Define Your New Shape

VASER Liposuction with Dr. David Halpern

For many people, the challenge isn't losing weight. It's achieving the definition they expect after the hard work is done. When stubborn fat remains in areas like the abdomen, flanks, arms, or thighs, it can feel frustrating and limiting. You're healthy, active, and doing your part, but your reflection doesn't fully reflect that.

At Tampa Bay Plastic Surgery, Dr. David Halpern offers VASER Liposuction, a minimally invasive procedure that goes beyond fat removal. Using advanced ultrasound technology, Dr. Halpern sculpts more refined, natural-looking body contours while preserving surrounding tissue and supporting a smoother healing process.

Sculpting, Reimagined

What is VASER Liposuction?

VASER Liposuction (short for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) is a body contouring procedure that uses ultrasonic waves to selectively break apart and emulsify fat cells. This advanced technique allows for more precise fat targeting and smoother results compared to older liposuction techniques.

Unlike a weight loss procedure, VASER liposuction is used to refine your ideal shape, not replace a healthy diet or exercise regimen. It's particularly effective in treating areas with stubborn fat, like the upper arms, abdomen, flanks, and thighs. The emulsification process gently separates fat from connective tissues, minimizing trauma to blood vessels and nerves, resulting in faster recovery and less bruising.

Not All Lipo Is Equal

VASER Liposuction vs. Traditional Liposuction: Which One is Right for Me?

If you're deciding between VASER liposuction and traditional liposuction, understanding the differences in technique and outcome can help.


Feature	VASER Liposuction	Traditional Liposuction
Technology	Ultrasound-assisted sound energy	Manual suction
Precision	High-definition contouring	General fat reduction
Impact on tissue	Preserves surrounding tissue and blood vessels	More trauma to connective tissues
Recovery	Faster, gentler procedure	Longer downtime
Skin retraction	Promotes skin elasticity and tightening	Limited skin retraction

While traditional liposuction may be appropriate for larger volume fat removal, VASER is better suited for refining and sculpting, especially in areas that require definition or subtle shaping. It's also a strong alternative to laser-assisted liposuction methods like Smart Lipo, offering similar precision without the same risks.

Smooth & Sculpt Where It Matters

VASER Liposuction Benefits

VASER is all about helping patients reveal the shape they’ve worked for. Patients often describe feeling more confident, more “at home” in their body, and motivated to maintain their healthy lifestyle post-procedure.

Benefits by area:

Abdomen & Flanks: Sculpted waistline, refined body contours
Upper Arms: Slimmer arms with better tone
Chest (Men): Defined look, helpful for gynecomastia
Thighs: Target virtually any area of stubborn fat
Back & Bra Line: Smooth out rolls or bulges
Chin & Jawline: Sleeker facial definition

Additional benefits include:

Minimally invasive with small incisions
Less damage to the surrounding tissue
Shorter post-op recovery period
Can be combined with procedures like a tummy tuck or cosmetic surgery revisions
Sculpted results that last with proper maintenance

Tampa liposuction model with white outfit

Is This Your Fit?

VASER Liposuction Candidates

You may be an ideal candidate for VASER liposuction if you:

Are close to your ideal weight but have pockets of unwanted fat
Have good skin elasticity
Are in overall good health
Have realistic expectations about final results
Are not seeking a weight loss procedure but a body contouring procedure

This technique may not be ideal for individuals with significant loose skin or those with health conditions that interfere with healing. In such cases, Dr. Halpern may recommend combining VASER with another treatment, such as a tummy tuck, for improved results.

Thoughtful Prep, Better Outcomes

Consultation and Preparation

The entire process begins with a personalized consultation with Dr. Halpern, where your goals, medical history, and treatment areas are reviewed in detail. You’ll have a chance to ask questions and gain clarity on what to expect from the day of your procedure to your recovery timeline.

Preparation includes:

Lab tests or clearance (if needed)
Adjusting any medications
Avoiding smoking and alcohol
Coordinating post-op care and time off

Dr. Halpern’s thorough consultation process ensures each VASER liposuction procedure is safe, tailored, and aligned with your vision of your ideal shape.

Tampa liposuction model with blonde hair

The Sculpting Session

Your VASER Liposuction Procedure

At Tampa Bay Plastic Surgery’s accredited facility in Tampa Bay, your VASER lipo procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the size of the treatment area.

Steps include:

Small incisions are made in discreet locations
A numbing solution is introduced (a part of the gentler procedure approach)
Ultrasound energy is applied to loosen and liquefy fat cells
The fat is removed via a thin cannula
Incisions are closed, and compression garments are applied

Depending on how many areas are treated, the procedure may take one to three hours.

