Liposuction (Power-Assisted PAL)

Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) using a motorized micro-cannula and tumescent technique performed by Dr. Sassan Alavi, with over 12,000 liposuction procedures completed. Targets stubborn fat on the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, back, and neck. The PAL technique is associated with up to 40% less treatment time, 50% less post-operative pain, and 40% less bruising and swelling compared to traditional liposuction. Sessions range from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the areas treated. Consultation required for pricing.

Dr. Sassan Alavi at Center for Cosmetic Surgery in San Diego has performed over 12,000 liposuction procedures, making it one of the most extensive single-surgeon liposuction portfolios on the US West Coast. The clinic uses power-assisted liposuction (PAL) as its primary technique — a method that uses a motorized handpiece to generate a rapid reciprocating motion in the cannula, reducing the physical effort required to dislodge and aspirate fat cells while improving the uniformity of fat removal across the treatment zone. This motorized oscillation allows the surgeon to work more efficiently through fibrous fat compartments and areas with denser tissue, reducing operative time and decreasing the trauma to surrounding blood vessels, lymphatics, and connective tissue compared to traditional manual liposuction. The procedure is performed using tumescent technique — the injection of a large volume of dilute local anesthetic (lidocaine) and epinephrine solution into the target fat compartment before liposuction begins, which shrinks blood vessels to minimize bleeding, provides prolonged local anesthesia to reduce post-operative pain, and temporarily firms the fat tissue to facilitate uniform suction. Dr. Alavi uses thin stainless steel micro-cannulas to achieve fine contouring, particularly around the abdominal flanks and waist where smooth transitions are critical to a natural-looking result. According to the clinic's published claims, PAL reduces total procedure time by approximately 40%, post-operative pain by approximately 50%, and bruising and swelling by approximately 40% versus conventional liposuction — a combination that shortens the active recovery period. Treatment areas include the abdomen, flanks, inner and outer thighs, arms, back, submental (double chin), and gynaecomastia (male chest). Sessions typically run 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the number of areas treated. Compression garment wear is required post-operatively. Consultation is required to receive a pricing estimate — the practice positions itself as offering accessible cosmetic surgery rates in San Diego.