Conveniently located to serve New York City & Beyond

Power-assisted liposuction is a liposuction technique that uses cannulas that are on either a compressed gas-powered or electric handpiece that moves the cannula back and forth at a high speed. This vibration physically loosens and removes fat in ways that non-powered liposuction or traditional liposuction cannot, making the procedure easier to perform and more efficient.

Developments in the technology and techniques around liposuction have led to modern, innovative options for people looking to reduce fat in specific locations that don’t respond to diet and exercise. One of these options is power-assisted liposuction (PAL). This technique for fat reduction in NYC uses the same basic steps as current liposuction procedures, but with a more efficient device to make removing stubborn fat cells easier.

Treatment Areas

The same treatment areas that are possible with regular liposuction are also possible to treat with PAL. Commonly treated areas for most patients during a body contouring procedure include:

• Abdomen
• Back
• Thighs
• Upper arms
• Under the chin (submental)
• Hips
• Chest (for gynecomastia treatment)

Depending on your desired goals, Dr. Wallach can also use PAL to perform a liposuction procedure known as “abdominal etching,” which is particularly useful for men seeking to achieve a more sculpted abdomen and reveal their muscles to truly define a six-pack after the fat removal process.

Power-Assisted Liposuction Procedure

The procedure for PAL is similar to that of traditional liposuction. First, your board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Wallach, injects the treatment area with a tumescent fluid solution that contains lidocaine, local anesthesia, and epinephrine, which constricts blood vessels to minimize the risk of bleeding. General anesthesia can also be used if the patient requires it. Once the solution has spread throughout the area, Dr. Wallach will make one or more small incisions placed strategically to access the desired treatment area.

Once the tiny incision is made, the PAL cannula is inserted, and the device is turned on as needed to dislodge fat cells and remove them through gentle suction.

Advantages

PAL is a medical procedure that is similar to regular liposuction in many ways. The incision size is the same as traditional liposuction, and the procedure steps are nearly identical. There is less manual exertion because the oscillating handpiece does most of the work, which allows Dr. Wallach to be more precise with moving the cannula throughout the area and reduces surgeon fatigue.

This procedure is often recommended to treat more fibrous fatty regions such as the hips, back, and male chest. However, it may not always be recommended for these areas if another liposuction technique would be better suited.

Disadvantages

There really are few to no disadvantages in performing liposuction with PAL over more traditional methods.  The bruising rate and seroma rate are identical.  Since it does not use high-energy modalities that can potentially create a lot of heat, the risk of seroma is less than those that do.

Testimonials

Danielle H

I had my first consultation with Dr. Wallach in February 2012 to discuss body-contouring procedures after massive weight loss. I had seen two plastic surgeons prior to Dr. Wallach. From the very moment that I received a phone call from the patient coordinator I knew I was in good hands. Dr. Wallach listened and answered all of my questions and was very patient. In May 2012 I had a circumferential abdominoplasty with a fleur d’lis. Dr. Wallach was there every step of the way. I had never met a doctor more dedicated to his patients. While other plastic surgeons were willing to do an entire body lift at once Dr. Wallach would not compromise his patients’ health. He is honest, caring, and above all a very competent surgeon. I would strongly recommend his care to anyone considering a procedure. He is truly an exceptional surgeon, whose expertise far outweighs other surgeons in his field. The quality of Dr. Wallach’s patient care and bedside manner is far superior to that of other plastic surgeons with whom I have consulted, and the passion he exhibits for his profession is second to none. Dr Wallach’s first priority is always patient health and safety, and is unwilling to compromise either for fiscal gain. This is not something I can say about the other plastic surgeons I consulted with, who were willing to perform any elaborate, complicated, and much more risk-laden surgery because “the price was right.” I would not go to any other surgeon and I am looking forward to my next procedure with Dr. Wallach.

Angela C.

Dr. Wallach is an amazing plastic surgeon and I highly recommend him to anyone looking for rhinoplasty.My daughter just had it done and we are beyond happy with the results and she is only a few weeks out!! She had very light bruising and looks absolutely beautiful.Dr. Wallach, Ashley and the rest of his staff are very professional and spent a lot of time making sure all our questions and concerns were answered.I was so nervous for my daughter and Ashely basically held my hand the whole time. I can’t thank you enough for what You did for my daughter…priceless

Belinda H.

I was referred to and met Dr. Wallach in late January 2014 regarding having a BBL procedure done, Dr. Wallach easy going personality and professionalism put my mind at ease. I have unique medical issues and after speakina with him I knew he was the perfect physician for my procedure. My surgery was scheduled for mid-February and it went without a hitch. Mind you the day of the surgery there was a big snowstorm; but everyone on the team including myself made it in safely. Dr. Wallach was very informative on the day of surgery: explaining evey step to me and my husband. He was caring and made sure everything was being done to ensure our privacy and that I was comfortable. I must say I was very satisfied with the results and still am. I would definitely go back to Dr Wallach for any future work and would highly recommend him! His office assistant Nicole is a sweet heart and thank them both for the loving care. I have received endless compliments and owe Dr. Wallach a multitude of gratitude!!!!!

R.P.

God knows I look better than when I first walked in to your office. Thank you thank you thank you for time, skills, and staff. I am beautiful again!

Power-Assisted Liposuction Recovery

After a liposuction plastic surgery procedure, Dr. Wallach will dress you in compression garments to help keep swelling down and ensure the treated area heals in the intended way after the extraction of the unwanted fat deposits. Liposuction patients often take only a few days off work and other activities, and have little postoperative pain that can be controlled by prescribed or over-the-counter medications. Patients can return to more strenuous activities after two to three weeks. It’s important to keep in mind that PAL liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure, as it’s designed to help people improve their contour, not lose weight. A great majority of the swelling will dissipate within 6-8 weeks, but final results will appear after the swelling has completely subsided, which can take up to about 4- 6 months or longer. Your recovery time will differ from person to person.

Find The Best Treatment For You

Explore Our Procedures

See All

Model

Liposuction

Model

Facelift

Model

Breast Augmentation

Model

Male Procedures

Model

Injectables

Model

Rhinoplasty

Model

Breast Lift

Model

Brazilian Butt Lift

Model

Breast Reduction