Power-Assisted Liposuction
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Tualatin and Portland, Oregon
Power-assisted liposuction is a specialized cosmetic surgery procedure designed for body contouring. This advanced technique uses a machine that makes the liposuction process more precise and effective, assisting the surgeon during the fat removal process. Power-assisted liposuction allows for smoother results.
Gorin Plastic Surgery & MedSpa is one of Oregon’s most renowned cosmetic surgery providers. Our patients regularly experience personalized care that delivers results they are satisfied with. If you would like to further explore how a personalized liposuction treatment can help you achieve your body goals, then schedule a consultation today.
If you have any questions, please call our Tualatin office at (503) 692-7222.
Contents
About Power-Assisted Liposuction
Despite diet and exercise, some stubborn fat pockets may remain after weight loss, which can be quite frustrating. Liposuction can sculpt almost any area of the body, removing fat from the most troublesome spots around the hips, bra line/back, stomach area, and more. Liposuction helps patients achieve dramatic improvements with subtle, natural-looking results. Many patients choose power-assisted liposuction to achieve a slimmer silhouette or to enhance certain body contours.
Liposuction as a technique has evolved significantly since its inception in the late 1970s. Initially, it was performed using manual tools, but advancements in technology have led to more refined methods, such as tumescent liposuction and now, power-assisted liposuction. If you feel that stubborn fat deposits are preventing you from achieving your desired body shape, power-assisted liposuction may be an excellent option for you.
Benefits
Power-assisted liposuction offers numerous benefits that make it an appealing choice for individuals seeking fat reduction and body contouring. At Gorin Plastic Surgery & MedSpa, we help patients experience benefits like:
- Minimal invasion: Smaller incisions mean reduced scarring and quicker healing times.
- Enhanced precision: The vibrating mechanism improves surgical precision and effectiveness in fat removal, allowing for smooth contouring.
- Less bruising and swelling: Power-assisted techniques produce less trauma to the tissue compared to traditional liposuction, leading to a reduction in bruising and swelling post-surgery.
- Faster recovery time: Patients typically return to normal activities sooner than with more invasive techniques, contributing to higher satisfaction rates.
- Improved safety: Powered assistance helps surgeons navigate complicated areas more safely, minimizing the risk of injury to blood vessels and nerves.
- Better aesthetic outcomes: Contoured results tend to be more uniform due to the method’s efficiency, providing a flattering silhouette.
- Customization options: The procedure can be tailored to meet individual aesthetic goals, ensuring that body contours can be optimized.
- Long-lasting results: When combined with a healthy lifestyle, the results of power-assisted liposuction can be long-lasting, delivering enduring satisfaction.
Candidates
Ideal candidates for power-assisted liposuction are generally adults who have excess fat deposits on their abdomen that do not respond to diet or exercise or who feel that certain parts of their bodies are out of proportion with the rest of their figure. In any case, patients should be within 30% of their ideal body weight. (1) Liposuction is not a weight loss treatment, rather, it is best for reducing localized fat deposits, and the most satisfied patients are typically happy with their weight before receiving treatment. Patients should also not smoke, be in good general health and have realistic expectations for their results.
Personal Consultation
The first step to exploring power-assisted liposuction is scheduling a personal consultation at Gorin Plastic Surgery & Medspa. During this meeting, Dr. Gorin will discuss your cosmetic goals and review your medical history. An examination of the areas of concern will help him understand your problem regions and recommend tailored approaches that may include power-assisted liposuction alone or combined with other procedures. In this discussion, you will have an opportunity to ask questions about the techniques, expected results, and potential risks. Dr. Gorin will guide you in formulating a comprehensive plan aligned with your desired body contours and aesthetics.
Preparation
Preparation for power-assisted liposuction is essential for a successful outcome. Each patient will receive detailed preparation instructions that reflect their procedure goals and medical history. Patients who smoke should be prepared to quit, at least temporarily. It is advisable to refrain from nicotine a few weeks before the surgery as smoking can impair circulation and delay healing. You may require a friend or family member to drive you home after the procedure. Aim to be well-nourished and hydrated leading up to your surgery date. By taking these preparatory steps seriously, you optimize your procedure and ensure a smooth recovery.
