Effect of Ultrasonic Liposuction Energy Levels on Acute Adipocyte Viability in Patients Undergoing Liposuction
Worapong Leethochavalit, MD¹, Sumet Uaangkanon, MD¹, Wilawan Chan-In, MSc, PhD², Pornthep Sirimahachaiyakul, MD¹
Affiliation : ¹ Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand; ² Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background: Vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance (VASER) devices are increasingly being used to address undesirable body proportions. The typical energy level used for fat suction is approximately 80% to 90%. However, there is currently no data on the survival rate of adipocytes at this energy level.
Objective: To investigate the effects of energy levels from the VASER device on adipocyte viability in individuals undergoing fat suction.
Materials and Methods: The present study used a single-center quasi-experimental design to collect data on the survivability of adipocytes obtained after liposuction from individuals underwent cosmetic surgery at the Faculty of Medicine, Vajira Hospital. Data was collected between August 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023.
Results: Thirty-three adipose tissue specimens were obtained from liposuction procedures and categorized into three groups according to the VASER energy applied, 60% for 10, 80% for 11, and 90% for 12. The mean percentages of viable adipocytes in the 60%, 80%, and 90% energy groups were 98.05%, 98.57%, and 97.84%, respectively. Comparison among the three groups demonstrated no statistically significant difference in adipocyte viability (p=0.957).
Conclusion: The findings of the present study indicate that VASER-assisted liposuction maintains high adipocyte viability across various energy levels at 60%, 80%, and 90%, demonstrating its safety and efficacy for fat removal and grafting. These results provide surgeons with flexibility in energy settings without compromising adipocyte quality and should enhance clinical outcomes and support the broader adoption of VASER technology in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
Received 11 April 2025 | Revised 19 November 2025 | Accepted 24 November 2025
DOI: 10.35755/jmedassocthai.2026.1.02989
Keywords : VASER liposuction; Ultrasonic liposuction; Adipocyte viability; Fat grafting; Energy levels
