Centre for Plastic Surgery FAQ

CoolSculpting FAQ

Am I a candidate for CoolSculpting?

The CoolSculpting fat-reduction procedure is specially designed for those who have unwanted fat in targeted areas. It’s not a weight loss procedure and is terrific for people who are maintaining a healthy weight that they are comfortable with. The best candidates for the CoolSculpting procedure are looking for a non-surgical alternative to liposuction that will reduce noticeable pockets of unwanted fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.

How do I know if surgery is the better option?

While the CoolSculpting procedure will reduce fat in the treated area, it will not correct issues like very loose skin, deep stretch marks, or muscle separation. Potential patients are encouraged to explore our before and after gallery, so that they can see the difference in the results of a CoolSculpting treatment and surgical options such as a tummy tuck. At the Centre for Plastic Surgery, our main goal is for you to achieve the results that you desire. We are fortunate to be able to offer our patients both surgical and non-surgical options on site for the best possible outcome.

How long is the treatment? How many treatments will I need?

During your consultation your CoolSculpting provider will help you create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific goals. The length of your CoolSculpting treatment will vary depending on the number of areas being treated during one visit. The latest technology of CoolSculpting can treat one area in 35-60 minutes. However, some patients chose to have more than one treatment during the same office visit which accounts for a longer treatment time.

Can the CoolSculpting procedure reduce fat anywhere on my body?

The CoolSculpting procedure is FDA-cleared for the treatment of visible fat bulges in the some of the most common areas that stubborn fat tends to collect. Those areas are the upper and lower abdomen, flanks (love-handles), inner and outer thighs, bra line fat, back fat, submental (chin) area, upper arms, and underneath the buttocks (also known as banana roll).

Are the results permanent? Where does the fat go?

Once the treated fat cells are crystallized (frozen), they die and are naturally processed and eliminated from the body through the lymphatic system (which means you will typically expel them through sweat or urine). When they are gone, they are gone for good.

What happens if I gain weight after my CoolSculpting procedure?

Many people, after seeing the results from their CoolSculpting procedure, feel even more motivated to stay close to their ideal weight. However, if you do gain weight, you may gain it evenly all over your body including the treated areas but the fat cells in those areas will still be reduced. Therefore, patients that do gain weight before they achieve their final result will not be able to appreciate the results as much as those who maintain their weight following treatment. Click here to learn more about fat cells and weight loss.

Is the CoolSculpting procedure safe?

The CoolSculpting procedure is FDA-cleared for the treatment of visible fat bulges in more areas than any other non-invasive fat reduction treatment on the market. As the #1 non-invasive fat reduction procedure and with millions of CoolSculpting procedures performed worldwide, it is proven to be a safe and effective treatment.

Will I experience any “downtime”?

The CoolSculpting procedure is completely non-surgical, so typically you can return to normal activities immediately. Patients often return to work on the same day after a CoolSculpting treatment is completed. Some patients may experience mild swelling and tenderness in the treated area (especially in the abdomen) for up to three weeks following the procedure. We often recommend that patients take that into consideration when scheduling their treatments.

What does it feel like?

As the cooling begins during the first few minutes, you typically feel intense cold. This soon dissipates. With some applicators, you’ll feel some pulling as suction is applied. The area generally goes numb within 5 to 10 minutes during treatment. Many people read, watch videos, work on their laptop, or even take a nap during their CoolSculpting treatment. After the treatment, you may feel some tingling and slight discomfort as the area is massaged for 2 minutes. Patients are usually able to return to normal activities following their appointment.

Are there any side effects?

During the procedure you may experience sensations of pulling, tugging, mild pinching, intense cold, tingling, stinging, aching, and cramping at the treatment site. These sensations subside as the area becomes numb. Following the procedure, typical side effects include temporary redness, swelling, blanching, bruising, firmness, tingling, stinging, tenderness, cramping, aching, itching, or skin sensitivity. With the chin, patients may experience the sensation of fullness in the back of the throat after treatment. These effects are temporary and generally resolve within days or weeks. Though rare, some additional side effects may occur. As with any medical procedure, ask your provider if the CoolSculpting procedure is right for you.

How much does it cost?

The price for CoolSculpting procedures varies by patient depending on your areas of concern, the number of treatments needed, and your ultimate goals. Most patients at the Centre for Plastic Surgery opt to treat multiple areas, but each person is different. We are more than happy to accommodate your individual needs and create a plan that works for you and your budget. We also offer several financing options with flexible payment plans. Click here to see what an average patient pays for CoolSculpting in our office.

Weight Loss Contouring FAQ

Can I undergo a body contouring and lifting procedure at the same time as other surgeries?

