Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) is a new and important technology for body sculpting. It is an excellent method for permanently removing unwanted fatty bulges and creating more attractive body contours. We've been using PAL ever since we found out how much safer and gentler it is than older methods.
In this technique, the tip of the suction tube used to remove fat vibrates at a rapid speed. This vibration loosens the fat cells so they may be suctioned away gently with less trauma to the surrounding tissues.
A Type of Tumescent Liposuction
PAL improves upon an even earlier advance in liposuction technology: the tumescent technique. Tumescent liposuction was developed a few years ago to maximize patient comfort and reduce bruising. It involves infusing large volumes of saline, local anesthesia and adrenaline. PAL takes that improvement one step further, using a vibrating suction tube to remove the fat and the solution.
Benefits Over Older Techniques
Power-assisted liposuction has several important advantages over the older techniques of ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) and suction-assisted liposuction (SAL). These benefits include increased safety, decreased anesthesia time, less bruising, faster recovery, increased efficacy and greater precision. Research has shown that power-assisted liposuction is an effective and safer way to eliminate unwanted deposits of fat.
Advantages of Power-Assisted Liposuction
- Improved Safety
- Shorter Procedure
- Less Bruising and Swelling
- Faster Recovery
- Less Discomfort
- Smaller Incisions
- Greater Precision
Safety First
Improved safety is an important advantage of the power-assisted system. In a research study evaluating the results of over 400 PAL patients, the incidence of complications was found to be fewer than half the rate in a group who underwent ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL).
Because PAL is more efficient, the length of time for each procedure has been reduced. Shorter operations are safer.
Because the low-energy, vibrating tip does not harm surrounding tissue, patients have less bruising and swelling. This results in a faster recovery from surgery. The suction device glides through fat more easily and allows for a level of precision in body sculpting that was not previously possible.
Conclusion
Power-assisted liposuction for the permanent removal of fat is a major advance for aesthetic surgery. If you've been bothered by fat deposits that don't respond to exercise or diet, that are localized and unrelated to your overall weight, or that create an unbalanced appearance, come in for a consultation. I can tell you whether you're an appropriate candidate for the procedure and go into more detail about how it works.
