Thanks for the question. VASER (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) merely describes a technique for liposuction using a specialised ultrasound technology to break down fat cells before it is removed by a suction tubing. VASER liposuction can be done for both limited areas or you can also have an extensive liposuction treating multiple areas. Hence, different treatments will require different post-operative protocols.
I perform most of my liposuction as a day surgery procedure in an operating theatre within a hospital and most patients do not require an overnight stay for recovery. This also applies to patients who have undergone liposuction (non-VASER) and structural fat grafting e.g. for breast augmentation. However, there are some situations when patients stay overnight:
- Patients have nausea and vomiting after General Anaesthesia and need more time to recover from the effects of GA. This is rather uncommon as the surgery takes 2-3 hours and most patients recover quite quickly and are well to be discharged 1-2 hours after the surgery. In this case, patients usually stay for only 1 night and are discharged the next day.
- Patient request for overnight stay for social reasons. This applies to patients who have come from overseas for surgery and would like to rest the night before flying home the next day. Occasionally, some patients stay over as they have no one to look after them at home. Depending on the areas where liposuction is performed, most patients can be independent to cope on their own and do not require much assistance.
- As mentioned by Dr. Chui, admission is required for patients who have more than 2L of fat removed. This is done for safety and patients are discharged the next day.
Under most circumstances, when liposuction is an outpatient procedure, recovery is usually quick. Most people can return to work within a few days and to normal activities within about two weeks. You should expect bruising, swelling and soreness that may least for a few weeks.
Please feel free to post more questions if you want to find out more!
Dr. Terence Goh
