Power-Assisted Liposuction (PALŪ) is a new and important technology invented by MicroAire for body sculpting. Research has shown that it is a more effective and safer way to eliminate unwanted deposits of fat that are resistant to dieting and exercise. Because liposuction is the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedure, this technology has important implications to the patient.
The MicroAire Power Assisted Lipoplasty Device uses a 2-mm reciprocating movement at 4000 cycles per minute to facilitate the movement of the cannula in tissue. This vibration loosens the fat cells so that they may be suctioned away gently with less trauma to the surrounding tissues. PALŪ is performed using the tumescent technique. This involves infusing large volumes of saline, local anesthesia and adrenaline. This maximizes the effectiveness of the fat removal and patient comfort, and it helps to minimize bruising. Power-Assisted Liposuction has several important advantages over the older techniques of Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL) and Suction-Assisted Liposuction (SAL). Some advantages of Power-Assisted Liposuction include:
*Improved safety
*Shorter procedure time
*Less bruising and swelling
*Faster recovery
*Less discomfort
*Smaller incisions
*Greater precision for a smoother contour
*No heat means no risk of burning
Power-Assisted Liposuction for the permanent removal of fat is a major advance for aesthetic surgery. Dr. Douglas L. Hendricks was one of the first plastic surgeons in Southern California to use the devise and has performed hundreds of procedures. He is the Medical Director of the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center in Newport Beach, CA. The center is a comprehensive plastic surgery practice that delivers experienced, professional care to patients. Dr. Hendricks is a member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), which is officially recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties as the only Board whose membership is limited to surgeons specifically trained in a rigorous and comprehensive general surgery as well as plastic surgery residency-training program.
