Traditional vs. VASER liposuction: Which one is suitable for me? Do you have a belly pooch that you can’t get rid of, or love handles that won’t shift no matter how much exercise you do? While we think all bodies are beautiful, we understand that some individuals want to refine their appearance and feel more comfortable in their own skin. If you’ve been looking into non-surgical or surgical procedures to give you a helping hand, you might already know about liposuction. Both traditional and VASER liposuction are quick, safe procedures that target stubborn fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. But which is suitable for you? In this blog, we explain traditional vs. VASER liposuction, giving you all of the details you need to make an informed choice.
Traditional vs. VASER liposuction
What's the difference between traditional and VASER liposuction?
| Traditional Liposuction | VASER Liposuction |
| ✔ Uses a cannula and suction technique to effectively remove targeted areas of fat | ✔ A cutting-edge procedure that uses ultrasound waves to break down and remove targeted areas of fat |
| ✔ Perfect procedure for patients who are close to their goal weight but have a little way to go | ✔ Ideal procedure for patients who have hit their goal weight and want to look more contoured and snatched |
| ✔ Surgically invasive but highly effective, and has been trusted for decades | ✔ Procedure is minimally-invasive and has a much shorter recovery time - you can go back to work within 2-3 days of having VASER liposuction |
What is Traditional Liposuction?
Traditional liposuction is a body sculpting procedure that effectively removes excess fat from all areas of your body, especially the tummy, flanks, and arms. It’s a tried and trusted surgical procedure that has been practiced since the 1920s.
How does it work?
Traditional liposuction, also known as suction-assisted liposuction, works by using a cannula and suction technique. During the procedure, a delicate tube is inserted through small incisions in the skin before suction works to gently pull the fat from your body. Traditional liposuction is done under full general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep throughout the whole procedure, and you won’t feel a thing.
You may be a good candidate for traditional liposuction if you:
- Are close to your goal weight, with pockets of fat that haven't responded to diet and exercise
- Are in good general health
- Have realistic expectations about body contouring rather than weight loss
What results should you expect?
After surgery, you'll notice swelling and bruising beneath your compression garment. This typically settles within 2-4 weeks, with final results usually visible within 3-6 months. See our full week-by-week recovery timeline for what to expect at each stage.
Traditional Liposuction Before and Afters
What are the side effects of traditional liposuction?
Some bruising, swelling and a little discomfort are all a completely normal part of recovering from traditional liposuction, and most of this settles within a couple of weeks. You might also feel some numbness around the treated area and find you're moving a bit more slowly than usual at first, but this eases within 2-4 weeks too.
Infection and fluid build-up are possible but uncommon. Your surgeon will talk you through all the risks at your free consultation, so you know exactly what to expect, and you're always welcome to ask as many questions as you like.
What is recovery like for traditional liposuction?
Recovery from traditional liposuction usually takes a few weeks, though wearing your compression garment as advised can help things along. It's worth setting aside some time off work, especially in the first week or so.
There's no single "right" amount of time to take off; it really depends on your job and how you're feeling. The main thing is to make sure you can walk and move comfortably before jumping back into your usual routine. In the meantime, there's no shame in a duvet day (or several) with your favourite show on repeat.
What is Vaser Liposuction?
VASER liposuction is a body contouring procedure that targets smaller, stubborn pockets of fat around the hips, tummy, flanks or arms. It shares the same goal as traditional liposuction, but it's especially good at refining smaller areas with more precision and has earned its popularity through being minimally invasive.
How does it work?
Where traditional liposuction uses suction alone, VASER liposuction uses ultrasound energy to gently loosen fat cells before they're carefully removed through a cannula. VASER (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) is known for being a precise, advanced technique, and it's performed under general anaesthetic, so you'll be asleep throughout.
You may be a good candidate for VASER liposuction if you:
- Are maintaining a stable, healthy weight
- Are in good general health
- Are looking for extra definition around your hips, tummy, flanks or arms
We often think of VASER as one of the final steps in a body confidence journey, alongside procedures like a tummy tuck, which is better suited to addressing any loose or excess skin.
