Every surgeon employs a specific method of planning prior to a cosmetic procedure. At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego, one of the ways our world-renowned dermatologists provide customized care is by drawing on their patients before performing a cosmetic procedure, such as liposculpture or an injection treatment, to achieve the best, most natural-looking results. A marking pen, in other words, can be a surgeon’s most reliable tool and visual aid when performing procedures. So, how exactly does drawing on the body benefit the patient?
It Visually Confirms The Treatment Plan To The Patient
The markings made on the body confirms to the patient what the surgeon is planning on doing to which specific locations on their body. This is essential when performing liposuction, which is effective for contouring areas prone to fatty deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise, including:
- Abdomen
- Love handles
- Thighs (inner, outer, front)
- Buttocks
- Neck and jowls
- Upper arms
- Back (mid and lower)
- Calves
- Ankles
- Breasts
- Above the knees
Drawing can also assist the surgeon when performing micro lipo – a minimally invasive fat removal and body sculpting procedure for enhancing the body’s definition and contours. It is ideal for smaller pockets of stubborn fat on the chin, abdomen, arms, thighs, and hips.
Marking the body helps to avoid confusion as well. Sometimes, the part of the body the patient is referring to varies from what the surgeon sees. For instance, what the patient believes to be his or her hip could actually be the outer thigh from a surgeon’s standpoint, therefore, making drawings avoids any misinterpretations and in some way, serves as written consent for both the patient and surgeon.
It Provides Working Parameters In The Standing Position
The patient will, of course, look different while standing preoperatively compared to when lying on an operating table. Making drawings while in a standing position is not only more comfortable for the patient, but it ensures careful evaluation that will result in the right symmetry and proportion to the patient’s body. If the patient is undergoing tumescent liposculpture, or “Awake Lipo,” which is the most advanced technique available for permanently removing excess fat deposits in areas resistant to diet and exercise, the much thinner microcannula used in this procedure allows our body-contouring specialists to artistically sculpt the body – all made easier through the drawings made prior to the procedure.
It Helps Patients Get Into A Happy And Relaxed Frame Of Mind
Liposuction is the most frequently performed aesthetic surgery procedure in Western countries, and it can also be the most long-awaited cosmetic procedure for some patients. The pre-op drawing sessions, therefore, can actually be an exciting time for the patient as the markings made are the first tangible and visible signs of the transformation that is about to take place. This process of drawing on the body also helps to promote dialogue between doctor and patient, allowing the patients to have realistic expectations. And the happier the patient, the more relaxed he or she will be for the procedure. To learn more about liposuction, visit ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
It Helps Conceal Scars
Making drawings on the body can also serve as a tool for demarcating any restricted areas. In particular, marking areas where certain scars shouldn’t appear is an effective way to conceal them. By drawing on the patient who is in a standing position, the surgeon can optimize the liposculpture procedure results without risking the possibility of making any scars more conspicuous.
It Serves As A Visual Map
Making drawings allows the surgeon to appropriately plan the sequence of the procedure, ensuring efficiency and the optimization of the desired results. The facial area, in particular, is very delicate and requires a precise, skilled touch in order to achieve the best results. Since extremely small cannulas are used, a visual guide is imperative to ensure the best results. The board-certified dermatologists at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego are experts in both body and facial liposculpture.
It Creates Symmetry
Local anesthetics may eliminate discomfort and avoid bleeding during and after surgery, but they can possibly affect symmetry because of the distortions it creates. Accurately placing drawings on the body or face, therefore, will better ensure symmetrical results. This is also the time wherein surgeons or dermatologists can choose to exercise their aesthetic eye. The practice of cosmetic dermatology is also an art form, after all. For Botox and dermal filler injection procedures, for instance, some dermatologists may mark areas of the face to serve as a guide before injecting them, though it is important to note that this practice is not mandatory for symmetrical results. A successful nonsurgical facelift is sometimes supported with tools to provide accurate measurements and markings on the face or by our dermatologist’s trained eye. With the right positioning of the injection spots, symmetry and the most reproducible natural-looking results can be achieved.
Schedule A Body Contouring Consultation in San Diego, CA
If you want to remove small pockets of fat in your body to reveal smooth, natural-looking contours and a slimmer appearance, schedule a consultation with our fat removal and body-sculpting experts who understand how the various procedures work and how to effectively perform them, giving you your desired results. With more than 100 years of combined experience in delivering high-quality results to our patients, Cosmetic Laser Dermatology will work with you to determine your aesthetic goals and the best treatment plan to achieve them. Contact our San Diego office today.
