subject: Is Power Assisted Liposuction Safer Than Other Forms? [print this page] In the field of cosmetic surgery there is always a search for easier and safer methods of altering the body to be more attractive. This search produces numerous different techniques for each procedure, including liposuction, which has undergone many of its own technological revolutions. One recent improvement is called power assisted liposuction, or PAL.
Liposuction is most often performed using tubes called cannulae, which surgeons insert into the body through an incision and use to break up fat tissue before suctioning it out of the body through the same tube. However, jerking a cannula around inside the fat deposits can cause trauma to the surrounding area and is not the most effective method of breaking up the fat or getting all of it. The human hand just doesn't have the finesse necessary to efficiently do this. But PAL does.
The cannulae used in PAL have a small, vibrating tip. As the surgeon guides this cannula through the unwanted fat deposit, its vibrations break up the fat cells more gently and more fat is broken off, producing more refined end results. This technique is also paired with that of tumescent liposuction, which involves injecting the area with a high volume of liquid anesthetic.
PAL is safer than traditional liposuction because its delicate vibrations do not endanger surrounding tissue like the hard jerks of another cannula in a human hand. Because the cannula is not moved as much a smaller incision is required, and the chemicals in the injected liquid prevent bleeding and cushion surrounding tissue from the hard cannula, reducing trauma. All of this also reduces recovery time, bruising, and discomfort. Also, because PAL takes less time than other methods it also puts patients at less risk during the operation.
Because it can remove more fat and is gentler than other techniques, PAL can produce more refined results. It is easier to remove the targeted fat and get all of it or only that, so it is easier for surgeons to create the patient's desired size and shape. For this reason it is very effective in re-contouring hard to treat areas, such as the inner thighs, abdomen, and male breasts.
As in any type of liposuction, the power assisted technique does present some risks. Loose, uneven, or wrinkled skin is a possible result that PAL does not reduce. Infection of the wound is possible if not treated properly during recovery, and reaction to the lidocaine used in the tumescent technique is possible in patients who are allergic to the chemicals or are taking certain medications. Inadequate drainage of the solution can cause illness. Patients should always speak with their surgeon about possible complications and risks accompanying the procedure. However, because of its unique method of vibration, power assisted liposuction is currently one of the safest techniques available.
