Power assisted lipo vs traditional?

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

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

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!