VASER Liposuction & Body Contouring

Body contouring and liposuction at Pacific Plastic Surgery Group in San Francisco uses either tumescent technique or VASER ultrasonic liposuction — a system that emulsifies fat cells with ultrasonic energy before suctioning, enabling smoother fat removal and improved skin tightening in the treated area. Dr. Edward P. Miranda (MD, FACS) customizes each case. A compression garment is worn for approximately two weeks post-operatively; final results become visible as swelling resolves over roughly three months.

Liposuction and body contouring at Pacific Plastic Surgery Group offers two complementary approaches to localized fat removal under the care of Dr. Edward P. Miranda, who has specific expertise in body contouring as one of his core surgical specialties. The tumescent technique — the standard approach for most liposuction cases — infuses the treatment area with a dilute solution of saline, local anaesthetic (lidocaine), and epinephrine before fat removal. The epinephrine reduces bleeding significantly by causing local vasoconstriction; the lidocaine provides intra-operative and extended post-operative pain relief; and the saline volume mechanically distends the fat compartment, making it easier to move the cannula smoothly through the subcutaneous layer. Fat is then removed by inserting a thin cannula through small hidden incisions and applying suction. Pacific Plastic Surgery Group also offers VASER (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) ultrasonic liposuction — a technology that uses high-frequency ultrasonic energy delivered through a probe to selectively emulsify fat cells while preserving surrounding blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. The emulsified fat is then aspirated more easily, with less physical trauma to the tissues than mechanical cannula motion alone. VASER is particularly noted for its ability to address more fibrous fat areas and is associated in clinical experience with improved skin retraction in the treated zone, making it a preferred tool for higher-definition contouring. Common treatment areas include the abdomen, flanks, back, thighs, knees, and upper arms. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia depending on the volume and number of areas. A compression garment is worn for approximately two weeks to reduce swelling and support skin re-draping. Final results become visible progressively as oedema resolves over approximately three months. Liposuction permanently reduces the number of fat cells in the treated area.