GMCH-32 introduces power-assisted liposuction, a minimally invasive facility
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.
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.
Myths vs Facts
Myth: Liposuction is a weight-loss surgery Fact: Liposuction is a body-contouring procedure, not an obesity treatment
Myth: It can replace diet and exercise Fact: A healthy lifestyle is essential to maintain results after surgery
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
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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.
Parul is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express in Chandigarh. She is a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience specializing in public health, higher education, and the architectural heritage of Northern India.
Professional Profile
Education: Graduate in Humanities with a specialized focus on Journalism and Mass Communication from Panjab University, Chandigarh.
Career Path: She began her career covering local city beats and human interest stories before joining The Indian Express in 2009. Over the last decade and a half, she has risen to the rank of Principal Correspondent, becoming the publication’s primary voice on Chandigarh’s premier medical and academic institutions.
Expertise: Her reporting is deeply rooted in the institutional dynamics of PGIMER (Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) and Panjab University. She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex administrative bureaucracies to deliver student-centric and patient-centric news.
Recent Notable Articles (Late 2024 - 2025)
Her recent work highlights critical reporting on healthcare infrastructure, academic governance, and urban culture:
1. Public Health & PGIMER
"PGIMER expands digital registry: Centralized patient records to reduce wait times by 40%" (Nov 20, 2025): A detailed look at the digital transformation of one of India's busiest medical institutes to tackle patient influx.
"Robotic Surgery at PGI: Why the new urology wing is a game-changer for North India" (Oct 12, 2025): Reporting on the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical technology and its impact on affordable healthcare.
"Shortage of life-saving drugs: Inside the supply chain crisis at government pharmacies" (Dec 5, 2025): An investigative piece on the logistical hurdles affecting chronic patients in the tri-city area.
2. Education & Institutional Governance
"Panjab University Senate Election: The battle for institutional autonomy" (Dec 18, 2025): In-depth coverage of the high-stakes internal elections and the friction between traditional governance and central reforms.
"Research funding dip: How PU’s science departments are navigating the 2025 budget cuts" (Nov 5, 2025): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing researchers and the impact on India's global academic ranking.
3. Art, Culture & Heritage
"Le Corbusier’s legacy in peril: The struggle to preserve Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex" (Dec 22, 2025): A feature on the conservation efforts and the tension between urban modernization and UNESCO heritage status.
"Chandigarh Art District: How street murals are reclaiming the city’s grey walls" (Oct 30, 2025): A cultural profile of the local artists transforming the aesthetic of the "City Beautiful."
Signature Style
Parul is known for her empathetic lens, often centering her stories on the individuals affected by policy—whether it is a student navigating university red tape or a patient seeking care. She possesses a unique ability to translate dense administrative notifications into actionable information for the public. Her long-standing beat experience makes her a trusted source for "inside-track" developments within Chandigarh’s most guarded institutions.
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