Plastic Surgery

Plastic Surgery: Aesthetic Enhancements & Reconstructive Care

J Plasma Consultation and Preparation

Plastic Surgery: Aesthetic Enhancements & Reconstructive Care

Plastic surgery restores form and function through reconstructive procedures, cosmetic enhancements, and body contouring.

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The Diagnostic Consultation Phase

The consultation is the critical first step, during which the surgeon determines whether J-Plasma is the right tool for the patient’s needs. It is a diagnostic session to evaluate skin quality, fat volume, and the patient’s expectations. The surgeon must differentiate between problems of excess fat (liposuction) and issues of loose skin (J-Plasma/excision).

During this meeting, the surgeon reviews the patient’s medical history, weight stability, and previous surgeries. The goal is to establish a realistic treatment plan. Patients expecting “tummy tuck” results from a needle-based procedure need to be re-educated on the limitations of skin contraction technology.

  • Evaluation of skin laxity vs. fat volume
  • Assessment of previous surgical history
  • Differentiation of visceral vs. subcutaneous fat
  • Setting realistic expectations for shrinkage
  • Formulation of a customized surgical plan
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Assessment of Skin Elasticity (Pinch Test)

The “pinch test” or “snap test” is a physical exam maneuver to gauge skin quality. The surgeon pinches the skin and watches how quickly it snaps back. J-Plasma works best on skin that still has some intrinsic elasticity.

If the skin is extremely thin, crepey, and has no recoil (like tissue paper), J-Plasma may not be compelling, and excisional surgery might be recommended. This assessment prevents patients from undergoing a procedure that won’t deliver the desired tightening.

  • Physical testing of dermal recoil
  • Assessment of skin thickness and texture
  • Identification of “dead” or inelastic skin
  • Determination of candidacy for energy tightening
  • Prevention of ineffective treatment planning
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Visceral Fat vs. Subcutaneous Fat

A key part of the exam, especially for abdominal treatments, is distinguishing visceral fat (fat around the organs inside the muscle wall) from subcutaneous fat (fat under the skin). J-Plasma and liposuction can only treat subcutaneous fat and skin.

If a patient has a distended abdomen due to visceral fat (“beer belly”), J-Plasma will not flatten their stomach. The surgeon must educate the patient that weight loss is the only solution for visceral fat. This distinction is vital for patient satisfaction.

  • Physical palpation of the abdominal wall
  • Identification of intra-abdominal adiposity
  • Education on the limits of subcutaneous treatment
  • Requirement for weight loss in visceral obesity
  • Alignment of anatomical reality with goals

3D Simulation and Digital Mapping

Advanced clinics use 3D imaging to scan the patient’s body. The software creates a digital avatar that can be manipulated to simulate the results of liposuction and skin tightening. This helps the patient visualize the potential outcome.

This tool is excellent for communication. It allows the surgeon to show the difference between just removing fat (which might leave loose skin) and removing fat plus using J-Plasma. It sets a visual benchmark for the expected contour improvements.

  • Creation of a high-resolution 3D avatar
  • Simulation of volume reduction and tightening
  • Comparison of lipo-only vs. lipo + J-Plasma
  • Visual alignment of patient-surgeon goals
  • Objective baseline for post-op comparison
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Medical History and Implant Safety

A thorough medical history is taken to screen for contraindications. Patients with hernias (abdominal wall holes) are at higher risk and must be identified to avoid accidental organ injury.

Patients with metal implants, pacemakers, or internal defibrillators require special protocols because J-Plasma uses radiofrequency energy. The electrical current can interfere with these devices. Clearance from a cardiologist or the device manufacturer is mandatory in these cases.

  • Screening for abdominal hernias
  • Identification of electronic implants (pacemakers)
  • Review of metal hardware/joint replacements
  • Coordination with cardiology for device safety
  • Risk stratification for RF energy use

Surgical Readiness: Weight Stability

  • A thorough medical history is taken to screen for contraindications. Patients with hernias (abdominal wall holes) are at higher risk and must be identified to avoid accidental organ injury.

    Patients with metal implants, pacemakers, or internal defibrillators require special protocols because J-Plasma uses radiofrequency energy. The electrical current can interfere with these devices. Clearance from a cardiologist or the device manufacturer is mandatory in these cases.

