cells before suction. In practice this tends to mean less bleeding and a shorter recovery than conventional technique, though swelling and bruising still occur and vary considerably between patients.
Because the abdomen has different fat-layer thickness in different zones, deep and superficial fat must be removed evenly. Uneven removal is what produces contour irregularity later.
Aftercare programme
- Scar management
- Incisions are placed where clothing normally covers them. If a scar remains visible, Cellon provides scar treatment as part of follow-up care.
- Recovery care
- Radiofrequency massage and a swelling-management programme adapted to the procedure and the individual.
- Anaesthesia management
- Performed under anaesthesia with monitoring appropriate to the extent of surgery.
- Dedicated coordinator
- A single staff member follows the patient through recovery.
Procedure summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Procedure time | Varies with the number and size of areas; confirmed at consultation |
| Anaesthesia | Determined by the extent of surgery, from local tumescent to general anaesthesia |
| Hospital stay | Same-day discharge in most cases; confirmed per case |
| Recovery / downtime | Swelling and bruising for 2 to 3 weeks; contour continues to settle over about 3 months |
| Compression garment | Worn as instructed after surgery |
| Incisions | Placed in areas normally covered by clothing |
| Suggested stay | Cellon recommends staying in Korea at least 7 days after surgery so recovery can be reviewed before flying |
| Performed by | Dr. Kang Seunghoon, board-certified dermatologist |
How the procedure works
- Consultation — fat distribution, skin elasticity, and target contour are assessed, and the surgical plan and anaesthesia are decided.
- Preoperative marking and photography.
- Tumescent solution infiltration, then ultrasound application to loosen fat selectively.
- Fat removal with attention to even depth across zones.
- Closure and compression garment. Recovery care programme begins at the follow-up visit.
Indications and contraindications
- Best candidates
- Adults with localised fat deposits that persist despite weight control, and with reasonable skin elasticity.
- Limited benefit
- Liposuction is not a weight-loss treatment. Where skin laxity is significant, removing fat alone can worsen the contour, and skin-tightening or excision may be required instead.
- Contraindications
- Pregnancy, uncontrolled bleeding disorder, significant cardiac or pulmonary disease, active infection, unrealistic expectation of the result. Determined at consultation.
- Side effects
- Swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, and firmness are expected during recovery. Less commonly contour irregularity, prolonged swelling, seroma, or asymmetry. Rare but serious risks include infection, bleeding, deep vein thrombosis, and anaesthesia-related complications. All adverse events should be reported to the clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Is liposuction only for people who are overweight?
No. Because the body loses fat in a different order from the way it gains it, localised deposits can persist at any body weight. Liposuction addresses specific areas rather than overall weight.
How is VASER different from ordinary liposuction?
Ultrasound loosens fat before removal. This tends to mean less bleeding and a shorter recovery than mechanical suction alone, though swelling and bruising still occur.
How long is the recovery?
Swelling and bruising for about 2 to 3 weeks. The contour continues to settle over roughly 3 months. Individual recovery varies.
Will there be a visible scar?
Incisions are small and placed where clothing normally covers them. Scars fade over time, and Cellon provides scar treatment as part of follow-up care if one remains visible.
What anaesthesia is used?
It depends on how much is being treated, ranging from local tumescent anaesthesia to general anaesthesia, with monitoring appropriate to the case.
Can foreign patients have this?
Yes, with planning. Cellon recommends staying in Korea at least 7 days after surgery so recovery can be reviewed before a long flight. Pre-screening can be arranged by messenger before you travel.
Can fat removed be used elsewhere?
In some cases. Where fat grafting is planned in the same session, this is discussed at consultation. See Stem Cell Fat Graft.
What are the risks I should know about?
Swelling, bruising, numbness, and firmness are expected. Contour irregularity, seroma, and asymmetry are less common. Infection, bleeding, thrombosis, and anaesthesia-related complications are rare but serious. These are reviewed in detail at consultation.
Regulatory references
- Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS): mfds.go.kr
- Related: Revision Liposuction
- Related: Stem Cell Fat Graft