For patients in South Africa

VASER liposuction in Turkey from South Africa: when ultrasound helps, and when it does not

VASER liposuction uses ultrasound energy to loosen and liquefy fat before it is suctioned out. That allows more precise removal and finer sculpting than standard liposuction, with less trauma to the surrounding tissue. It is not the right choice for everyone. For liposuction in general, read our liposuction guide for South Africans and the body contouring guide for South Africans.

How VASER differs from standard liposuction

Both techniques remove fat through small incisions of two to three centimetres, and both can treat the abdomen, waist, flanks, back, thighs, hips, arms, chest, chin and neck. The difference is that VASER first breaks the fat down with ultrasound, so the surgeon can sculpt more precisely.

• Standard liposuction — suits general fat reduction where the aim is a smaller area rather than visible definition
• VASER liposuction — suits body sculpting and definition, and fibrous areas where fat is harder to remove

VASER is more technically demanding, and for simple fat reduction standard liposuction may be the more appropriate option. The surgeon will say so. More detail is on the VASER liposuction treatment page. For treating the whole waist, see 360 liposuction; for visible abdominal muscle definition, see abdominal etching.

Who it suits

• People with stubborn fat deposits that have not shifted with diet and exercise
• People with good skin elasticity and few stretch marks, so the skin can tighten afterwards
• People looking for sculpting and definition rather than simply less volume

VASER is a contouring operation, not a treatment for obesity or a way to lose weight.

Recovery milestones

• The operation is done under anaesthesia, so you feel no pain during it; afterwards expect soreness, swelling and bruising, controlled with prescribed medication
• Light daily activity within a few days
• Office work usually within one week
• A compression garment for four to six weeks
• Strenuous exercise after around four to six weeks, on the surgeon’s advice
• The final shape over three to six months as swelling settles

The fat cells removed do not return, but a stable weight protects the result.

Planning the trip from South Africa

Direct flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town reach Istanbul in around ten hours, then a short domestic flight takes you to İzmir. South Africans need an e-Visa; our e-Visa guide explains how to apply. Patients recover at Mandarin Grove near İzmir between check-ups.

• Most patients are cleared to fly after five to seven days; the surgeon decides, so book a return ticket you can change
• Sitting for ten hours soon after surgery raises the risk of blood clots: wear your compression garment on the flight, take an aisle seat, stand and walk regularly and drink water, and follow any other precautions the surgeon gives
• Ask for a written summary of the operation and your medicines to give your GP at home
• South African medical schemes generally do not cover cosmetic body surgery done abroad, and standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment. Ask your scheme and your insurer specifically before you book.

Risks and follow-up

Risks discussed at consultation include swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, fluid collection, uneven contours and loose skin, and, as with any surgery, infection, bleeding and blood clots. Because VASER uses ultrasound energy, there is also a small risk of heat injury to the skin, which careful technique is designed to prevent.

Follow-up continues by photograph, message and video call; İzmir is one hour ahead of South Africa. For one year our treatment guarantee covers medical complications and clinically necessary revisions, not a result within what was discussed; accepted cases are treated in İzmir at no charge, but flights and accommodation are your own cost. See our clinic facts and complaints procedure.

What we will not do

We will not recommend VASER where standard liposuction would do the job, we will not present liposuction as a way to lose weight, and we will not promise a particular level of definition.

Frequently asked questions

Is VASER liposuction better than standard liposuction?

Not for everyone. VASER allows more precise sculpting and suits definition work and fibrous areas, but for simple fat reduction standard liposuction may be the more appropriate choice.

Is VASER liposuction a weight-loss treatment?

No. It removes localised fat deposits to improve body shape. It is not a treatment for obesity and does not produce significant weight loss.

How long do I wear a compression garment after VASER?

Typically for four to six weeks. Wear it on the flight home too, unless the surgeon tells you otherwise.

How long after VASER liposuction can I fly home to South Africa?

Most patients are cleared to fly after five to seven days, subject to the surgeon’s approval. The flight home takes around ten hours, so book a return ticket you can change.

Will my medical aid cover VASER liposuction?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover cosmetic body surgery done abroad, and standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment. Ask your scheme and your insurer specifically before you book.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.