Solta Medical VASERlipo

Ultrasound-assisted lipolysis (internal) · Ultrasound-assisted liposuction

CurrentFDA ClearedBe the first to review

What it's actually cleared for: Surgical fragmentation and aspiration of soft tissue (ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty)

Last verified: August 6, 2026 · How we verify

New: $100k–$150k|Used: $25k–$60kmarket estimate, no email required

Bottom line

The gold standard for ultrasound-assisted liposuction and owner of the "hi-definition" body-sculpting niche — abdominal etching and athletic contouring command the highest lipo fees in the country. Mature tech, deep literature, durable surgeon demand for two decades. Downsides: a full surgical ecosystem with real per-case costs, an under-marketed platform under Bausch Health, and no skin-tightening effect by itself. If your practice sells sculpting rather than debulking, it's still the buy.

Overview

Tissue-selective ultrasonic emulsification

How it works

The science

Small titanium probes vibrating at ~36kHz are inserted through skin ports into tumescent-infused fat, where cavitation selectively emulsifies fat cells while largely sparing nerves, vessels, and connective tissue. Emulsified fat is removed with vented VentX cannulas. Because the fibrous matrix is preserved, surgeons can work superficially and near muscle borders — the basis of hi-def etching — with less blood loss and high fat-cell viability for grafting (BBL, pecs, deltoids). Skin retraction is modest and secondary.

Patented tech

VASER = Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance — pulsed, grooved-probe ultrasound emulsifying fat at lower energy than older UAL systems; VentX cannulas are the matched low-trauma aspiration side.

Origin

Developed by Sound Surgical Technologies, Louisville, Colorado, USA; now Solta Medical (Bausch Health) — verify current manufacturing site.

FDA & regulatory status

FDA ClearedCleared via 510(k)

What it's actually cleared for:

Surgical fragmentation and aspiration of soft tissue (ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty)

510(k) numbers

K991791; K110306

Regulatory data is compiled from public FDA 510(k) records and may lag recent clearances. Always confirm status with the manufacturer before purchase.

Treatment economics

What practices charge

Standard VASER lipo $6,000-12,000 for 1-3 areas; hi-def cases (360 torso etching, often with fat transfer) $15,000-30,000+. Single surgical events, frequently paired with Renuvion or BodyTite as a laxity add-on.

Consumables & recurring cost

Probes are reusable but wear-limited and four figures each to replace; tubing, ports, cannula wear ~$150-400 per case; realistic annual budget $10k-30k at volume.

Ideal for

Best-fit practice

Plastic and cosmetic surgeons — ideally hi-def trained (the Hoyos lineage) — in accredited ORs; the most technique-dependent device on this list. Patients: fit-to-average wanting athletic definition, plus fat-transfer cases needing viable graft.

Compliance

Medical director & delegation

Physician-only surgery under state lipo/office-surgery regulations, typically with anesthesia support on larger cases.

Contraindications & screening

Pregnancy, bleeding/clotting disorders, active infection, significant cardiopulmonary disease, prior extensive scarring in the field, laxity that ultrasound will unmask rather than fix.

Ownership

Warranty & service

~12-month warranty; Solta/Bausch service is functional but the surgical line gets less attention — extended contracts and third-party probe refurbishment are common.

Resale & used market

One of the best value-holders in surgical aesthetics — steady hi-def demand keeps used systems moving at ~$25k-60k depending on generation and probe inventory.