PAL (Power Assisted Liposuction)

Power-assisted lipoplasty (PAL) is the favorite technology used in our Clinique to remove fat and assists in contouring of the body. Power-assisted liposuction is a variation of the basic liposuction procedure where a thin 6 to 8 inch probe is inserted through tiny incisions to dilated fat cells.

The difference between regular lipoplasty devices and power-assisted wands is that the tip of the suction tube has the capability of vibrating. This vibrating cannula whirs at a high enough speed to create a particularly high frequency vibration. This high speed vibration disturbs and emulsifies the fat cells making them easier to remove from the body. This modality causes fewer traumas and bruising to the surrounding tissues.

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Also known as power-assisted liposuction and power assisted liposculpture, this procedure is  gentler for the patient and causes substantially less bruising, swelling and discomfort. Other technologies, in addition to a vacuum assisted scavenging cannula, use different types of probes dispersing ultrasound or laser energy (Exp: UAL or ultrasound liposuction; Vaser, a form of ultrasound; Laserlipolysis, Smartlipo, etc.) to destroy fat cells. Despite their high-tech appeal, they present little advantage over Pal and can occasionally produce  undesirable side effects such as  tissue burns, perforations and nerve damage.  These latest innovations are in that regard no less "invasive" than standard lipo suction.

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An additional  advantage  in our liposuction equipment is the capacity to not only extract but also reinject " Micro grafting" in a sterile fashion, some of the aspirated fat in areas of deflation, such as cheekbones, lips, breasts, scars, labia, vagina and buttocks (Brazilian butt lift), transforming liposuction into a true liposculpture.

Tumescent liposuction

In all lipoplasty, the surgeon makes tiny incisions to flush the area beneath the skin with lidocaine (a local anesthetic), saline (salt water) and epinephrine (a drug that prevents bleeding during surgery.) aka tumescent fluid. Then the fatty layers are suctioned out from beneath the skin's surface with the cannula. Pure tumescent liposuction "super wet infiltration, is usually reserved for limited areas. Since a large volume of fluid is needed to produce local anesthesia, it can blunt or distort the body contour. Therefore, most plastic surgeons prefer lesser volume of tumescent fluid and general anesthesia to improve precision and reduce discomfort for larger liposuction procedures.

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Words of caution
Liposuction has few serious side effects, the most common are bruising, bleeding and mild discomfort. These side effects have been minimized with Power Assisted Lipoplasty or PAL.

Lipoplasty should be used with caution where loose skin or poor tissue firmness is present as often seen after severe weight loss, pregnancy or in areas with poor tissue support like inner thighs, breast, arms etc. In these cases an experienced surgeon might consider adding skin tuck or recommend less aggressive external modalities such as ACCENT, an F.D.A. approved radiofrequency generator, with fat trimming and skin toning capabilities.

Overly aggressive liposuction especially in thin fat layers can result in a cobble stone appearance, which is very difficult to correct, rendering these unfortunate patients true liposuction cripples and must consider other forms of fat loss.

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Lipoplasty is not recommended for individuals with unstable medical conditions or who need a great volume fat to be removed (Severe general obesity). . A weight management program might be prescribed for these individuals instead.

Florida law limits fat removal to 4 liters or 4 to 5 quarts. This regulation has gone a long way to make liposuction one of the safest procedures in America.

 If you are a smoker you will be advised to quit smoking before you have the operation. You may also be asked to eliminate aspirin and other medications or supplements that cause blood thinning to minimize the bruising or bleeding.

Before	After

Before considering any type of liposuction, ask your plastic surgeon if they practice power assisted lipoplasty and are familiar with a variety of tucks or corrective procedures. Before and after pictures can assist you in selecting the right surgeon for you.