What is meant by ultrasonic liposuction (UAL), PAL, Vaser and SmartLipo?
These are all different methods of removing fat. Ultrasonic liposuction (UAL) was introduced with great fanfare, claiming to make standard liposuction better and easier. It utilized an ultrasonic probe which turned the fat into liquid and then standard liposuction had to be used to remove the liquid. Unfortunately, in some cases, the ultrasound probe produced burns and extensive post-operative pain. It has lost following but in the hands of an experienced surgeon, it can still be useful. PAL is short for Power Assisted Liposuction. In essence, it is a cannula attached to a motor which creates very short back and forth strokes. Although originally touted as a finesse tool, it is now used simply to make the work of liposuction less strenuous for the surgeon. It is useful but not essential and does not offer any benefits as regards the final results of surgery. Vaser is a pulsed ultrasonic liposuction machine. It has reduced some of the problems of the original ultrasonic liposuction and
