What Is Power-Assisted Liposuction?

Have you been working out religiously and eating a healthy diet, but to no avail? Sometimes, no matter what we do, those stubborn pockets of fat just won’t go away, and they can be the last things standing between you and the perfect body.

You may have heard of people getting liposuction to reach their aesthetic goals, and you’re interested in it too. But there’s something even better nowadays: power-assisted liposuction.

What is power-assisted liposuction? How does it work, what are its benefits, and what else should you know about it? This article will give you a thorough guide on power-assisted liposuction.

What Is Power-Assisted Liposuction?

Power-assisted liposuction is also known as PAL liposuction. It’s a modern fat-removal technique that uses a motorized cannula, which is a thin tube. 

The cannula breaks up and suctions out unwanted fat more efficiently than traditional liposuction. Since it vibrates rapidly, it’s easier to dislodge fat with less manual force. As a result, there’s less trauma to the surrounding tissues.

Plastic surgeons like to use power-assisted liposuction in areas with fibrous or dense fat, such as the:

• Back
• Flanks (love handles)
• Male chest (gynecomastia)
• Inner thighs

Other common treatment areas include:

• Abdomen
• Outer thighs
• Arms
• Chin/neck
• Knees
• Buttocks (for shaping)

PAL is also often used in revision liposuction cases where scar tissue might make fat removal more difficult.

How Power-Assisted Liposuction Works

You now know what power-assisted liposuction is, but how exactly does it work? Here’s what the surgeon will do during your procedure.

Step 1: Anesthesia

Typically, you’ll have PAL under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. The type will depend on the area treated and your personal preferences.

Step 2: Tumescent Fluid Injection

Your plastic surgeon will use a special fluid called tumescent fluid. It contains saline, lidocaine (an anesthetic), and epinephrine (to reduce bleeding), and it’s injected into the treatment area to numb it. The fluid also shrinks the blood vessels.

Step 3: Vibrating Cannula and Fat Suction

The power-assisted liposuction machine has a motorized cannula. It vibrates at a high speed (up to several thousand times per minute), and it helps:

• Loosen fat cells
• Dislodge fibrous tissue
• Make fat easier to remove with less physical effort

The dislodged fat is suctioned out through the same vibrating cannula.

Step 4: Post-Procedure Care

The small incisions are closed, often with dissolvable stitches. You’ll have to wear compression garments to reduce swelling and help contour the area.

The Benefits of Power-Assisted Liposuction

There’s traditional liposuction and power-assisted liposuction, but why should you choose the latter instead of the former?

For one, there’s better precision. Plastic surgeons can sculpt areas more precisely since there’s enhanced maneuverability and less physical strain. They’ll have better consistency too.

In addition, the motorized tool makes the procedure much faster, especially for large areas. And it’s more effective for fibrous areas.

Lastly, there’s less trauma since the vibrating cannula reduces the physical force needed. There’s less bruising and swelling, so your recovery time is faster as well.

The Recovery Timeline

In the first 3-5 days, you’ll have swelling, soreness, and mild bruising. You must wear the compression garment full-time.

In the second half of the first week, you can resume light activities. You’ll have minimal pain, which can be managed with medication.

After two weeks, you can return to work if you have a desk job. The bruising should start fading.

A month after your surgery, most of the swelling will have subsided, and you can resume exercise. You can then see the final results in 3-6 months, after full tissue healing.

Risks and Considerations

In general, power-assisted liposuction is a safe procedure. However, all surgeries carry risks, and PAL is no exception.

The risks and considerations you should be aware of are:

• Swelling and bruising
• Infection (rare with proper care)
• Contour irregularities (lumps, dimples)
• Numbness or temporary nerve changes
• Seromas (fluid buildup)
• Scarring (usually minimal)

The good news is that because there’s a lower risk of surgeon fatigue with this procedure, it reduces the chance of uneven results. Plus, there’s less overall tissue trauma than traditional liposuction.

The Cost of Power-Associated Liposuction

The only caveat of PAL is that since it uses specialized equipment and advanced techniques, it’s more expensive than traditional liposuction. On average, liposuction costs $4,711, so expect PAL to be a bit more.

Of course, there are various factors that can affect the cost. They include:

• Number and size of areas treated
• Anesthesia type
• Surgeon’s expertise
• Location
• Facility fees

If you’re finding the costs much higher than you’ve budgeted for, then consider getting PAL in Mexico. The costs of plastic surgery in this country are much lower here, and it’s safe too. We have world-class surgeons, and you can relax in a beautiful destination prior to your surgery.

The Ideal Candidate for Power-Assisted Liposuction

Not everyone will be a good candidate for PAL. You must:

• Be in good general health
• Have localized fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise
• Have good skin elasticity
• Be within 30% of your ideal body weight
• Not be a smoker

If you’re looking for significant weight loss or major tightening, then this isn’t the procedure for you.

There are also other types of liposuction available to consider. For example, ultrasound-assisted liposuction uses ultrasound waves to emulsify fat. This is best for large areas and high-definition sculpting.

Get Rid of Excess Fat With Advanced Technology

So what is power-assisted liposuction? It’s a modern fat-removal technique that’s more efficient than traditional liposuction.

While it costs more, there are also many exclusive benefits, such as better precision, faster surgery, less trauma, and faster healing. All of these factors should make PAL something to consider, especially if you’d like to get rid of stubborn excess fat.

Are you interested in power-assisted lipo? Then book a consultation with us today. Dr. Valdez is experienced in PAL and has been practicing plastic surgery for over 16 years.