VASER and BodyTite: energy-assisted liposuction
Clinics in Thailand often advertise liposuction by the name of the device used. VASER and BodyTite are two of the most common. Both are tools that a surgeon uses during liposuction. They do not replace the operation itself.
VASER: ultrasound-assisted liposuction
VASER uses a thin probe that delivers ultrasound energy into the fat layer before suction. The energy loosens fat cells so they can be removed with less force. Surgeons who use it often say it allows finer sculpting, for example around the abdominal muscles, and may cause less bruising. The fat still has to be removed with a cannula afterwards.
Because ultrasound produces heat, there is a risk of burns to the skin or underlying tissue if the probe is used incorrectly. Fluid collections (seroma) may also be more common with some energy-assisted techniques.
BodyTite: radiofrequency-assisted liposuction
BodyTite uses radiofrequency energy delivered between an internal probe and an external electrode on the skin. It heats the fat and the connective tissue under the skin, with the aim of tightening the skin as well as helping remove fat. This is sometimes called radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis.
It may suit people with mild to moderate skin laxity who want to avoid the long scars of a skin excision procedure such as a tummy tuck. It is not a substitute for surgery when skin is very loose. Burns and prolonged firmness or numbness are among the specific risks.
Comparison
| Traditional tumescent liposuction | VASER | BodyTite | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy used | None | Ultrasound | Radiofrequency |
| Main stated purpose | Remove fat | Loosen fat for removal and finer sculpting | Remove fat and tighten skin |
| Specific extra risks | Standard liposuction risks | Thermal injury, seroma | Thermal injury, prolonged firmness |
| Typical setting | Hospital or licensed facility | Hospital or licensed facility | Hospital or licensed facility |
Device names do not tell you about the surgeon's skill, which matters more to the result than the equipment.
Questions to ask
- Why do you recommend this device for me rather than standard liposuction?
- How many procedures with this device have you performed?
- What is your approach to preventing burns and seroma?
- Is the device the original manufacturer's equipment, and are probes single-use or sterilised to standard?
Providers in Thailand
Bangkok has several centres focused on energy-assisted liposuction, and some offer both VASER and BodyTite. Read the general guide to liposuction in Thailand for the risks common to all techniques.
Written by the SurgicalEyes editorial team. Last updated October 2026. See how we prepare and check guides in our medical review policy.