
The liposuction procedure has been around for decades and is an effective way to remove fat cells, reducing the size of stubborn fat deposits on the body.
Traditional liposuction techniques have now been improved upon with the introduction of power-assisted liposuction PAL.
New liposuction techniques are no longer just designed to remove excess fat but also for body contouring. They also place a premium on precision, patient comfort and faster recovery times.
What happens during a traditional liposuction procedure?
In a traditional liposuction procedure, a thin tube called a cannula is inserted into the area of stubborn fat through small incisions. The surgeon uses the cannula to break up the fat cells, which are then removed through suction.
The earliest version of this liposuction procedure was quite brutal, resulting in tissue trauma and significant postoperative discomfort and bruising for patients. The procedure was imprecise, and the results could be variable.
In the 1980s, liposuction techniques were refined with the introduction of tumescent liposuction. During this procedure, surgeons inject the fat pockets with a combination of saline and other medications to liquefy the fat cells, making their removal easier. The combination would also contain painkillers to improve patient comfort.
However, even this technique involves significant tissue trauma. It also still involved a considerable amount of physical exertion for surgeons, and the resulting exhaustion could impact the quality of the outcome.
Fat removal with power-assisted liposuction
Power-assisted liposuction PAL has been around for a couple of decades and offers stunning results.
This technique uses a vibrating cannula, which breaks down the fat cells without requiring the surgeon to exert themselves. The liquified fat cells are then removed from the body with the cannula.
The introduction of the power-assisted cannula means that the procedure is more efficient, resulting in shorter surgeries. There is less tissue trauma, which reduces the amount of postoperative bruising, swelling and discomfort.
The body contouring benefits of the PAL liposuction procedure
Fat removal was the end goal of the early pioneers of liposuction, but now the emphasis is on using precise fat removal to create a sculpted appearance for patients.
There is a growing awareness that liposuction procedures are a cosmetic procedure, not a weight loss solution, and that the removal of substantial amounts of body fat at one time can be hazardous. In fact, the best liposuction results are achieved on patients who are near their ideal weight but who have stubborn fat pockets that are resistant to a healthy diet and exercise.
The surgical precision afforded by PAL liposuction techniques enables surgeons to work on relatively small areas of fatty tissue, sculpting and honing the body’s shape to achieve a contoured and toned appearance.
At the same time, the higher level of efficiency and reduction in surgeon fatigue mean that power-assisted liposuction techniques also yield better results on large areas of stubborn fat, such as the flanks and buttocks, than traditional techniques.
PAL Lipo combined with other cosmetic body surgery
PAL liposuction is often used to perfect the results of other cosmetic body surgeries. For example, it can be used to supplement the removal of excess skin during a tummy tuck by removing unwanted fat from the abdomen.
The precision of PAL liposuction also makes it more effective than traditional liposuction techniques for fibrous areas, such as the male breast, and surgeons often use it during gynaecomastia or male breast reduction surgery.
Recovery time after different liposuction techniques
Any liposuction requires a recovery period, but the reduction in bruising and tissue trauma means that most patients recover more quickly from PAL lipo than traditional liposuction.
PAL liposuction is occasionally performed under local anaesthesia, but typically general anaesthesia is used, so this must be factored into the recovery time.
Other minimally invasive liposuction techniques
The field of liposuction is constantly evolving, and new body contouring procedures and fat removal techniques are being developed as innovative technologies are introduced into aesthetic medicine and surgery.
For example, VASER Lipo is a type of liposuction that utilises ultrasound waves to break down fat cells, whereas laser liposuction employs laser energy.
Next Steps
You can book a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss body contouring and fat removal with power-assisted liposuction by phoning 01904 675 222 or emailing us at [email protected]
Share on: