Comparative Outcomes of Power-Assisted and Ultrasound-Assisted (VASER) Liposuction in Abdominal Body Contouring: A Prospective Cohort Study

Khalid Khairi Hussein

doi:10.31149/ijimm.v3i8.3020

Authors

Khalid Khairi Hussein Department of General Surgery, College of Medicine, Tikrit University, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31149/ijimm.v3i8.3020

Keywords:

Liposuction, Ultrasonics, Body Contouring, Patient Satisfaction, Postoperative Pain

Abstract

Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures worldwide. There are two methods that are commonly used, Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL) involves a device that liquefies fat, and VASER liposuction utilizes ultrasonic energy to liquefy fat prior to its removal. Both methods are commonly used but there is a lack of good-quality research studies that directly compare their effectiveness and safety. A study was conducted on 300 adult patients in Iraq who had undergone abdominal liposuction. Half of the patients were treated with PAL, and the other half with VASER. All procedures were performed by the same highly experienced surgeon for uniformity. The researchers compared the amount of fat that was removed, the length of the surgery, the patients' experience of the surgery, their recovery time, and their satisfaction with the surgery. Objective to investigate and compare the surgical results, postoperative recovery and complications, and patient satisfaction between Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL) and Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (VASER) in the abdominal body contouring surgery. The study was prospective cohort study performed in Al-Zohour Private Hospital, Tikrit, Iraq between February 2022 and May 2025. A total of 300 adults (BMI 18.5–32.0 kg/m²) were randomised equally to PAL (n = 150) or VASER (n = 150). The surgery was carried out by a single surgeon with standardised procedures. Primary outcome measures comprised fat aspirate volume, operating time and the intraoperative complications. Secondary outcomes were postoperative pain (VAS scale), recovery time, complications and patient satisfaction. Data were analysed using SPSS 23.0 and the mean differences were reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and Cohen's d, risk ratios, and exact p-values. There were no differences in the baseline characteristics. VASER achieved greater mean fat removal (2800 ± 600 mL vs. 2400 ± 550 mL; mean difference 400 mL, 95% CI 270–530; p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 0.69) but required longer operative time (100 ± 18 vs. 90 ± 15 minutes; mean difference 10 minutes, 95% CI 6–14; p < 0.001; d = 0.60). The mean reduction in pain scores was significant for the VASER group at Day 1 (-0.7, 95% CI -1.0 to -0.4) and Day 7 (-0.6, 95% CI -0.9 to -0.3; both p < 0.001). Recovery was faster (8.5 vs. 10.2 days; mean difference –1.7, 95% CI –2.2 to –1.2; p < 0.001; d = 0.85). There were few complications and no differences between groups. All domains of patient satisfaction were significantly higher in VASER. VASER liposuction significantly outperformed PAL in terms of fat removal, less pain, quicker recovery, and patient satisfaction without incurring a higher risk of complications. VASER could thus be indicated for abdominal contouring.

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