The benefits of powered liposuction versus traditional liposuction: A paired comparison analysis

BACKGROUND. There is much debate about the safety of liposuction as well as the efficacy and risk:benefit ratio of newer devices used in this procedure. OBJECTIVE. To determine if there are any benefits in terms of safety and efficacy of power reciprocating cannulas compared to traditional manual liposuction cannulas. METHODS. Patients served as their own controls in a paired comparison analysis of power liposuction cannulas and traditional liposuction cannulas. RESULTS. Power cannulas significantly reduced procedure times, intraoperative pain, and surgeon fatigue, and increased the amount of fat aspirated per minute. Power cannulas also decreased postoperative pain, ecchymoses, and edema, as well as resulting in higher patient satisfaction scores. CONCLUSION. Power liposuction cannulas produce significantly faster recovery times for patients, allow faster procedure times, and reduce surgeon fatigue, resulting in safer and more precise surgery. A lower incidence of touch-up procedures is likely due to these benefits.