YES Medspa & Cosmetic Surgery Centre
301-8837 201 Street
Langley, BC V2Y 0C8
Phone: (604) 888-9378
Cosmetic Surgery: Mon–Fri: 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Medspa: Mon: 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Tue, Wed, Thurs, Fri: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Body FAQs

It’s not uncommon to have many questions when you are considering body contouring plastic surgery like a tummy tuck or liposuction. Vancouver area plastic surgeon Dr. Mosher wants to be sure you are as informed as possible before making decisions about your treatment. Below, you will find answers to some of the most common questions Dr. Mosher receives at his practice.

If you are interested in speaking with Dr. Mosher directly, request a consultation online. Or, you can call our offices at (604) 888-9378 to schedule your appointment.

Body Contouring Questions

Can liposuction help me get rid of cellulite?

Although liposuction can sometimes improve the look of cellulite, in some cases this procedure could make the problem worse. To deal with cellulite more effectively, Dr. Mosher offers an innovative treatment called Cellulaze™. Cellulaze is the first laser-based cellulite treatment that also improves skin structure. The Cellulaze laser not only liquefies unwanted fat but also goes beneath the skin to release fibrous bands of tissue that pull down on the skin and create a dimpled effect. It also helps increase skin thickness and restore skin elasticity – both important factors for achieving smooth, healthy skin. This technology evolved from the Smartipo TriPlex™ procedure, which Dr. Mosher has been performing since 2008. Dr. Mosher’s experience with this technology is unmatched among Canadian plastic surgeons.

Is liposuction permanent?

Liposuction removes fat cells from the treated areas. However, this does not tell the entire story, so there can be some confusion.

Liposuction removes a portion of the fat lying between the skin and the underlying muscle or fascia. In order to achieve as smooth a result as possible, some fat must be left behind to permit normal movement and gliding of the skin. The amount of fat taken out is up to the judgment of the surgeon, but it is usually approximately 60% of the fat in a given area. This means that approximately 40% of the original fat remains. This remaining fat can be further reduced with improved nutrition and exercise, or with further liposuction in some cases. It is very important to realize that this remaining fat is going to behave in the same manner as it did before your surgery. If this was the part of your body that accumulated fat before the surgery, it will still be your body’s preferred storage for fat after the surgery. Current thinking is that the fat cells do not multiply in number but simply increase in size if the conditions are right. Consequently, it is essential to have lifestyle habits of good nutrition and regular exercise in place before you have liposuction. Without these critical components, you are likely to be disappointed in the long run.

Should I get body contouring surgery if I can’t lose weight?

This thought motivates many patients who are seeking body contouring plastic surgery such as liposuction. It is certainly tempting to use plastic surgery to achieve a fast improvement in your shape. However, body sculpting procedures are best performed on patients who are already near their ideal body weight, have maintained their weight for several months and have established healthy nutritional habits with regular exercise. Plastic surgery is not an obesity treatment. It is best suited for healthy, fit people.

Is it possible that I will need liposuction in the same area again?

If you have a small amount of unwanted fat and your skin tone is good, one operation is usually enough. For larger amounts of fat or if the skin tone is less than ideal, a staged approach to liposuction may be recommended. This can often involve further liposuction of the same area.

Can I avoid surgery through diet and exercise?

With hard work and discipline, you can often improve the appearance of your body without surgery. However, many people struggle to achieve worthwhile results on their own. Also, if the skin or muscles have been stretched excessively because of pregnancy, weight loss or aging, getting your shape back on your own is unlikely.

Will I have much scarring after a tummy tuck?

An incision is usually placed above the pubic hairline, extending upward and outward toward the pelvic bones. The length of the incision depends on how far out the loose skin and fat extends. A mini-tummy tuck has a shorter incision and is for those who just need tightening of the central and lower abdominal skin or who need some tightening of the lower tummy fascia. A standard tummy tuck tightens the skin in the upper and lower abdomen as well as tightening the fascia from the pubic area to the breastbone, if needed. If the loose skin and fat extend towards the flank and hip area, an extended tummy tuck with a longer incision is required. Regardless of the length of the incision, it can be discreetly located where it can be covered by clothing or bathing suits.

Is it safe to combine more than one body contouring procedure?

It is not uncommon to combine procedures, which can save on anesthesia costs and allow for a single recovery period. When we perform a tummy tuck, it is routinely combined with liposuction or breast augmentation. Women who want to renew their post-pregnancy figures benefit from the enhanced results and reduced downtime. For most patients, there is no significant increase in risk associated with combining procedures such as these.

I recently lost a lot of weight. How do I get rid of excess skin?

Losing weight is a long and difficult process, and the journey doesn’t always end once the weight comes off. Heavy folds of loose skin are often left behind, which can make exercise difficult and may hinder further weight loss efforts. Body lifting techniques such as an arm lift, facelift, breast lift, tummy tuck or a thigh lift can tighten loose skin and sculpt a more natural body contour.