Plastic surgery restores form and function through reconstructive procedures, cosmetic enhancements, and body contouring.
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The surgery begins with anesthesia administration. For body contouring, general anesthesia is standard. Once asleep, the surgeon infiltrates the treatment area with tumescent fluid—a mixture of saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine.
This fluid numbs the area, constricts blood vessels to prevent bleeding, and “hydro-dissects” the tissue, creating space for the instruments. This step is crucial for safety, as it expands the fat layer and pushes vital structures away from the energy source.
In almost all cases, liposuction is performed first. The surgeon uses a cannula to remove the excess fat and create “tunnels” in the subcutaneous tissue. This reduction in volume allows the skin to contract later.
Liposuction also treats the fat to make it more receptive to the plasma energy. By removing the solid fat, the surgeon creates a lattice-like network of connective tissue fibers. These fibers are the specific targets that J-Plasma will tighten.
Once the fat is removed, the J-Plasma handpiece is inserted through the same tiny incisions. The device emits the helium plasma stream. The surgeon moves the device in a slow, methodical back-and-forth motion, “painting” the underside of the skin.
The plasma stream lights up under the skin, allowing the surgeon to visualize exactly where the energy is being delivered. You can often feel and see the skin contracting instantly on the table. The surgeon treats the entire area uniformly, cross-hatching to ensure even tightening.
The device’s flow control maintains safety. The helium gas cools the area instantly after the RF energy heats it. This prevents the heat from spreading to the surface and burning the skin.
The surgeon monitors the number of passes and the total energy delivered (Joules) to each area. There are established safety protocols for energy limits per square centimeter to prevent thermal injury.
Because helium gas is being pumped into the body, it must be allowed to escape. The surgeon leaves the incision ports open or uses special “venting” cannulas to let the gas out. This prevents the buildup of gas under the skin (subcutaneous emphysema).
While harmless, trapped gas can cause crepitus (a crackling feeling) after surgery. Proper venting technique minimizes this. The body quickly absorbs the gas, but mechanical venting is the primary safety measure.
Immediately after the procedure, the patient is placed in a high-grade compression garment. This is critical. The skin has been detached and heated; it needs to be held firmly against the body to heal in the new, tighter position.
Foam pads or boards may be placed under the garment to provide even pressure and prevent creases. This compression minimizes swelling, prevents fluid collection (seroma), and ensures smooth skin adhesion.
The first 2 days involve rest and drainage. Because the incisions are often left open to vent gas and fluid, there will be leakage of pinkish fluid (tumescent fluid). This is normal and helps reduce bruising.
Pain is typically manageable, often described as a deep soreness or burning sensation, similar to a nasty sunburn after a workout. Narcotics may be needed for 1-2 days, then Tylenol is usually sufficient.
J-Plasma causes greater swelling than liposuction alone due to thermal inflammation. The body sends fluid to the area to heal the “controlled burn” inside. Swelling peaks at day 3-5.
This inflammation is actually good—it triggers the collagen production. However, it means the results are not visible instantly. Patients may look “puffy” or bloated for the first few weeks.
Some patients may feel a “crackling” or “bubble wrap” sensation under their skin when they press on it. This is residual helium gas trapped in the tissues.
It is benign and painless. The body absorbs this gas naturally within 24 to 72 hours. Patients are reassured that this is a known, harmless side effect of the technology and requires no treatment.
The small incisions usually close up on their own within a few days. Patients are instructed to keep them clean and change dressings until the drainage stops. Antibiotic ointment is applied to prevent infection.
Because the incisions are so small, stitches are sometimes not used at all, or only one is placed. This allows for better drainage and results in fewer scars.
Patients are encouraged to walk gently around the house starting the day of surgery. This promotes circulation and prevents blood clots (DVT). However, strenuous exercise is strictly prohibited.
Walking also helps the lymphatic system clear the swelling. Patients should avoid staying in bed all day, but should not elevate their heart rate significantly.
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Patients typically report a burning or stinging sensation, distinct from the liposuction-related ache. It feels like a sunburn under the skin. This is usually well-controlled with medication and subsides significantly after the first 3-4 days.
You will wear the compression garment 24/7 for the first 2-4 weeks, taking it off only to shower. Then, you will likely wear it for 12 hours a day (day or night) for another 2-4 weeks. Your surgeon will give you a specific protocol.
You can usually shower 48 hours after surgery. You should not soak in a bath or pool for at least 2 weeks to prevent infection in the incision sites. Let the water run over you gently.
That is the helium gas. It creates a crackling sensation called crepitus. It is completely harmless and painless. Your body will naturally absorb the gas within a few days, just as the air in a soda bubble dissipates.
You can drive once you are off all narcotic pain medication and can move comfortably enough to react to traffic. This is usually about 3 to 5 days after surgery.
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