VASER liposuction uses ultrasound to emulsify fat before suctioning it. A fine probe inserted beneath the skin releases the fat cells while sparing blood vessels and nerves as far as possible. This preparation makes it easier to suction dense or fibrous fat, such as that of the male flanks, the back or a previously operated area, and allows more precise work, useful for high-definition liposuction. The price of VASER liposuction follows that of conventional liposuction, with a surcharge linked to the device and the emulsification time. For the technique, see our page on VASER liposuction.
VASER liposuction costs a little more than conventional liposuction for the same areas, because of the equipment and an additional step. The surcharge is mainly justified for dense fat, revisions, high definition or when the fat is to be reinjected. Like any cosmetic liposuction, it is not covered by insurance.
VASER is an expensive device, with specific probes and skin protectors. Emulsification, carried out before suction, adds operating time. These two factors explain the surcharge compared with conventional liposuction.
| Component | Effect |
|---|---|
| Device and maintenance | Cushioning |
| Probes and protectors | Specific equipment |
| Emulsification time | Longer duration |
For a small area of soft fat in a young person, conventional liposuction is often enough. VASER comes into its own on fibrous fat, the male flanks and chest, the back, previously liposuctioned areas, and for high definition, where precision is essential.
| Situation | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Soft fat, small area | Low |
| Male flanks and chest | High |
| Back | High |
| Previously operated area | High |
| High definition | High |
| Fat transfer | Good, with appropriate settings |
For VASER liposuction of the abdomen and flanks, here are the price differences between cities and cantons, with Geneva as the baseline. The devices are mainly found in the major cities.
| City | Canton | Choice of practitioners | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geneva | Geneva | Extensive | Basis of calculation |
| Lausanne | Vaud | Extensive | 1 to 4% lower |
| Nyon | Vaud | More limited | 0 to 3% less |
| Montreux | Vaud | More limited | 1 to 7% lower |
| Bern | Bern | Extensive | 5 to 7% lower |
| Basel | Basel-City | Extensive | 3 to 5% lower |
| Zurich | Zurich | Extensive | 1 to 5% less |
| Zug | Zug | Extensive | 0 to 5% less |
| Lucerne | Lucerne | More limited | 4 to 9% less |
| St. Gallen | St. Gallen | More limited | 4 to 9% less |
| Lugano | Ticino | Extensive | 4 to 10% lower |
| Canton | Consultation cities | Waiting time for an appointment | Relative cost | Waiting time for an appointment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aargau | Baden, Aarau | Short | 2 to 5% lower | About one month |
| Appenzell Ausserrhoden | St. Gallen, Herisau | Variable | 5 to 11% less | One to two weeks |
| Appenzell Innerrhoden | St. Gallen, Zurich | Variable | 4 to 11% less | One to two months |
| Basel-Country | Basel, Liestal | Short | 1 to 7% lower | A few weeks |
| Basel-City | Basel | Short | 1 to 4% lower | Two to four weeks |
| Bern | Bern, Biel | Short | 2 to 6% less | One to two weeks |
| Fribourg | Fribourg, Bern | Variable | 4 to 7% lower | Two to three weeks |
| Geneva | Geneva | Short | Basis of calculation | Three to five weeks |
| Glarus | Zurich, Glarus | Short | 3 to 9% less | Two to three weeks |
| Graubünden | Chur | Short | 3 to 10% lower | A few weeks |
| Jura | Basel, Neuchâtel | Variable | 4 to 12% less | A few weeks |
| Lucerne | Lucerne, Zug | Variable | 4 to 9% less | One to two months |
| Neuchâtel | Neuchâtel, La Chaux-de-Fonds | Variable | 4 to 10% lower | Two to three weeks |
| Nidwalden | Lucerne, Stans | Variable | 4 to 7% lower | Three to five weeks |
| Obwalden | Lucerne, Sarnen | Short | 1 to 8% less | Two to three weeks |
| St. Gallen | St. Gallen, Zurich | Short | 2 to 6% less | A few weeks |
| Schaffhausen | Schaffhausen, Zurich | Short | 0 to 5% less | One to two weeks |
| Schwyz | Lucerne, Zug | Short | 2 to 5% lower | One to two weeks |
| Solothurn | Solothurn, Olten | Variable | 5 to 8% lower | Three to five weeks |
| Ticino | Lugano, Locarno | Short | 1 to 6% less | One to two weeks |
| Thurgau | Frauenfeld, Zurich | Short | 3 to 7% less | About one month |
| Uri | Lucerne, Altdorf | Short | 3 to 7% less | Two to four weeks |
| Valais | Sion, Martigny | Short | 2 to 10% less | Two to three weeks |
| Vaud | Lausanne, Morges | Short | 3 to 9% less | About one month |
| Zug | Zug, Zurich | Short | 0 to 2% lower | Two to three weeks |
| Zurich | Zurich, Winterthur | Short | 0 to 2% lower | Two to four weeks |
High-definition liposuction, which sculpts the muscle contours, often uses VASER for its precision. See our pages on 4 HD liposuction and Full HD liposuction.
Recovery is similar to that of conventional liposuction, often with slightly less bruising. The compression garment is worn for several weeks, and massages are recommended. A feeling of stiff skin may persist for a few weeks.
