VASER® Ultrasonic Liposuction

Stanford-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon and body contouring specialist Dr. Daryl K. Hoffman offers VASER® ultrasonic liposuction to patients from Palo Alto and San Jose, California. Also called “high-definition lipo” or “high def liposuction,” VASER builds on traditional tumescent liposuction by using ultrasonic energy to break up fat before it is removed. Dr. Hoffman has completed postgraduate training in ultrasonic liposuction and has extensive experience with the technique.

Ultrasonic Liposuction Specialist in Silicon Valley

Dr. Hoffman has decades of experience performing ultrasonic liposuction, having first trained under pioneers of the technique in 1996. Patients throughout Silicon Valley, including San Jose, Los Gatos, Morgan Hill, Saratoga, Mountain View, and Menlo Park, choose him for his extensive experience with advanced body contouring techniques. His Palo Alto and Campbell offices provide convenient locations for patients considering VASER liposuction and other body contouring procedures.

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VASER Hi Def Lipo vs. Traditional Liposuction

VASER lipo and traditional tumescent liposuction both remove unwanted fat and improve body contours, but they differ in how they break up and remove fat. Traditional liposuction relies on a mechanical technique to manually dislodge fat, while VASER lipo uses ultrasound energy to gently emulsify fat before removal. This approach helps preserve surrounding tissues such as nerves and blood vessels.

Is VASER Better Than Traditional Liposuction?

VASER liposuction offers several advantages that can enhance your experience and your results, while traditional liposuction still remains an effective option for many patients.

Key benefits of VASER liposuction include:

  • Greater comfort: Less disruption to surrounding tissues can mean reduced bruising and discomfort
  • Faster recovery: Many patients experience a smoother, quicker recovery process
  • Enhanced precision: Allows for more detailed sculpting and definition in areas like the waistline, arms, and chest

When performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Hoffman, both techniques deliver excellent results. He will determine the best approach based on your goals, anatomy, and desired level of contouring.

How Much Does VASER Ultrasonic Liposuction Cost in San Jose?

The cost of VASER liposuction varies based on your personalized treatment plan. Several factors can influence the total cost, including the number and size of treatment areas, the level of sculpting desired, the type of anesthesia involved, and whether liposuction is combined with other procedures.

In general, VASER liposuction and traditional tumescent liposuction are similarly priced per treatment area. However, VASER typically costs slightly more than traditional liposuction due to its advanced ultrasound technology and use of refined body sculpting techniques. During your consultation, Dr. Hoffman will provide a detailed estimate based on your goals, anatomy, and the areas being treated.

Flexible financing options, including CareCredit®, are available to help make your procedure more manageable.

A Reputation Built on Results

Dr Hoffman and his staff are so amazing. They have a multitude of services that you can tailor to your...
# Exceptional Experience - Highly Recommend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ **5/5 Stars** I recently underwent cosmetic surgery...
Truly Exceptional – I Feel Like the Best Version of Myself! I recently had a breast lift with implants...
Truly Exceptional – I Feel Like the Best Version of Myself! I recently had a breast lift with implants...

What To Expect During VASER Lipo

Dr. Hoffman performs VASER Lipo using IV sedation or general anesthesia. As with other liposuction methods, tumescent fluid is infused into the target area to prevent pain and minimize bleeding. Through a very small incision, he inserts the VASER device, which emits high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations that break up fat, making it easier to remove.

The length of the procedure varies depending on the number and size of the areas being treated. Because anesthesia keeps you comfortable throughout the procedure, you should not feel the ultrasonic vibrations as the VASER device works beneath the skin.

Recovery and Results

After high def liposuction, you should experience minimal pain and bruising. Only unwanted fat is removed during the VASER Lipo procedure, resulting in a smoother, more refined shape. Swelling will reduce quickly after the procedure and, as it does, skin should retighten as well.

To ensure that your results last for many years, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Fat cells that are removed during treatment will not return, but any remaining fat cells can become larger without proper nutrition and exercise.

Dr. Daryl Hoffman

Dr. Daryl Hoffman

Dr. Hoffman is a board-certified and Stanford-trained plastic surgeon serving the San Jose, Palo Alto, and Campbell, CA, areas. He is known for his warm approach, modern techniques, and exceptional results. He takes pride in using his more than 20 years of experience in plastic surgery to offer advanced surgical approaches to the women and men he treats. Learn how he can help make your aesthetic goals a reality.

Meet Dr. Hoffman

VASER Lipo FAQ

How is ultrasonic liposuction different from laser liposuction?

Although “VASER” sounds like “laser,” the VASER device does not use laser energy at all. Instead, VASER stands for “vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance,” which refers to its use of ultrasound energy. During the procedure, ultrasonic waves break apart and liquefy fat before Dr. Hoffman removes it, making it easier to suction away selectively. Laser techniques, such as Smartlipo, use laser energy to emulsify fat. Although the techniques are similar, the mechanics are a bit different.

Who is the ideal candidate for VASER Lipo?

As with other forms of liposuction, VASER Lipo candidates should be in generally good shape but bothered by diet- and exercise-resistant fat deposits. Although each version of liposuction offers its own distinct set of advantages and disadvantages, Dr. Hoffman offers only procedures that provide measurable, predictable results. Choosing one version of liposuction over another is often simply a matter of personal preference.

Does the VASER Lipo procedure hurt?

No. Most patients find there is some discomfort during recovery that is manageable with pain relievers, but no major pain. Depending on the parts of your body being treated, Dr. Hoffman may use general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. In either case, you will not feel the procedure while it is being performed. After your VASER Lipo procedure, Dr. Hoffman will provide a prescription for pain relievers. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and other daily activities within a week.

Does VASER Lipo tighten skin?

Yes. The ultrasound energy used in VASER Lipo stimulates collagen production, which can help the skin contract and appear firmer in the treated areas.

How long do I need to wear a compression garment after VASER Lipo?

Most patients wear a compression garment full time for the first 2 to 3 weeks, then part time for another few weeks as directed by Dr. Hoffman. This helps minimize swelling and supports your slim, new contours during healing.

Take the Next Step

To meet with Dr. Hoffman and discuss the liposuction options that may be right for you, request your consultation online or call our office at (650) 325-1118 (Palo Alto) or (408) 371-1118 (Campbell) to schedule your appointment.


1 Nagy MW, Vanek PF Jr., A multicenter, prospective, randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial comparing VASER-assisted Lipoplasty and suction-assisted Lipoplasty, Plast Reconstr Surg. 2012 Apr;129(4):681e-9e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e3182442274.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22456382

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