Two Techniques,
One Sculpted Result

Combining VASER Liposuction with PALS (Power-Assisted Liposuction)

To create smoother results, especially in areas with dense or fibrous fat, Dr. David Halpern often combines VASER Liposuction with PALS (Power-Assisted Liposuction). This approach is particularly effective for treating the flanks, male breast tissue (gynecomastia), and revision liposuction cases, where scar tissue or previous irregularities may be present.

VASER Liposuction: Ultrasound-Guided Fat Emulsification

VASER uses ultrasound energy to gently break down and emulsify fat cells while preserving nearby blood vessels, nerves, and surrounding tissue.

PALS: Power-Assisted Fat Removal with MicroAire

Once the fat has been emulsified by VASER, Power-Assisted Liposuction (PALS) is used to remove it with greater control and efficiency. The MicroAire device delivers rapid, vibrating motion through a small cannula, making it easier to extract fat smoothly and evenly—especially in areas where tissue is more fibrous or resistant.

By combining both technologies, Dr. Halpern is able to target virtually any treatment area, improve the evenness of results, and minimize the risk of post-op irregularities, especially in more complex or secondary procedures.

The Shape Takes Shape

Results, Recovery, and Aftercare

Most patients see visible changes in the first week, with final results appearing over two to four months as swelling continues to resolve. Full results are best appreciated once the healing process is complete and tissues have tightened.

Recovery Tips:

Wear compression garments for four to six weeks
Avoid strenuous activity for one to two weeks
Keep incisions clean and dry
Follow all post-op instructions from Dr. Halpern

Many patients return to work within a few days, and those with active routines typically resume full activity in three to four weeks. Maintaining your sculpted results long-term depends on a consistent exercise regimen and healthy habits.

How Much Does VASER Liposuction Cost?

VASER Liposuction pricing varies based on:

Number and size of treatment areas
Whether procedures are combined (e.g., with tummy tuck)
Facility and anesthesia fees
Post-operative care and supplies

Your consultation will include a full, transparent quote. We also offer financing options to make your cosmetic surgery goals more accessible.

Skill You Can Trust

Why Choose Tampa Bay Plastic Surgery?

With board certifications in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, General Surgery, and Micro-Hand Surgery, Dr. David Halpern has earned a reputation for precision, care, and results. His role as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Tampa General Hospital, along with his leadership as a past President of the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons, reflects a career built on trust, safety, and patient-first values.

Our practice takes pride in offering the latest techniques like VASER lipo while maintaining a personalized, boutique standard. Dr. Halpern personally manages every aspect of care, ensuring the highest standard of safety, privacy, and aesthetic excellence.

The First Step, Yours

Schedule Your Tampa VASER Liposuction Consultation at Tampa Bay Plastic Surgery Today

You deserve to feel good in your own skin, and VASER Liposuction may be the step that brings your body into alignment with how you see yourself.

Call (813) 871-5000 or reach out online to schedule your VASER Liposuction consultation today with Dr. David Halpern.

VASER Liposuction Frequently Asked Questions

Is VASER Liposuction painful?

Most patients experience mild soreness or tightness, but discomfort is typically minimal and well-controlled.

Is VASER Liposuction safe?

Yes, when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Halpern, it's considered a safe and minimally invasive procedure with low complication rates.

How long do VASER Liposuction results last?

Results are long-lasting if you maintain your ideal weight and a healthy lifestyle.

Will I have to wear compression garments after VASER Liposuction?

Yes, they help reduce swelling and support proper healing for optimal body contours.

What is the downtime after VASER Liposuction?

Most patients return to normal activity within a few days, with full recovery in two to four weeks, depending on the treatment area.

For a More Confident Tomorrow

Schedule your consultation with Dr. David E. Halpern today

Dr. David E. Halpern is Tampa’s nationally renowned triple-board certified plastic surgeon, carefully blending expertise and artistry with extraordinary care. For the past two decades, Dr. Halpern’s dedication to exceptional care and commitment to his patients have made him Tampa’s most trusted plastic surgeon. Place your confidence in the capable hands of Tampa plastic surgeon Dr. David E. Halpern by scheduling a consultation today.

Tampa Bay Plastic Surgery is located in the Hyde Park area of South Tampa. We serve patients in Tampa Bay, Hyde Park, and out-of-town patients across Florida and beyond.

VASER Liposuction Tampa, FL