Check that the quote mentions VASER, the exact areas, anaesthesia and aftercare. Ask the surgeon why they recommend VASER in your case and how long they have been using it.
A man with firm flanks and a fatty tummy: VASER, surcharge justified. A woman with soft saddlebags: conventional liposuction is often enough. Someone with irregularities after a first liposuction: VASER for the revision.
Compression garment, massages, a few days off.
After infiltration of a solution that anaesthetises and limits bleeding, the surgeon inserts an ultrasound probe a few millimetres wide. The ultrasonic vibrations, emitted at low energy and in pulses, detach the fat cells from their fibrous framework, suspending them in the infiltrated fluid. The more elastic blood vessels and nerves are largely preserved. The emulsified fat is then suctioned through fine cannulas, with less mechanical effort than conventional liposuction. This method reduces tissue trauma, which can limit bruising and improve smoothness, especially on fibrous areas. Protectors are placed at the entry points to prevent any skin burns.
| Step | Role |
|---|---|
| Infiltration | Anaesthesia, less bleeding |
| Ultrasound emulsification | Releasing the fat |
| Aspiration | Removing the emulsified fat |
| Protecting the incisions | Preventing burns |
| Compression | Promoting skin retraction |
The emulsification step generally adds ten to twenty minutes per area. For liposuction of several areas, this represents significant extra time in theatre, which is reflected in the quote. It is the price of a gentler, more precise technique.
| Programme | Conventional liposuction | VASER liposuction |
|---|---|---|
| One area | Shorter | Slightly longer |
| Abdomen and flanks | One to two hours | A little more |
| High-definition torso | Not suitable | Several hours |
Ultrasound slightly heats the tissues, which can promote mild skin tightening. This effect remains limited: for clearly loose skin, radiofrequency tightening or a lift are more effective, at a different cost. See the BodyTite price.
After a first liposuction, the tissues become more fibrous and irregularities harder to correct. VASER is often used in these revisions to suction the residual fat evenly. A revision generally costs more than a first liposuction of the same area, because of its complexity.
Like any technology, VASER only gives good results in trained hands. A surgeon who uses it regularly masters the settings, the emulsification time and skin protection. It is worth asking how long they have been using this technique and how many VASER liposuctions they perform, and seeing results, particularly on areas comparable to yours. A poorly mastered advanced technique would give a disappointing result, and a revision would cost more.
| Question | Why |
|---|---|
| How long have you been using VASER? | Experience |
| Why VASER in my case? | Relevance of the surcharge |
| Which areas do you treat? | Exact scope |
| Do you have comparable photos? | Real results |
The medical aspects, from assessment to follow-up, are covered on our page VASER liposuction in Switzerland.
Everything about price, in a few lines.
Is VASER more expensive for the back? As the back is fibrous, the time may be longer.
Do you need a surgeon trained in VASER? Yes, the technique requires specific training.
Is the compression garment worn for long? Several weeks.
Does emulsification take long? About ten to twenty minutes per area.
Are the nerves preserved? Largely, thanks to the selectivity of ultrasound.
Does revision liposuction cost more? Yes, it is more complex.
Is VASER suitable for the arms? Yes, with caution on thin skin.
Is VASER painful afterwards? Recovery is often a little gentler.
Are there more scars? No, they are the same small incisions.
How much does VASER liposuction cost? A little more than conventional liposuction for the same areas; see our tables.
Where does the surcharge come from? From the device, the probes and the time needed to emulsify the fat.
Is VASER useful everywhere? Mainly on dense or fibrous fat and for high definition.
Does VASER tighten the skin? It can contribute to slight tightening, without replacing a lift.
Can VASER fat be reinjected? Yes, with appropriate settings.
Is VASER available everywhere? No, only in equipped practices.
Does the price depend on the number of areas? Yes, as with any liposuction.
Is general anaesthesia needed? Often, depending on the extent; sometimes local with sedation.
Is VASER liposuction covered by insurance? No, it is cosmetic.
Is there a risk of burns? It is rare with an appropriate technique and protection.
Are skin protectors charged? They are part of the procedure.
Is the result more even? Often, on fibrous areas.
Is there less bruising? Often slightly less than with conventional liposuction.
How long is recovery? A few days to two weeks.
Is the compression garment provided? Often.
Are massages necessary? Yes, recommended and often charged extra.
Does the cost differ between Geneva and Biel? A little; see our tables.
Are monthly instalments possible? Depending on the clinic.
Is a deposit requested? Often.
Is the first appointment charged? Generally.
Should the quote mention VASER? Yes, clearly.
Is a very low VASER price suspicious? Check that the device is actually used.
Do men often choose VASER? Yes, for the abdomen, flanks and chest.
Is VASER suitable for gynaecomastia? For the fatty component, yes.
Does high definition use VASER? Often.
Are travel costs covered? No.
Does the quote expire? After a few months.
Are touch-ups charged? Depending on the surgeon's terms.
Is the fat removed completely? No, a layer is left for a smooth result.
Does VASER make you slimmer? No, it reshapes.
Tell us your canton: we will send you, free of charge, the quote of a surgeon equipped with VASER.
Feel free to contact us for relevant information about your medical project and payment options.
Benefit from a personalised assessment and significant discounts from the second procedure onwards. Save up to 60% on the total cost of your operations.