Procedure
During a power-assisted liposuction procedure, small incisions are made at the treatment site where a tiny, thin cannula is inserted to remove excess fat without compromising the integrity of surrounding skin and tissues. This minimally invasive approach leads to faster recovery times and less discomfort compared to traditional methods. All liposuction procedures will include tumescent fluid as well. (1) Tumescent fluid is a mixture of lidocaine, saline, and epinephrine that is injected into the treatment area to numb tissue, loosen fat, and constrict blood vessels, making the procedure easier and less uncomfortable.
Power-assisted liposuction is a modern refinement of traditional liposuction techniques. It employs a specialized cannula connected to a powered handle that vibrates to help break up the fat before it is suctioned out. This gentle oscillation not only makes fat removal easier but also minimizes trauma to surrounding tissues, thus improving both safety and aesthetic outcomes. (2)
Dr. Gorin will gently maneuver the cannula throughout the treatment area and effectively remove unwanted fat deposits. There will be no chance of this fat returning once removed. However, subsequent weight gain can cause surrounding fat to swell and obscure these sites, so it is important to form healthy habits. Once all of the planned corrections are made and your ideal image is achieved, the incisions are closed and you can begin your recovery.
Recovery
Patients typically experience a quick recovery after their power-assisted liposuction treatments. Dr. Gorin has actually received the procedure himself, and he was able to perform surgeries only four days later! You may receive a compression garment to wear for a few weeks following surgery. This helps to minimize swelling and encourage optimal skin contraction. Mild swelling and bruising are typical, although this should diminish over time. Dr. Gorin will advise limiting strenuous activities for at least a week. However, light walking is encouraged to promote circulation.
Your recovery will be monitored at follow-up appointments. Dr. Gorin can answer any questions and offer further recovery information if necessary.
Results
After full recovery, you will notice a smoother, more contoured figure. Most individuals can see initial results relatively quickly, but final results may take several months to fully manifest as swelling continues to subside.
The results of power-assisted liposuction are designed to boost your self-esteem and improve your body contours dramatically. Patients report feeling satisfied with their new curves and enjoy improved body confidence. Results can be long-term, particularly when supported by a balanced diet and regular exercise. The fat cells removed during liposuction cannot grow back.
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
If you are interested in removing fat from areas such as hips, bra line/back area, and your stomach, it is important to note that instead of simply removing the fat, Dr. Gorin can use the fat to enhance other areas, like in a Brazilian Butt Lift procedure. A Brazilian Butt Lift takes fat from other areas of the body and transfers it to the butt to help achieve an improved shape. During your consultation, Dr. Gorin will be able to review your options for combining your liposuction procedure with a fat transfer procedure.
Cost of Power-Assisted Liposuction in Portland
The cost and time required to perform the procedure completely depend on each patient’s anatomy and the number of zones requested to be treated. After evaluating your anatomy and listening to your goals during a consultation, Dr. Gorin will provide you with an accurate price estimate tailored to your unique plan.
If you have any questions regarding your treatment or would like to schedule an appointment over the phone, please call our Tualatin office today at (503) 692-7222.
FAQ
What makes power-assisted liposuction different from traditional liposuction?
Power-assisted liposuction utilizes advanced technology to assist with fat removal, making the process faster and easier, and often leading to better aesthetic results due to reduced trauma to surrounding tissues.
When can I resume normal activities after power-assisted liposuction?
Recovery time may vary from patient to patient, but many individuals return to light activities within a few days. Strenuous activities may require a waiting period of two weeks or more.
Does power-assisted liposuction leave scars?
Incisions for power-assisted liposuction are typically small and strategically placed to minimize visible scarring. As time passes, scars tend to fade and become less noticeable.
References
- Bartow MJ, Raggio BS. Liposuction. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/
- Codazzi D, Bruschi S, Robotti E, Bocchiotti MA. Power-Assisted Liposuction (P.A.L.) Fat Harvesting for Lipofilling: The Trap Device. World Journal of Plastic Surgery. 2015;4(2):177. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4537612/