I would think you could do just as much damage with a hand piece as you could with hand shears but it must be what you feel comfortable with good luck and let us know what you decide to go withAs commented above really, I do not trust myself with scissors on a live animal that doesn't really want me anywhere near it, as I have read that they are extremely sharp etc.
I have used shears on other animals, so feel more confident in their use, and hopefully would be less stressful for the animal.