MIAMI, FL --
What Is Power Assisted Liposuction?
Power assisted liposuction (PAL) uses a special mechanized straw (called a cannula). This enables the surgeon to perform this operation with fewer manual movements and adjustments. Like more traditional Suction assisted liposuction (SAL), the cannula is attached to a vacuum device. The doctor will maneuver this device through the layers of fat, and the vacuum will suction out fat cells.
These two techniques are similar, and some doctors prefer one over the other. The slight vibrating action of the device might be gentler than the surgeon's movements and might allow him to break up more dense fat faster. Other doctors say that the skill and the technique are more important than the technique that is used.
If you speak with a surgeon who intends to use power assisted liposuction, you might ask him why it is better for your particular situation. You are entitled to a consultation with more than one office before performing any type of elective surgery.
Who Are Good Candidates For Power Assisted Liposuction?
This surgery can help remove extra layers of fat, but it is not considered a good medical alternative to a healthy diet and exercise. In fact, the best candidates for this cosmetic surgery have to be in good health and have a regular exercise and diet program. This surgery is intended to remove stubborn fat pockets that cannot be removed by standard fitness routines. It might be thought of a way to take off that "last five pounds," but not the last fifty pounds.
This procedure is commonly performed on problem areas of the body. These might include the belly, upper thighs, breasts, chin, belly and other body parts where fat tends to stick.
"Problem" areas on various individuals may vary because of genetics, culture, or the types of clothes they like to wear. What might be considered a problem area on one person might be considered very attractive on another. This procedure is intended for use by people who have an image of the ideal body shape and want to achieve that body shape through surgery.
How Much Does Power Assisted Liposuction Cost?
Cost of Liposuction is an important factor when considering surgery. However the quality of liposuction is more important than the liposuction cost. If the ultimate goal of liposuction is to have a happy patient, then the surgeon's expertise and experience are probably more important than the liposuction surgery price. Liposuction prices are important, but it is not the most important factor to considering lipo surgery. Be careful not to put your body on the "discount rack".
Lowest Liposuction Price Can Be Most Expensive
Choosing a liposuction surgeon based on the lowest price might ultimately be the most expensive choice, if the initial cosmetic results are so bad that another surgeon must be paid to repair the work of the first liposuction surgeon. Among the most common undesirable outcomes of liposuction are 1) incomplete liposuction with very little evidence that liposuction was actually done, 2) excessive liposuction producing an unnatural or disfigured appearance, 3) irregular and uneven results with unsightly depressions in the skin, and 4) large scars that reveal that the patient has had liposuction. Caveat emptor (Buyer beware).
How to Use Liposuction Cost Table (Below)
The total cost for lipo surgery is the sum of the non-surgical fee plus one or more surgical fees. The non-surgical fees include the cost of the operating room, nursing staff, pre-operative laboratory tests, post-operative garments and supplies.
The surgical fees represent the prices for lipo surgery of each individual area. For example, the total cost for liposuction of the hips, outer thighs and buttocks might be the sum of the surgical fees for hips ($2400), outer thighs ($3000), and buttok ($1800), plus non-surgical fee ($1600), which equals $8,800.
The following table is merely a rough estimate of the possible liposuction prices.
Abdomen, upper & lower 3,000 - 7,500
Abdomen, lower 2,000 - 3,000
Arms 1,500 - 5,000
Back, female 1,500 - 4,000
Breasts, female 3,000 - 7,500
Breasts, male 3,000 - 5,000
Buttocks 1,500 - 4,500
Chin, Cheeks, Jowls, Neck 2,000 - 4,500
Flanks, male 2,000 - 5,000
Anterior Thighs & Knees 2,000 - 5,000
Inner (Thighs & Knees) 2,000 - 5,000
Hips/Waist 1,600 - 5,000
Outer Thighs 1,600 - 5,000
(Total Liposuction Cost = All Liposuction Surgical Costs + Non-Surgical Costs).
If an anesthesiologist is required, then an additional fee must be anticipated.
Factors That Determine Liposuction Cost
Factors that determine cost of liposuction include 1) The size of the patient, 2) Amount of time and effort required of the surgeon, 3) Cost of anesthesiologist's services, 4) Operating room fees, 5) Preoperative laboratory fees, 6) Other related expenses, such as elastic compression garments, etc.
You should be prepared to pay for this surgery yourself. Medical plans are unlikely to pay for any purely cosmetic procedures. Even though some health plans do cover obesity surgery like gastric bypass, this would not be considered in the same category because it is only used to remove small and stubborn areas of fat.
If you do not have the money to pay for the operation, you may be able to arrange financing. Some cosmetic surgery offices offer payment plans.
What Is The Recovery Time Of Liposuction?
The good thing about this type of surgery is that many procedures can be performed with local anesthesia. If you only need local anesthesia, you can usually leave the surgical facility about a half hour after your operation is completed.
If you need to be put under with general anesthesia, you will need to be observed long enough to make sure you blood pressure is back to normal and you are not suffering from any affects of medication. This should only take a couple of hours.
You will also be advised to refrain from lots of activities for several days after the procedure. This might range from ten days to two weeks. In some cases, it could be even longer.
Should You Consider Liposuction?
If you believe that this surgery can help you achieve a slimmer look that will make you happier or help you succeed, you might discuss this option with a good liposuction surgeon in your local area. The procedure might be expensive, and it might also take time to recover. Many people are happy with their investment of time and money!
About Dr. Carlos Spera
Dr. Carlos Spera was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Following his fathers footsteps, a pioneer in plastic surgery and world renowned, Dr. Spera started his career in this specialty from the young age of 21. He graduated from the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina and after completing his training received a certification from the Argentinian Board in both general and plastic surgery.
After working in Massachusetts and New York, Dr. Spera opened his South Florida Practice. He is board certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and has over 30 years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery. His scientific work and excellent results transcends frontiers. He receives patients from all different places worldwide, who search for his experience and dedication. Learn more at CarlosSpera.com.