VASER (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) liposuction is a fat removal procedure. To carry out the surgery, the doctor uses two things:
- Ultrasound waves
- A tube-like stainless tool known as a cannula
The doctor pushes an ultrasound probe through the skin. As the ultrasound waves hit the fat cells, they liquefy the fat. The doctor then uses the cannula to remove the fat.
While this method leaves minimal physical scars, it certainly has a psychological impact on the patient. That’s why every aesthetic doctor should guide the patient in understanding the psychological effects of Vaser liposuction; this can help patients know what they’re signing up for when they choose this operation.
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Psychological Impact of Vaser Liposuction
Body contouring procedures like Vaser liposuction are all about enhancing one’s appearance. Going through the operation can have positive and negative psychological effects as the patient adjusts to their new body. The depth of this impact, whether positive or negative, will vary from person to person, depending on:
- What their self-perception was like before the procedure
- What difference they hope the procedure will make in how they perceive themselves
The Positive Side of Vaser Liposuction
An attractive body shape can drastically improve the patient’s psychological health as they perceive themselves as more noticeable, likable, and acceptable.
Positive Body Image
With a better appearance, the patient develops a positive body image. They appreciate how different their body looks and are inclined to do what it takes to maintain it. That includes:
- Conscious eating, like cutting junk and increasing healthy food options
- Regular exercise to prevent the fat from creeping back in
- Taking care of their mental health to manage situations that could result in poor eating habits, substance abuse, or a slack in exercising. All these habits could cause the remaining fat cells to produce excessive fatty lipids, leading to changes in the previously contoured body shape.
Such a patient is likely to embrace the mindset that they are in control of their body, which gives them a sense of power. Knowing they can make the right decisions as concerns taking care of their body gives them some invincibility.
Higher Self-Esteem
Many patients who consider their new bodies to be good looking develop higher self-esteem. They begin to feel good about themselves, are kinder to themselves, and believe that they matter and deserve good things.
A healthy dose of self-esteem may be all they need to finally pursue the dreams they’ve been pushing to the side. It can push them to communicate better and develop better relationships with their family, loved ones, and work or business colleagues. Ultimately, improved self-esteem contributes to a better quality of life.
More Self-Confidence
Self-esteem and self-confidence go hand in hand. A boost in self-esteem leads to higher self-confidence. One feels competent enough to try new things, set higher goals, apply for higher positions at work, change careers, or start a business. And even when one fails, they are likely to pick themselves up and not wallow in self-pity, something they may not have been capable of before Vaser liposuction.
The Negative Side of Vaser Liposuction
Usually, the negative psychological effects a person may suffer after Vaser liposuction are not due to poor physical outcomes following the procedure. Rather, they may be due to fear of the unknown or exacerbation of existing mental health challenges. The most common of these are:
Anxiety
It’s not unusual for patients to worry about failure to maintain their new look.
- What if they can’t sustain healthy eating habits for long?
- What if they can’t keep up an exercise routine?
Unchecked, this fear can give rise to stress and anxiety and, in worst-case scenarios, lead to depression.
Body Image Dissatisfaction
Some patients may be dissatisfied with how their body looks post-lipo. This may have nothing to do with the aesthetic doctor doing a bad job and everything to do with having unrealistic expectations. They may feel pressure to conform to a body shape and size that differs greatly from their body type. Such a patient may have regrets about getting lipo or may become obsessed with undergoing repeat procedures in a bid to attain their dream body.
Pre- and Post-Surgery Care Can Improve Psychological Health In Vaser Liposuction Patients
Pre-surgery counseling and post-surgery care can help Vaser liposuction patients manage their expectations and provide support after the operation. Top aesthetic doctors are keen to provide this level of support so that their patients:
- Have someone to walk with them on their recovery journey
- Have a therapist to help them work through any psychological challenges they face
- Have professionals address any health concerns they may have following the procedure
Key Takeaway
Vaser liposuction is an effective fat removal operation for individuals who wish to contour their body to attain a desired shape. Because it’s a minimally invasive procedure, the patient experiences little discomfort during and after the surgery. Nonetheless, the operation comes with numerous psychological effects, both positive and negative. The healthcare provider should offer sufficient pre- and post-operation care and support to help the patient adjust to life after Vaser liposuction.
