Power-Assisted Liposuction – What is it?
Liposuction, a fat removal procedure, is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed in the UK, and involves fat cells being suctioned out of the body using a cannula and aspirator system. The procedure is used to remove fat cells that are not responding to diet or exercise and can be used to assist other fat-reducing procedures.
The Belvedere Clinic in London is a private hospital offering cosmetic liposuction procedures by GMC registered surgeons. With an excellent quality of care and experience in cosmetic surgery since 1985, we use the latest technology for our procedures to ensure reduced risks and a greater level of comfort post-op.
The brand new PAL procedure is the latest one London-wide and across the UK.
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Comfortable Stay in our own private hospital
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Post operative visits and follow up care
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About Your MicroAire Liposuction Procedure
The types of liposuction
The first liposuction treatment, known as traditional liposuction, was first developed as a cosmetic procedure in the 1970s. This form of liposuction is called “suction-assisted liposuction”, which means that the fat is literally sucked out of the body with the cannula. It takes a lot of physical effort to perform this procedure and is the most intrusive liposuction treatment.
Heat-based liposuction treatments, performed using radio frequency, ultrasonic or laser technology, essentially ‘burn’ the fat cells away, rather than ripping them out like traditional liposuction does.
The newest and most innovative method of liposuction is known as power-assisted liposuction (PAL).
This method, which is available for both men and women, is most similar to the suction-assisted liposuction procedure, as it sucks out the fat cells rather than burns them away. The main difference, however, is that unlike the suction-assisted procedure, the MicroAire liposuction technology makes very small and very fast movements, as opposed to the heavy and intrusive movements in suction-assisted liposuction.
PAL also increases the cell viability, as less of the cells are damaged upon removal, making it the better procedure for when fat cells are to be removed from one area and then inserted into another.
Treatment applies to different body types and can be used to treat body areas below the neck, some of the most commonly treated areas are:
✓ Abdomen
✓ Flanks
✓ Back
✓ Arms
✓ Hips
✓ Buttocks
✓ Thighs
✓ Knees
The Benefits of PAL
As well as being a generally less intrusive form of suction-assisted liposuction, and being less physically exertive for the surgeons performing it, PAL also has many benefits to the patient.
The nature of the procedure, and the gentle movements made by the cannula, mean that less bruising and swelling will occur with PAL than with other forms of liposuction therapies, as there is less trauma to the area, making it more comfortable post-op. It also increases precision, making body shaping easier, and can be up to 50% faster than traditional and heat-based methods.
1. Faster surgery (around 50% faster than standard or vaser lipo)
2. Less trauma i.e. a more comfortable recovery. Less soreness, bruising and redness post op.
3. The latest treatment for fat removal.
Post-Surgical Care & Expectations
After the procedure has been completed, your surgeon will present you with care guidelines and information regarding your post-operative care, but there are some general guidelines as outlined below.
It is normal and generally OK to take pain medication for a couple of weeks following the surgery, as although the procedure is less painful than other variations of the procedure, it can still be painful. However, you are advised to rest for at least the first few days, with minimal physical activity and will need to consult with your surgeon before taking any medication, especially aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs. The bruising and swelling will gradually improve over a few weeks.
Absorbent pads and compression garments should be worn around the area to absorb the drainage from the incision sites. The compression garments are worn for several weeks to help your skin to reattach to the muscle underneath where the fat used to be.
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Vaser Liposuction FAQs
How is power assisted lipo surgery performed?
Local anesthesia and/or intravenous sedation are frequently used for patients undergoing PAL surgery, although general anesthesia may be desirable in some instances. For your safety during the operation, various monitors are used to check your heart, blood pressure, pulse and the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood.
What can I expect after surgery?
Your surgeon will provide you with complete post-operative instructions, however some general guidelines are provided below. In the first few days after surgery you should rest quietly. Most patients will take a pain medication for one or two weeks, but patients should consult with their doctor before taking aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medications. You can expect swelling and bruising to resolve over the course of a few weeks.
Possible risks associated with PAL
Each year thousands of patients successfully undergo PAL surgery to remove unwanted fat, however all surgical procedures carry some degree of risk. It is important to ask your surgeon to review these risks with you.
When can i go back to Work?
Your recovery time will vary depending on the extent and location of your procedure. Some patients return to work within a few days; but for most patients, full activities can resume after a few weeks. Swelling is usually gone in four weeks.
When will i see the results of PAL?
It is important to note that the final results of your lipoplasty will not be fully apparent for several months.