Dr. Saber’s Blog

Power-Assisted Liposuction: An Innovative Form of Body Contouring

Our plastic surgery practice is dedicated to providing safe, natural-looking, quality cosmetic surgery to all of our patients. This includes a commitment to using the most technologically advanced and state-of-the-art technologies.

The MicroAire Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL®) machine is an innovative form of body contouring. Power-assisted lipo provides faster, less traumatic results than traditional, manual liposuction.

What is power-assisted liposuction?

In traditional liposuction, the plastic surgeon makes a small incision in the treatment area (thighs, abdomen, arms, neck, etc.) and then manually inserts and moves a cannula (long, thin tube). The cannula breaks apart and removes stubborn fat deposits. Skilled plastic surgeons use liposuction to remove excess fat that has been resistant to exercise and weight loss and for body sculpting — adjusting the curves or shape of the body by strategically removing fat.

The power-assisted liposuction machine attaches the cannula to an oscillating handpiece. The handpiece drives the cannula back and forth to break up the fatty tissue and make it easier to remove.

What are the benefits of PAL liposuction?

The vibrating cannula used with PAL assists the doctor so they don’t have to apply as much force during the liposuction procedure. This makes the procedure easier on the surgeon, faster, less traumatic to surrounding tissue, and decreases recovery time. Being able to perform the procedure more quickly also makes the PAL liposuction technique safer as patients spend less time under anesthesia.

Because power liposuction takes less time and is less traumatic, patients have less downtime and a faster recovery. Fat cells removed with PAL often have higher viability for fat transfer as well. The MicroAire liposuction machine is also suitable for small- and large-volume fat removal, increasing patients’ treatment options.

What is power-assisted liposuction good for?

While there are different types of liposuction, they all serve a similar function. Liposuction techniques are used for fat reduction and extracting cells for fat grafting.

PAL liposuction can be used for fat removal on just about any area of the body. We use our PAL machine for:

  • armpit and upper arm liposuction
  • double chin correction and neck liposuction
  • inner and outer thigh liposuction
  • stomach liposuction
  • love handles, waist, and hip liposuction
  • knee liposuction

Liposuction is also a common accompaniment to other cosmetic surgical procedures — especially ones that involve excess skin and tissue removal or fat grafting such as:

Power-Assisted Liposuction

Who are good candidates for PAL?

Liposuction can remove stubborn, unwanted fat deposits but will not remove excess skin. Good candidates for PAL will:

  • have healthy skin with good elasticity

  • be generally healthy

  • not smoke

  • be within 30% of their ideal weight

Is liposuction safe?

While any surgical procedure has some risks, working with an exceptionally well-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon greatly reduces these risks. Power-assisted liposuction further reduces the side effects by being quicker and less invasive than other types of liposuction.

The most common side effects include soreness at the treatment site, bruising, and swelling. After your procedure, you will be equipped with a special compression garment to decrease swelling and improve your recovery.

PAL liposuction recovery time is about three weeks, although final liposuction results may take three to six months to fully appear.

The vibrating cannula used with PAL … makes the procedure easier on the surgeon, faster, less traumatic to surrounding tissue, and decreases recovery time.

Does liposuction require anesthesia?

Local anesthesia (tumescent anesthesia) is used for our in-office PAL liposuction because of its safety record, and it allows the patient to stay awake during the procedure. Because PAL is quicker than traditional liposuction, less time is spent under any sedation and our patients return to their normal routine more quickly.  We also give our patients a pain tablet (Norco or Percocet) and a Xanax so they are not apprehensive. Patients must have someone drive them home after the procedure.

However, which anesthesia is better for liposuction often depends on the procedure’s scope and where it is performed.  For liposuction done in a surgery center, we’ll usually use general anesthesia.  Furthermore, I always work with well-known board-certified anesthesiologists in the surgery center to ensure patient safety and comfort.

Why choose Dr. Saber for power liposuction in the Los Angeles area?

Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS offers a more sensitive female perspective for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Saber brings years of specialized experience, guaranteeing patient safety and satisfaction.

Dr. Saber graduated from Stanford University’s world-renowned medical school and did her reconstruction and plastic surgery residency at the University of Southern California (USC). She then completed a fellowship at New York University (NYU) in the extremely challenging and delicate areas of hand surgery and microsurgery.

To request a consultation, call (877) 205-4100 or schedule a consultation online.

The practice of Dr. Saber is located in Encino, CA for patients throughout the Los Angeles area. We are also convenient to Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Malibu, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Downtown Los Angeles, Silverlake, and Echo Park. Online consultations are also available.

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    Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS

    👩🏻‍⚕️ Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
    🏫 Stanford/USC/NYU Trained
    🏥 Encino, CA
    ☎️ (833) 215-0500
    💌 info@saberplasticsurgery.com

    Not every under-eye concern is just “filler.”

For the right candidate, lower blepharoplasty can address under-eye bags by repositioning or removing excess fat for a smoother, more refreshed appearance with long-lasting results.

Schedule your consultation with #DrSaber to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
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    Living for this warm weather😍
    6 weeks post-op ✨

This patient is 6 weeks after breast implant removal, breast lift, tummy tuck with liposuction, and fat transfer to the breasts. She’s healing beautifully and already showing a more natural, balanced silhouette with continued improvement expected over the coming months.

 
Schedule your consultation with DrSaber to create a customized contouring plan tailored to your goals.

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    I’m excited to share that I’ll be expanding my practice to Orange County and joining the wonderful team at Orange County Surgical Specialists.

I’m incredibly grateful to Dr. Reza Bolourian for the warm welcome and the opportunity to work alongside him. I have tremendous respect for him as both a surgeon and a person, and I’m looking forward to building something special together while continuing to care for my patients in Los Angeles and welcoming new patients in Orange County.

