Power Assisted Liposculpture (PAL)

Power Assisted Liposculpture is a procedure similar to Liposuction, the only difference being that the cannula moves gently but rapidly breaking down and suctioning out fat. The technique for Power Assisted Liposculpture is used to sculpt difficult areas like back, flanks and male breast.

What areas of the body are commonly treated by Power Assisted Liposculpture?

The areas of the body commonly treated in men and women by Liposuction or Power Assisted Liposculpture are:

Flanks or "love handles"
Breasts (during Breast Reduction)
Abdomen (during Tummy Tuck)
Under the chin, jowls and neckline
Inner thighs (during Thigh Lift)
Hips, buttocks (saddle bags)
Inner knees, lower legs, ankles
Body Lift
Upper arm (during Arm Lift)
Surgical correction of enlarged male breast tissue (Gynecomastia)

Who is an ideal candidate for Power Assisted Liposculpture?

If you are a man or a woman who is not obese but has localized, unwanted fat deposits with overlying skin that is not lax or sagging, then you are an ideal candidate for Power Assisted Liposculpture.

What does the procedure for Power Assisted Liposculpture involve?

A tiny incision is made over the area where localized fat deposits are to be removed. A thin suction tube (cannula) is inserted and is connected to a vacuum, which will suction out the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. The thin tube vibrates gently but rapidly making the procedure quicker but at the same time less traumatic. The cannula dislodges and breaks the fat cells in the surrounding area. A syringe depending on your surgeon’s preference can also provide the suction action. Incisions will be made very carefully to keep them as inconspicuous as possible. During Power Assisted Liposculpture, large amounts of fluids and some blood may be lost along with fat. Intravenous fluids will replenish these during and after Power Assisted Liposculpture surgery.

How do I prepare for Power Assisted Liposculpture?

Loose only that much weight which you can realistically keep off after the Power Assisted Liposculpture surgery. Inform your surgeon and anesthetist about all the medications (prescription as well as non-prescription medications including vitamins, mineral and herbal supplements) before Power Assisted Liposculpture surgery. If you are taking birth control pills, stop taking them 1 week before Power Assisted Liposculpture surgery. Stop smoking and drinking at least 2 weeks before Power Assisted Liposculpture surgery. Do not eat or drink any thing at least 12 hours before Power Assisted Liposculpture surgery. If you will be getting Power Assisted Liposculpture done on an outpatient basis, make arrangements for someone to take you home and also help you at home for a couple days after Power Assisted Liposculpture.

What to expect during the recovery period after Power Assisted Liposculpture?

If Power Assisted Liposculpture is performed on an out patient basis, you will be allowed to go home 1 - 2 hours after the Power Assisted Liposculpture procedure. If Power Assisted Liposculpture is being performed in a hospital, then you will be allowed to go home 2 days after the Power Assisted Liposculpture procedure. You will be instructed to wear a snug elastic garment (compression garment) over the area that has been treated by Power Assisted Liposculpture. Your stitches will be removed after 7 - 10 days following Power Assisted Liposculpture. Avoid strenuous activities including exercises, sports, lifting weight etc for the next several weeks following Power Assisted Liposculpture. You can resume your non-strenuous activities within a week following Power Assisted Liposculpture.

What is the outcome of Power Assisted Liposculpture?

Power Assisted Liposculpture removes fat cells permanently. However, if you gain more than 10% of your weight, then the remaining fat cells only increase in size and fat accumulates in other areas of the body where Power Assisted Liposculpture was not performed. You will normally see 90% of your results within 3 months of Power Assisted Liposculpture surgery. With realistic expectations, you will probably be pleased with your Power Assisted Liposculpture surgery and your new look, which can be maintained by sensible eating and regular exercise.

Benefits of Power Assisted Liposculpture

Shorter operative and anesthesia times, thus translating into reduced cost of Power Assisted Liposculpture procedure
Easy on you and your surgeon.
No injury due to skin burns
Increased effectiveness in areas where there is fibrous tissue.
Less swelling and bruising
Quicker recovery

Risks of Power Assisted Liposculpture

Infection - Keep the incision wound clean
Bleeding - Excessive bleeding during the procedure or localized accumulation of blood at the site of Power Assisted Liposculpture.
Visceral perforation - Perforation of bowel during abdominal procedure
Prolonged numbness over area due to permanent nerve damage.
Shock due to internal bleeding and loss of large amounts of fluids.
Removal of too much fat
Allergic reaction to anesthesia
Embolism - Thrombophlebitis of leg veins especially occurs in women taking oral contraceptives.

Alternatives to Power Assisted Liposculpture

Liposuction - In this procedure, lumps and areas of fat are removed by means of thin tubes that are inserted in to the areas of body with fat pockets through small incisions.