You’re probably familiar with liposuction because the hottest models and celebrities all over Hollywood have already undergone this minimally invasive technique for reducing stubborn fat deposits.
However, one of the downsides that some people experience after liposuction, especially after drastic weight loss, is that the skin in those areas sags and loses elasticity. This is because the fat that was originally there was keeping the skin buoyant.
A new, innovative method for tightening the skin after liposuction is with J-Plasma, or Renuvion. This uses helium plasma and proprietary radiofrequency to cool areas under the skin. Essentially, it helps tighten the skin to provide a more contoured, tight appearance after the liposuction procedure.
PH-1 Miami is proud to offer this service to our clients because it helps to enhance some of the downfalls associated with liposuction without requiring another invasive procedure. If you think J-Plasma liposuction is right for you, let’s take a look at how it works and what you can expect.
How Does J-Plasma Work with Liposuction?
Skin tightening has often been thought of as a missing component of liposuction because the procedure often leaves hanging skin or wrinkles. J-Plasma has helped to make liposuction a more holistically beneficial surgery.
To understand how J-Plasma can work with liposuction, it’s first important to understand how liposuction works.
The Liposuction Procedure
Liposuction is a procedure that is meant to remove fat deposits under the skin to make you appear thinner and more defined. It can be done in many areas of the body, including:
Hips
Thighs
Abdomen
Calves
Upper arms
Chest
Back
Chin
Buttocks
Before making an incision, the plastic surgeon will numb the area to make you feel more comfortable. Since the incisions are so small, you usually won’t need more than local anesthesia in the procedural area. However, for larger surgeries, you might need IV sedation or general anesthesia to make you unconscious.
After that, the doctor will make a small incision in the affected area, just large enough so that a tiny, hollow tube can be inserted. This is called a cannula, and it’s used to break up and loosen the fat.
The loose fat can then be removed with a surgical vacuum or syringe where it can be disposed of. In fat grafting procedures like breast or butt lifts, the fat may be processed by a special machine and then injected into another area of the body.
Using J-Plasma
Especially after removing excess amounts of fat, it’s possible that the skin will lose its elasticity and start to sag once the underlying fat is removed. If this occurs, J-Plasma can easily tighten the area to enhance its effects.
A device is then inserted subdermally, delivering cold plasma. This works to instantly tighten and constrict the skin to improve its appearance. This device can be used in pretty much any area that liposuction is conducted.
Recovery
After a liposuction treatment, bandages and dressings will be applied to the wounds to help protect them and prevent bleeding. Additionally, small tubes may be placed under the skin to help fluid drain more easily.
Your plastic surgeon will give you specific instructions for how to maintain and clean your wounds. While the procedure itself only takes an hour or two and you can go home the same day, you can expect to be home from work for a few days after. Additionally, you’ll need to let the wounds heal for a few weeks before returning to normal activities such as exercise.
Following a J-Plasma procedure, it is normal to feel tight and sore in treated areas. Not to mention, you’ll likely see some bruising and swelling that can take a week or two to dissipate. However, if you just receive a J-Plasma treatment, you can probably return to normal activities in just a matter of days.
Results of J-Plasma Treatments
The results of liposuction and J-Plasma will be immediately noticeable, however, the final results will be most apparent after a few weeks when swelling subsides and fluid drains from the treated locations.
J-Plasma firmness will also continue to improve your skin so it appears firmer, more supple-looking.
As you get older or fluctuate in weight, it is normal to notice some inconsistencies with the way you want your body to look. This is normal, but it also emphasizes the importance of leading an active lifestyle following your procedure.
Can You Get J-Plasma Without Liposuction
While it is commonly used after liposuction to improve skin tightness and contour, you don’t need that procedure in order to get J-Plasma. J-Plasma is a good alternative to liposuction for people who are just looking for reduced fine lines and wrinkles, or for people who are looking to shed some small pockets of fat in stubborn areas.
Who is a Good Candidate for J-Plasma?
J-Plasma is a minimally invasive procedure on its own. This opens the door for more patients to have access to skin tightening treatments that don’t require incisions. A good candidate for J-Plasma is someone who:
Bothered by the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, or sagginess on their body.
Is healthy and committed to leading a fit lifestyle following treatment.
Has positive, but realistic, goals about their appearance.
Non-smoker.
Who is a Good Candidate for Liposuction with J-Plasma?
Liposuction is slightly more invasive, so good candidates need to meet a few other criteria to be considered a good fit. A good candidate for liposuction with J-Plasma is someone who:
Has positive, but realistic, goals about their appearance.
Is within 30% of their ideal body weight.
Doesn’t have life-threatening medical conditions.
Non-smoker.
Is committed to leading an active lifestyle following the procedure.
Is insecure about fat deposits throughout their body.
If you think that liposuction or J-Plasma treatments are right for you, fill out this inquiry form to book a consultation with PH-1 Miami.
Skin Tightening Alternatives
J-Plasma is quick, easy, and effective for restoring the elasticity to your skin. However, it’s not the only method for tightening and rejuvenating your skin’s physical appearance.
BOTOX
Botox injections are used primarily to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face. These are great alternatives to liposuction with J-Plasma if you just need a quick fix to tighten your skin. Botox procedures sometimes take no more than 30 minutes and there is no recovery time.
Botox injections use a toxin called onabotulinumtoxinA, which temporarily prevents muscles from moving. By contracting muscles in specific areas, it can help restore elasticity to your skin and eliminate the appearance of wrinkles.
These injections start to work just a few days after treatment and can last for three months or longer. After that, you’ll need regular follow-up injections to maintain the effect.
Juvederm
If your goal isn’t to necessarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but help contour your face in general, then Juvederm treatments might be right for you. These are known as fillers and they are used to address facial signs of aging.
There are many different Juvederm products that can be easily injected into the skin by a plastic surgeon. Some of them are meant to increase the size and enhance the shape of your cheeks, while others are meant to address a loss of skin elasticity around your nose and mouth. Additionally, Juvederm offers lip fillers to achieve more plump, voluptuous lips.
Similar to Botox, recovery time is minimal and it doesn’t require anything more than a few injections in specific areas of your face.
In Conclusion
Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that removes fat deposits from under the skin, helping to shape and contour the body. However, a common drawback is that it often leads to skin sagging once the fat is removed.
J-Plasma uses helium plasma to cool the affected area, tightening the skin and muscles to keep the skin tight, enhancing the effects of the liposuction treatment. While it can be used after a liposuction procedure, it can also be used by itself to tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Other skin tightening procedures such as Botox or Juvederm can also work to restore signs of aging on your face or body. PH-1 Miami offers all of these services and more. So if you’re ready to take steps towards achieving your best body, let’s get started right away!
Sources:
Liposuction Procedure Steps | American Society of Plastic Surgeons