I look forward to sharing more updates soon! 🤗

@facialplasticsoc
    6 weeks post-op ✨

This patient is 6 weeks after breast reduction and lift surgery and already enjoying a lighter, more lifted, and proportionate appearance.

While healing is still ongoing, her results are progressing beautifully and will continue to refine over the coming months as swelling subsides and tissues settle.

 Schedule your consultation with DrSaber to create a customized contouring plan tailored to your goals.

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    Before and after ✨

While it’s still early in the healing process, this patient is already showing beautiful progress just 4 weeks after breast reduction and tummy tuck surgery.

Swelling will continue to improve, scars will mature, and results will keep evolving over the coming months. We’re excited to follow her journey as she continues to heal.

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Give us a call to set up a consultation with #DrSaber who will create a customized plan for you!

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  • What patients say about Dr. Saber

    4.8
    Over 16 Reviews

    I was fortunate to find Dr. Saber after researching board-certified surgeons who specialize in breast cancer reconstruction revision surgery. I knew I was in good hands from the moment I spoke with the lovely and efficient Marlene, Dr Saber's office manager. Dr Saber patiently listened to my concerns and, after examining me, explained what I could realistically expect the outcome to be from another surgery. She also explained to me that she would need to review my previous surgery notes before we could discuss a possible further surgery, which I found comforting and highly ethical. I also discussed a couple of other procedures that I would like done, including fat removal from my large upper arms that had caused me great embarrassment for several years. Dr. Saber is an excellent surgeon who is incredibly kind and genuine. She truly understands the female body and the emotional aspect of body insecurities yet, she is transparent about what can and cannot be done and takes time to discuss realistic expectations and outcomes. My breast reconstruction revision surgery will take place in the New Year, but in the meantime, I have the most fabulous upper arms that I recently flaunted in a strapless dress (something I have not done in years). Dr Saber is truly one of a kind, and I still cannot believe how fortunate I am to have found her. I highly recommend Dr Saber.

    I don’t have enough wonderful words to describe Dr Saber and Marlene! I had a tummy tuck done this year and from start to finish the entire experience was amazing. Marlene is always so helpful and works so hard to make every detail a breeze for you. When I had my consultation with Dr Saber I was at a point of complete agony with my body. She instantly took that stress and frustration off my shoulders! As a woman not being heard by doctors for years I left that consultation with happy tears knowing I had finally found my Dr. It was a major surgery and I felt completely zen and at peace going in because she really does make you feel that safe. I didn’t think I would ever look the way I do now! She gave me the gift of having the body I kept fighting for. I will never stop recommending her.

    I saw Dr. Saber when I broke my wrist. I ended up having to have surgery. She did an excellent job and I am healing nicely. She was very professional, but was also very kind and compassionate. I would highly recommend her!!

    I LOVED DR SABER!!! There are a few reasons why I chose her. One was because she’s a female Doctor that was my goal who also did a good job (which I was able to confirm with all her before and after photos) and what sold me was my safety in mind. She made me feel like I was in the best hands ever along with Marlene who coordinated everything THANK YOU LADIES! Dr Saber helped me get back the body I have always desired. I had a lot of stomach fat from weight gain and I lost weight so a lot of my weight was in my front lower and upper abdomen. Now I have a super beautiful curvy body like an hourglass after a tummy tuck and lipo she did. She understood the assignment hahaha . I’m 32 years old no kids just wanted to enjoy my younger body looking and feeling beautiful and she really took good care of me. Even after hours I had an emergency due to my fault but she was there and got back to me very quickly and I’m very grateful. I also think her work says a lot because I stopped taking pain medication on the 3rd day after surgery and was fine with very minimal pain I was able to tolerate the healing process. Highly recommend going with her I just had a wonderful experience and would do it all over again if I had too. Maybe after I have kids. Thanks Dr Saber and team <3

    Dr.Saber is by far one of the best plastic surgeons. I love how she takes her time to explain any procedure to the patients understanding. She always makes sure to answers any and all questions.From fillers to body contours she’s the one you want.

    Dr Saber is amazing! She is caring and very informative. I went in for fillers and she explained procedure step by step. I highly recommend her and look forward to future visits.

    Dr. Saber was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. She took time to listen, answer all my questions and was forthright in her recommendations. Her staff was friendly and helpful. I was very happy with the results and plan on going back. If you are looking for a first rate professional experience look no further she is the doctor for you!

    Dr. Saber is one of a kind plastic surgeon with a heart of gold. She is a well verse plastic surgeon that puts her patient's needs before anything else. She genuinely cares about every single patient, and her work speaks for itself. I notice every post-operative result on her Instagram (@saberplasticsurgery) the patients have this glow that radiates through. I have been going to Dr. Saber for my Botox for the past 3 years, and love the results every time. I know who I will be going to for any future plastic surgery needs, and will confidently refer family and friends to Dr. Saber for any Botox, fillers, and plastic surgery consultations.

    I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Saber! I am so pleased with my results from a breast augmentation she performed on me back in late June! She answered all my questions and concerns before and after my surgery. She’s very easy to get in contact with and she’s so nice. She made feel so comfortable throughout the whole process. 100/10 Lover her work!!

    Dr Saber is hands down the best surgeon! She took her time answering my questions and explained procedure in detail. After doing liposuction six months ago, I am extremely happy with my results and I appreciate her so much.

    Dr. Saber is so kind and thorough with her patients! She is an amazing doctor and genuinely cars about everyone she comes in contact with. I would recommend her to anyone for any hand surgery or cosmetic procedure.