BACKGROUND: Although Arpad and Giorgio Fischer initially employed blades within cannulas in their early research while inventing liposuction, hollow cannulas have become the standard instrument for this procedure for the last quarter century. Ultrasonic liposuction was developed in the 1990s to facilitate the passage of cannulas through subcutaneous tissue while liquefying fat. However, these instruments had a number of drawbacks including seromas and tissue burns. Powered cannulas were introduced in 1995 by Gross for "liposhaving." This technique was used on the neck with open surgery under direct observation. OBJECTIVE: Based on these principles, a new powered liposuction device has been designed for body liposuction. METHOD: An oscillating blade within a cannula facilitates removal of fat, especially in fibrous areas such as male flanks and breasts. This instrument has proven to be safe in numerous body areas. Powered reciprocating cannulas also have been recently introduced. These simulate the "to and fro" motion of manual liposuction and appear to be safe. CONCLUSION: Powered liposuction may provide the advantages of ultrasonic liposuction with fewer complications.
BACKGROUND: Although Arpad and Giorgio Fischer initially employed blades within cannulas in their early research while inventing liposuction, hollow cannulas have become the standard instrument for this procedure for the last quarter century. Ultrasonic liposuction was developed in the 1990s to facilitate the passage of cannulas through subcutaneous tissue while liquefying fat. However, these instruments had a number of drawbacks including seromas and tissue burns. Powered cannulas were introduced in 1995 by Gross for "liposhaving." This technique was used on the neck with open surgery under direct observation. OBJECTIVE: Based on these principles, a new powered liposuction device has been designed for body liposuction. METHOD: An oscillating blade within a cannula facilitates removal of fat, especially in fibrous areas such as male flanks and breasts. This instrument has proven to be safe in numerous body areas. Powered reciprocating cannulas also have been recently introduced. These simulate the "to and fro" motion of manual liposuction and appear to be safe. CONCLUSION: Powered liposuction may provide the advantages of ultrasonic liposuction with fewer complications.