In a significant upgrade to its cosmetic surgery services, the Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32 (GMCH-32) in Chandigarh, has introduced a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive liposuction facility. The new service, launched this month, employs advanced Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL) technology, promising patients less pain, reduced blood loss, and quicker recovery times compared to traditional methods.
Modern Technique for Enhanced Patient Outcomes
The newly introduced Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL) system represents a leap forward from the manual liposuction previously available at the hospital. According to Dr. Samik Sharma, Consultant in Plastic Surgery at GMCH-32, the advanced technology allows for more controlled and precise removal of fat deposits. This results in significantly less trauma to surrounding tissues, more uniform contouring, and an overall smoother recovery process for patients.
"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," Dr. Sharma explained. He emphasized that advanced liposuction ensures better precision, quicker recovery, and improved patient comfort.
Addressing Rising Demand and Patient Profile
The move comes in response to a noticeable increase in patient inquiries. The plastic surgery department at GMCH-32 evaluates between 40 to 50 patients per month in its Outpatient Department (OPD) specifically for liposuction. Dr. Sharma notes a rising trend of individuals struggling with stubborn, localized fat that does not respond to diet and exercise, as well as those seeking body sculpting rather than major weight loss.
The procedure is deemed suitable for both men and women, typically in the age group of 25 to 60 years, provided they are in good overall health. Common treatment areas include the abdomen, waist, thighs, arms, back, chin, neck, and for male chest reduction (gynecomastia).
Critical Clarifications and Cost Structure
Dr. Sharma strongly clarified that liposuction is not a weight-loss surgery and is not advised for individuals with severe obesity, poor skin elasticity, or uncontrolled medical conditions. The core goal is safe body contour improvement.
In a major benefit for patients, the surgical procedure itself is provided free of cost at the government-run GMCH-32. Patients are only required to cover the expense of consumables, which ranges approximately from Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000, depending on the scope of the surgery. The hospital anticipates 20 to 30 patients will undergo the advanced procedure in the coming months.
Recovery is notably faster with this advanced technique. Most patients can resume light activities within a few days and return to desk jobs within three to five days, contingent on the extent of the surgery.
Dispelling Common Myths Around Liposuction
The medical team also addressed prevalent misconceptions to set realistic patient expectations:
- Myth: Liposuction is a substitute for diet and exercise. Fact: A healthy lifestyle remains crucial to maintain results post-surgery.
- Myth: Results are instant and permanent. Fact: Outcomes appear gradually, and long-term benefits hinge on sustained lifestyle habits.
- Myth: The removed fat will return immediately. Fact: Fat cells removed do not grow back, but weight gain can affect other untreated areas.
- Myth: Liposuction always leads to loose skin. Fact: With proper patient selection and advanced techniques, skin tightening is usually satisfactory.
Dr. Sharma concluded by advising the public to consult only qualified plastic surgeons, maintain realistic expectations, and understand that liposuction is a medical procedure aimed at safe body contour improvement. He reiterated that lifestyle disorders leading to fat accumulation can be prevented through a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management.
