Liposuction is a type of cosmetic surgery that is utilized to remove excess fat from the human body in order to alter the shape of the body. The surgery can be performed on various regions of the body and common areas operated on include the buttocks, thighs, arms, and abdomen. Weight loss derived from liposuction will require regular exercise or weight control in order to maintain the results of the surgery.

There are numerous types of liposuction, or lipo, surgeries that can be performed to remove excess weight. Liposuction is also the most popular form of cosmetic surgery in the United States. One of the most common and popular forms of lipo is power-assisted liposuction.

Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

In this procedure, the operating surgeon performs the surgery with the help of a power-assisted cannula to eliminate fat cells in the body. The technique involves vibrations that are gentler and more controlled than the vigorous motions experienced when manual liposuction is performed.

The surgeon utilizes a specialized cannula capable of mechanized movement. Hence, the surgeon does not have to make too many manual movements. The cannula induces tiny, rapid vibrations that break up the body’s fat cells in order to suction them from the body. PAL has been growing in popularity for the last couple of decades as it yields better results and has lower scope for errors.

ThePAL Procedure

The surgery is normally performed under general anesthesia. In order to prepare for PAL, patients should not consume any anticoagulants in the two weeks leading up to the procedure.

The surgeon will start by creating tiny incisions around the area from which fat will be removed. The incisions will only be large enough to enable the cannula to pass through. The cannula used in PAL is normally a thin metallic tube. Post surgery, the incisions will fade away rapidly due to their small size.

The cannula’s tip will vibrate rapidly and this is what makes PAL gentler on the body’s tissues. The specialized cannula reduces the recovery time associated with liposuction. The vibrating tip makes PAL safer thanks to its precise, small motions. It allows surgeons to work on specific areas without the fear of harming surrounding tissue.

PAL is often carried out in tandem with the tumescent liposuction procedure, where in a high quality liquid anesthetic is injected into the targeted area before fat is suctioned out. This is to ensure smooth fat transfer from the body to the cannula.

Advantages of PAL

PAL minimizes any risks associated with liposuction thanks to the smooth, small, and precise motions of the vibrating tip of the cannula. Surgeons are not required to use too much force thanks to the specialized cannula. Bruising and recovery time is also reduced when a patient undergoes PAL. As the incisions are extremely small, they heal rapidly and are often unnoticeable in the immediate aftermath of the surgery.

Contact Our Office

Interested in learning more about Power Assisted Liposuction? Contact our office to schedule your initial consultation with skilled plastic surgeon, Dr. George Volpe.