Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for performing a liposuction procedure by means of a power-assisted liposuction device. The apparatus comprises a hand-holdable handle assembly (enclosing a gas driven reciprocating piston rod), a detachable cannula, an aspirator pump attached to the hand-holdable handle assembly and a foot pedal assembly that includes a vibrator element for regulating the supply of gas to the hand-holdable handle assembly. The hand-holdable handle assembly generally consists of a barrel, a hollow piston rod which reciprocates relative to the barrel, a seal body, an end cap (having a internal aspirated chamber), an atmospheric access return gallery, and a return spring chamber. Detachably coupled to the hand-holdable handle assembly by means of a quick disconnect is a hollow cannula, the distal end of which contains an aspiration aperture.