GMCH-32 introduces power-assisted liposuction, a minimally invasive facility

People should consult a qualified plastic surgeon, maintain realistic expectations, and understand that liposuction is a medical procedure aimed at safe body contour improvement

As many as 40 to 50 patients per month are evaluated in the OPD of the plastic surgery department of GMCH-32, Chandigarh, for liposuction, with an increase in patients with lifestyle-related fat disorders and stubborn fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. This month, the hospital has introduced advanced liposuction services in the hospital, that involves less tissue trauma, reduced blood loss, less pain, and more uniform fat removal, leading to faster recovery and better contouring results compared to older techniques like manual liposuction that was available in the hospital.

“With increasing awareness about body contouring and lifestyle-related fat disorders, there was a need to provide a safe, modern, and minimally invasive liposuction facility. Advanced liposuction ensures better precision, quicker recovery, and improved patient comfort,” explains Dr Samik Sharma, consultant, plastic surgery, GMCH-32. The hospital is now using Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL), which allows controlled, precise fat removal while minimising damage to surrounding tissues. Patients with localised fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise, and those seeking body contouring rather than weight loss, benefit the most from the procedure, which, according to Dr Sharma, is suitable for both men and women. “Most patients are in the age group of 25 to 60 years, depending on overall health and skin quality. The most common body areas for which liposuction is advised include the abdomen, waist, thighs, arms, back, chin and neck, and male chest, gynecomastia-related fat,” adds Dr Sharma.

Stressing that liposuction is not a weight-loss surgery, Dr Sharma says that patients with severe obesity, poor skin elasticity, uncontrolled medical illnesses, or unrealistic expectations are not advised the procedure. Lifestyle-related fat disorders, adds the doctor, can be prevented through a balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress control. Consistency in healthy habits and timely health check-ups play a key role in maintaining normal fat metabolism. With advanced liposuction, recovery is faster, and most patients can resume light activities within a few days, and most patients can return to desk work within three–five days, depending on the extent of surgery. “Advanced liposuction offers better precision, reduced blood loss, less tissue damage, fewer complications, and improved cosmetic outcomes. While the surgery is provided free of cost at GMCH-32, patients need to pay only for consumables, which cost approximately Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000, depending on the surgery. Currently, as many as 20 to 30 patients are expected to undergo advanced liposuction in the coming months. People should consult a qualified plastic surgeon, maintain realistic expectations, and understand that liposuction is a medical procedure aimed at safe body contour improvement,” sums up Dr Sharma.

Myth: Liposuction is a weight-loss surgery Fact: Liposuction is a body-contouring procedure, not an obesity treatment

Myth: Results are instant and permanent Fact: Results appear gradually, and long-term benefits depend on lifestyle

Myth: Liposuction is unsafe Fact: When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon in a hospital setting, it is a safe and well-established procedure

Myth: Liposuction always causes loose skin Fact: In properly selected patients, skin tightening is usually good, especially with advanced techniques

Myth: Fat comes back immediately Fact: Removed fat does not return, but weight gain can affect other areas

Myth: Anyone can undergo liposuction Fact: Careful patient selection is essential. It is not suitable for everyone.