    • Screening for abdominal hernias
    • Identification of electronic implants (pacemakers)
    • Review of metal hardware/joint replacements
    • Coordination with cardiology for device safety
    • Risk stratification for RF energy use

Smoking and Nicotine Cessation

  • Nicotine constricts blood vessels and impairs healing. While J-Plasma is less invasive than a tummy tuck, it still relies on a healthy blood supply to support healing of the thermally treated tissue. Smoking increases the risk of skin necrosis and infection.

    Patients are required to stop all nicotine products (vapes, gum, patches) for at least 2 to 4 weeks before and after surgery. This ensures the microcirculation is open and able to clear the metabolic waste created by the procedure.

    • Mandatory cessation of nicotine products
    • Optimization of microvascular blood flow
    • Prevention of thermal injury complications
    • Timeline of 2-4 weeks of abstinence
    • Support for wound healing capacity

Medication Review

  • Blood-thinning medications and supplements must be paused. Aspirin, ibuprofen, Vitamin E, and fish oil can increase bruising and the risk of hematoma (blood collection). A review of all prescriptions and OTC drugs is conducted.

    Patients are given a “safe list” of medications they can take for pain or colds in the weeks leading up to surgery. This preparation minimizes bleeding during the procedure, enabling better energy delivery and less post-op swelling.

    • Cessation of NSAIDs and blood thinners
    • Avoidance of herbal supplements (fish oil)
    • Management of prescription anticoagulants
    • Prevention of intraoperative bleeding
    • Reduction of post-op bruising

Skin Preparation and Markings

  • To prevent infection, patients may be asked to wash with antibacterial soap (Hibiclens) for a few days before surgery. On the day of surgery, the surgeon marks the treatment areas on the patient’s skin while the patient is standing.

    These markings map out the “zones of adherence” (areas to tighten) and “zones of extraction” (areas to liposuction). They also mark the incision sites. Accurate marking is the blueprint for the entire surgery.

    • Antibacterial washing protocols
    • Standing pre-operative markings
    • Mapping of tightening and extraction zones
    • Identification of incision access points
    • Blueprinting the surgical strategy

Hydration and Nutrition

  • Hydration is key for energy-based procedures. Well-hydrated tissue conducts RF energy more predictably than dehydrated tissue. Patients are encouraged to drink plenty of water in the days leading up to surgery.

    Nutritional status is also assessed to ensure the patient has adequate protein for collagen synthesis. A body well-nourished and hydrated recovers faster and builds stronger connective tissue in response to the plasma treatment.

    • Optimization of tissue hydration
    • Enhancement of RF energy conductivity
    • Dietary protein for collagen synthesis
    • Preparation for metabolic recovery
    • Support of the healing cascade

Logistics and Compression Garments

  • Patients are measured for compression garments during the prep phase. These garments are critical for J-Plasma recovery; they hold the skin against the muscle while it adheres. Having the right size ready for surgery day is essential.

    Logistical planning includes arranging a ride home and time off work. Patients need to prepare their recovery space with supplies like absorbent pads (for drainage) and easy-to-digest foods.

    • Measurement for custom compression garments
    • Arrangement of transportation and care
    • Acquisition of recovery supplies
    • Scheduling of work downtime
    • Planning for immediate post-op needs

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Table of Contents

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need to be asleep for this?

It depends on the extent of the treatment. Small areas like the neck can be done under local anesthesia (awake). Larger areas like the abdomen or multiple areas usually require general anesthesia for your comfort and safety.

J-Plasma is typically a “one and done” procedure. Because it is performed aggressively under the skin in the operating room, a single session yields the best results. It is not like non-invasive spa treatments that require 6-8 sessions.

Generally, no. The radiofrequency energy can interfere with the pacemaker’s function. You would need specialized clearance from your cardiologist, and we would likely need to use alternative technologies or implement strict safety protocols

The incisions for J-Plasma are tiny, about 3-5 millimeters (less than a quarter inch). We hide them in natural creases, such as the bikini line, navel, or armpits. They usually fade to become almost invisible white marks over time.

Yes, if the treatment area has hair (like the abdomen or thighs), you should shave a day or two before surgery. This helps keep incision sites clean and makes it easier to apply dressings and garments

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