What results should you expect?
In the first few days after your procedure, some swelling is completely normal. This settles over the following 4-6 weeks, with final results usually visible within 3-6 months, although a little swelling can still linger. See our full week-by-week VASER recovery timeline for what to expect at each stage.
VASER Liposuction Before and Afters
What are the side effects of VASER liposuction?
Just like with traditional liposuction, some swelling and bruising is completely normal after VASER lipo. The good news is that many patients find their bruising is a little milder and settles a bit sooner, thanks to VASER's gentler approach to the surrounding tissue. You might also notice some tightness, numbness or altered sensation in the treated area, but this typically eases as your body heals.
What is recovery like for VASER liposuction?
Many patients feel ready to return to desk-based work within just 2-3 days, and by the end of the first week, you'll likely notice your bruising and swelling improving nicely, with your new contours starting to show through.
From there, recovery continues gradually. Light exercise like walking or cycling is usually fine from around 1-2 weeks, while more strenuous activity, like the gym or high-impact workouts, is best left until 4-6 weeks, once your surgeon has given you the green light. You'll also need to wear your compression garment for around six weeks to support your results as your body heals.
Everyone's timeline is a little different, so for a full breakdown of what to expect at each stage, take a look at our week-by-week VASER recovery timeline.
Why a Liposuction consultation is the best place to start
Reading up on different Liposuction techniques is a great first step. But every body is different, and the clearest answers come from a real conversation with an expert. A consultation gives you the space to ask questions, explore your options and decide what feels right for you, with no pressure and no obligation.
Talk to someone who listens
Your consultation starts with you. You’ll talk through what you’d like to change, why it matters to you and what you hope to feel afterwards. Our GMC-registered surgeons take the time to understand your goals before talking about any treatment.
Get honest, expert advice
You’ll get a clear, honest view of what Vaser and Traditional Liposuction can and can’t achieve for you. If a different approach would suit you better, or if surgery isn’t the right choice right now, we’ll tell you. Good advice should help you feel confident in your decision, whatever it is.
A plan that’s built around you
No two people are the same, so no two plans should be either. Your surgeon will talk you through the options that suit your body, your lifestyle and the results you’re hoping for.
Know exactly what to expect
From preparing for surgery to recovery and getting back to everyday life, you’ll leave knowing what happens next. You’ll also hear about the support you’ll have along the way, including 2 years of aftercare and our 24/7 nurse helpline.
Clear costs, flexible options
You’ll get a clear picture of costs, plus information about our 0% finance options, so you can plan with confidence.
Time to make your decision
There’s no rush. Take your time, think it over and come back with any questions. When you feel ready, we’ll be here.
Feeling comfortable in your own skin starts with an honest conversation.
Meet our Surgeons
Pall Mall Cosmetics is proud to have experienced GMC registered surgeons who have been trained in the most current techniques and procedures, so you know you're getting the best care available when you visit us for a free liposuction consultation.
How much does liposuction cost?
Liposuction starts from £3,500 for VASER liposuction, or £4,995 for traditional liposuction, though your exact price will depend on the areas you're treating and how many of them you'd like combined in one session. You can see the full breakdown on our price list.
That price covers everything you need for a stress-free journey: your surgeon consultations, the procedure itself (including the surgeon's fee, anaesthetist's fee and hospital fee), your hospital stay, and two years of aftercare with unlimited post-op appointments and 24/7 nurse support.
If you'd rather spread the cost, we offer flexible finance options, including 0% finance and plans over 3-5 years, so you can pay monthly in a way that works for you.
The best way to get an accurate price for your specific goals is a free, no-obligation consultation, where your surgeon will recommend the right approach and your Patient Co-ordinator can talk you through your finance options. Book your free consultation.
Enquire about Liposuction at Pall Mall
A member of our team will be in touch with you to discuss your requirements.
