Power assisted lipo vs traditional?

Question

The more quotes I get the more confused I am. Regarding regular tumescent liposuction....is there a difference in the results if the surgeon uses power assist vs not. I guess if they don't use anything to break up the fat Is there a greater chance of scarring or lumpier results or is it just all the same? Seems like it would be more busing also but I just don't know. Does this matter with regular lipo/ not lazer. I have pretty much decided against that.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Lanie404,

Navigating the world of liposuction options can indeed be quite confusing. I understand you're considering regular tumescent liposuction and wondering about the difference in results between using power assist and not. While you've decided against laser liposuction, have you considered VASER Hi-Def Liposuction as an alternative?

Traditional Tumescent Liposuction: This conventional method involves the use of a tumescent solution to swell the fat, which is then manually broken up and suctioned out. It's a time-tested technique known for its effectiveness.

Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL): PAL uses a mechanized cannula to break up fat, potentially making the process quicker and more efficient, with possibly less physical effort required from the surgeon.

VASER Hi-Def Liposuction: This is a more advanced form of liposuction that uses ultrasound technology to liquefy fat before removal. It's particularly effective for high-definition body contouring, offering precision that can be ideal for sculpting and defining muscles.

Results and Considerations: While traditional and power-assisted liposuction are both effective, the choice often depends on the specific areas you're treating and the results you're aiming for. VASER Hi-Def Liposuction, on the other hand, might be worth considering if you're looking for more defined and sculpted results. The risk of irregularities, such as lumpiness or scarring, largely depends on the surgeon's skill and technique, regardless of the method used.

Recovery and Bruising: PAL can sometimes result in less tissue trauma compared to traditional liposuction, potentially leading to less bruising and quicker recovery. VASER Hi-Def also has a reputation for a smoother recovery process, given its precision and the technology used.

In conclusion, while traditional tumescent and PAL are both excellent choices, VASER Hi-Def Liposuction offers an advanced alternative for more detailed body contouring. It's important to discuss all these options with a qualified plastic surgeon who can assess your specific case and help you make the best decision for your body and goals.

Sincerely,

Dr. J. Timothy Katzen

Ellen A. Mahony, MD · Answer

There is much confusion surrounding the many terms and techniques associated with liposuction and trying to decide what is best for YOU.
Keep in mind that as time marches on and newer techniques are developed, the notion of what is truly
"traditional" will also be unclear.

At the present time, traditonal liposuction refers to:
   1.  introducing a "wet" solution into the fat for the purposes of pain control, reducing bleeding and wetting the fat to make it easier to extract in a uniform manner (tumescent technique)
  2. the instruments (cannulaes) are connected to suction and by manually moving them throughout the fat, it is extracted by suction

Power Assisted Liposuction refers to:
  1. and 2. Above
  3. the only difference is that the cannulae are connected to a powered hand device which causes the cannula to vibrate.   Although the vibration is modest, it reduces hand fatigue of the surgeon and facilitates the movement of the instrument through the fat which is criss crossed by many fibrous bands.  This modest technical change makes the procedure a little quicker and less rigorous for the surgeon- less time in the OR.
The fat is not liquified or heated.

So, in summary, TRADITIONAL is all manual effort.  PAL includes low level vibration of the instrument.
BOTH employ the tumescent technique of fat "wetting"

Most surgeons use both, depending on the area of the body where the liposuction is to be performed.
Both are excellent choices and are the Gold Standard to which all other liposuction technology are compared as the techniques I have listed are safe, provide excellent results in properly selected candidate and have minimal complications, bruising.

Hope that helps!  See link for samples.

In good health,
Ellen Mahony, MD

Shana Kalaria, MD · Answer

These days most board-certified plastic surgeons are using power-assisted liposuction instead of traditional suction-assisted liposuction. This is because it decreases surgeon fatigue as the handpiece makes it easier to collect the fat. You are right, there is more bruising with traditional liposuction. Please visit with a board-certified plastic surgeon for more information. Good luck!

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for writing,The most important part of liposuction is who is doing it. Laser, Vaser, Aqua, Wet, Superwet, PAL etc etc are all devices that can be used based on the Surgeons preferences. For me I don’t use just one device, at times I combine them based on what I want to do and achieve. Just because one has a hammer (only one liposuction device) doesn’t mean the world is a nail. I consider lipodevices as tools in a tool box, I pick the tool I need at the time I need it. Trust your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, if your not sure get a second opinion. Good LuckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonMember: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonMember: American Society of Plstic Surgeons

Garrett M. Crabtree, MD · Answer

Power assisted  devices and lasers are both viable tools to aid with liposuction . I personally prefer power assisted cannulas over laser. That being said , the most important aspect of the surgery is the surgeons experience. Whether the surgeon uses powered devices , lasers ,vaser or simple tumescent liposuction is really simply surgeon preference. Good results can be obtained with any of these adjuncts but can also be achieved without using any of these. Discuss with your surgeon your goals as well as their experience. Dr Crabtree

Marc J. Salzman, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question. It can be quite confusing. After the fluid is put into the fat, the fat can be treated with a laser to melt it or with ultrasound (vaser) to help break it up into smaller pieces. The power assisted cannula is moving back and forth or rotating around a long axis as the surgeon passes the cannula through the tissues. It is more efficient, with less passes to remove more fat. Also, when vaser is done, the fat has already been made into smaller pieces that require less frictional aspiration and in theory it can be done less traumatically. While someone with a single handheld cannula can certainly get a nice result,  these adjuncts, in proper hands, I think are just a little bit better. Overall, it's really the surgeon behind the cannula that really matters the most. Hope that's helpful.

Power assisted lipo vs traditional?

Answers (6)

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