SEATTLE, Oct. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- At the 78th Annual American Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual (ASPS) Meeting, Dr. Paul Vanek presented a study that confirms that VASER-Assisted Lipoplasty (VAL) delivers superior results over traditional Suction-Assisted Lipoplasty (SAL) in skin retraction and blood loss.

In a study called "A Multi-Center, Prospective, Randomized, Single-Blind, Controlled Clinical Trial Comparing VASER-Assisted Lipoplasty and Suction-Assisted Lipoplasty" results showed that the VASER Lipo treatment demonstrated 53% improvement in skin retraction per mL of aspirate removed relative to the standard SAL method, and a 26% reduction in blood loss. This is the first study to demonstrate statistically significant and clinically relevant improvements in a new lipoplasty technology relative to SAL. This prospective study used a contra-lateral (side-by-side) study design to evaluate post-operative differences between the two techniques over a six-month time period.

"Physicians have been reporting skin tightening benefits and reduced blood loss with the VASER Lipo System since the technology was released in 2002," said Dan Goldberger, CEO of Sound Surgical Technologies LLC. "This study now provides empirical evidence of yet another advantage of using VASER ultrasonic energy in all body contouring procedures."

The study involved twenty female patients between the ages of 20 and 48 who received contra-lateral treatment with traditional liposuction and VASER Lipo in one or more anatomical regions that included the upper arms, upper back, flanks, outer thighs, and inner thighs for a total of 33 regions. Patients were blinded to the technology that was used on them and aspirate was kept separate and analyzed for blood content. Skin retraction was measured using changes in UV tattoos placed prior to surgery.

The study was funded by Sound Surgical Technologies LLC, and the authors received no stipends to participate in the clinical trial. Neither author has a financial interest in any of the products or devices used in the study.

About VASER Lipo - The VASER Lipo System was designed to provide physicians with a versatile tool to treat all areas of the body, from small procedures in the face and neck, to large volume treatments in the abdomen and back. VASER ultrasonic energy is able to selectively liquefy fat while preserving important tissue structures vital to natural skin tightening. By preserving nerves, blood vessels and collagen, physicians report also experience minimal to no pain and bruising postoperatively allowing for a fast return to normal activities.

About Sound Surgical - Founded in 1998, Sound Surgical Technologies placed its first VASER Lipo System on the market in March 2001. More than 100,000 procedures have been performed worldwide using the VASER System. An alternative to traditional tumescent liposuction, the VASER - Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance - Lipo System uses an advanced ultrasonic fat removal technology that has become a trusted method in a society saturated with fad procedures. Demanded by physicians and patients alike, the results are smooth and consistent with fast patient recovery. The VASER Lipo System is FDA cleared for body contouring.

Readers interested in learning more about VASER Lipo should visit www.VASER.com.

SOURCE Sound Surgical Technologies