Power-assisted Liposuction Technique

Liposuction has consistently been among the top 10 most popular cosmetic surgical procedures for a number of years. Over that time period, several liposuction techniques have greatly improved, allowing for more precise and rapid removal of fat, with less severe side effects and a shorter recovery time for patients, as well as more precision and less effort on the part of the surgeon. Power-assisted liposuction is one such technique that has shown great promise for removing fat from the body in a more efficient manner than traditional liposuction.

Traditional Liposuction Procedure

The basic liposuction procedure is the same, regardless of whether the cosmetic surgeon is using a traditional or a power-assisted liposuction cannula. A series of small incisions are made in the body at the areas targeted for fat removal. These areas can include the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms and knees. A thin metal tube, called a cannula is then inserted into the body, and the fat is gently vacuumed out of the body as the surgeon moves the cannula around. The procedure is generally done with local, twilight, or general anesthesia, and can take anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the amount of fat to be removed. A liposuction procedure will not tighten up excess skin on the body, but can be performed in combination with a procedure to do so, such as a tummy tuck, thigh lift, or arm lift.

Power-assisted Liposuction Procedure

The main difference between traditional liposuction and power-assisted liposuction is that the latter technique uses a motorized cannula that moves at approximately 3,000 to 5,000 motions per minute, as compared to relying solely on the physician to move the cannula around. Proponents of this technique claim that not only can it break up and remove fat deposits more quickly than the manual technique, it also is better for removing fat from very tight areas, such as around the bellybutton or the inner thighs. Furthermore, it can reduce the amount of patient pain and wear and tear on both patient and surgeon.

What Does the Research Say?

Researchers presented their findings about the comparison of traditional to power-assisted liposuction at the American Academy of Dermatology 2001 Annual Meeting. The researchers studied a group of 90 patients who underwent liposuction. For 80 percent of these patients, surgeons were able to remove 30 percent more fat using the power-assisted technique. Furthermore, more than half of patients preferred the power-assisted technique in terms of pain levels and procedure times. Another study by the same group of researchers found that the power-assisted liposuction technique was preferred in terms of shorter recovery time, reduced surgeon fatigue, better control, and less need for subsequent “touch up” procedures.

Liposuction has come a long way from its beginning in Europe in the 1960s. The surgeons at Crawford Plastic Surgery have dedicated themselves to providing patients with the latest cutting edge technology in liposuction, including power-assisted liposuction. To schedule a liposuction consultation, contact Crawford Plastic Surgery.