For many patients, yes. Your surgeon will determine if combining surgical procedures is safe for you and allows for a manageable recovery.

How long is the recovery time following a Lift procedure?

Recovery time varies patient to patient. It can be dependent on the surgical procedure received, overall health, and occupation.

Will the scars be noticeable following surgery?

It’s totally normal to have visible scars directly following any surgical procedure. However, most patients find that the benefits of these procedures far outweigh the possibility of a visible scar. Scars tend to fade over time in most patients. Our skilled surgeons will take appropriate measures to minimize scaring, and educate you on proper scar management. We also offer a variety of products to assist in scar recovery.

Why doesn’t the Centre for Plastic Surgery offer gluteal enhancements?

At this time, we have determined that the research shows that these procedures do not meet the safety standards we feel are appropriate for our patients. For more information about the overall safety of buttocks enhancement procedures, please click here.

Other questions?

If you need help exploring weight loss contouring surgery, please feel free to email us or call for a consultation today. Call 616.454.1256 if you’re in the Michigan area, or toll free at 800.968.7474.

Mommy Makeover FAQ

What is a mommy makeover?

It’s a customized plan of surgery that typically pertains to changes that a women experiences following pregnancy and childbirth. Typically it’s a combination of breast surgeries, body surgeries, and/or liposuction.

How do I know what surgeries I might need?

When you call our office and come in for your consultation we will extensively discuss the areas of your concern and determine the best course of treatment based on your specific needs.

Can I have all the surgeries completed at the same time?

In some cases yes, however your safety is the most important thing to us. Your surgeon will determine if combining surgical procedures is safe and allows for a manageable recovery.

How long is the recovery time following a Mommy Makeover?

Recovery time varies patient to patient. It can be dependent on the surgical procedure, overall health, and occupation.

Other questions?

If you need help exploring mommy makeover surgery, please feel free to email us or call for a consultation today. Call 616.454.1256 if you’re in the Michigan area, or toll free at 800.968.7474.

Tummy Tuck FAQ

What kind of scarring can I expect?

You will have scarring following an abdominoplasty, but the extent of it depends on several factors, including the type of abdominoplasty you’ve had, as well as your skin type and other unique physiological factors.

The incision for a complete abdominoplasty is longer than that for a partial procedure. The abdominoplasty scar will appear well below your natural waist and will not be visible in most clothing.

Should I have an abdominoplasty to lose weight?

Abdominoplasty is a body sculpting procedure, not a weight loss procedure. Even when combined with liposuction, any weight loss results would quickly be lost on patients attempting to substitute cosmetic surgery procedures for a sensible diet and exercise.

Abdominoplasty is designed primarily for patients who are mostly satisfied with their weight, but who have excess skin and loose muscle around their midsections. It is recommended that abdominoplasty patients achieve a weight they are comfortable with before the surgery, as drastic weight loss or gain can tend to negate the results of the procedure.

What are the risks of abdominoplasty?

Most of the risks of abdominoplasty are general risks associated with any surgical procedure, although the procedure also has some potential complications specific to abdominoplasty.

Risks specific to abdominoplasty include loss of sensitivity to the area, which is usually temporary; and excessive scarring, which is rare.

Are the effects permanent?

As long as you do not gain a lot of weight or become pregnant following your surgery, the effects of your abdominoplasty should be very long-lasting.

How long is the recovery period?

You should be able to return to work sometime within a week to a month following the surgery, and most patients are able to resume strenuous activities within four to six weeks.

Other questions?

If you need help exploring abdominoplasty, please feel free to email us or call for a consultation today. Call 616.454.1256 if you’re in the Michigan area, or toll free at 800.968.7474.

Liposuction FAQ

Are the results of liposuction permanent?

If you maintain a sensible diet and exercise routine and do not gain weight overall, the results of liposuction surgery should be permanent. Liposuction is a body sculpting technique, not for general weight loss. While the results of liposuction can permanently reduce the number of fat cells in trouble areas, if you gain weight again, the cells can expand and regenerate.

What are the risks of liposuction?

Most of the risks of liposuction are general risks associated with any surgical procedure, although the procedure also has some potential complications specific to liposuction.

Risks specific to the liposuction procedure include a temporary change in sensitivity of the area. The possibility of contour irregularities is also present. This is more dependent on your skin tone. Selecting a reputable cosmetic surgeon experienced with liposuction procedures can minimize these risks.

Is liposuction an effective weight loss technique?

No. Liposuction is a body-sculpting tool and is not appropriate for large scale weight loss. It is specifically designed to remove pockets of fat that are diet and exercise resistant, thus bringing the body into more pleasing proportions. Liposuction is an ineffective tool, however, for general weight loss.