The Covid-19 effect in Virtual Consults

With the global impact of Covid 19 and local curfew measures many medical specialists, including plastic and cosmetic surgeons have made increased use of virtual consultations. While practices were closed, plastic surgeons continued to stay in touch with patients via virtual visits.

The ASPS conducted a survey in 2020 among their members and found out that:

• • 64% had already seen an increase in virtual consultations even before the beginning of Covid-19
  • 68% started virtual consultations because of Covid-19

Using Deep Learning to detect Liposuction Areas

We trained a deep learning model to recognize potential liposuction areas in patient photos. The model has been incorporated in our new version of the Virtual Consultation to educate patients on which areas they could have liposuction done. Instead of having patients choosing problem areas from a simple list of checkboxes or by clicking on a stock image of a human model, we use AI to show them their actual body areas and mark those areas where they can might have lipo.

The motivation

Our motivation was to improve the current version of our online virtual consultation. The current BBL virtual consultation consists of a basic contact info form and an option to upload photos or use directly the smartphone camera to take fresh pictures. In one of the steps, we ask the patient to select from a list of body areas which ones are they interested in having treated.

We felt that we could go further and use the power of deep learning image recognition to give patients an added value that other virtual consultations had not done.

The Process

Our work is relies on the the libraries provided by Facebook’s object detection platform called “Detectron2”. We used the libraries and base object detection models provided in Detectron2 as the starting platform.

Image 1 : Detectron2 -a Facebook computer vision library used in Object / Segment detection

We trained our own Detectron2 Model using over 2500 before and after and virtual consultation pictures.

Gathering the Data

We used before and after pictures from our doctors, and pictures collected from virtual consultations. In total we had over 10k images to start.

To make our work easy we had to organize the images into 3 main views: Front, Side and Back. Since organizing manually over 10,000 images would take many days. We created a separate AI view detection model to organize images according to the position of the person in the picture . In this case we trained the view detection model with over 450 pictures. We took 150 fronts, 150 back and 150 side views. We then let view detection model organize the 10k images into 1 of the 3 view types.

Labeling the Data

After having all images organized into the 3 views – Front, Side & Back, we selected a few hundred to label the body areas.

In a sum the main training data for our body areas detection model was: A few hundred pictures + a json file for each picture containing the 2d-polygon coordinates for the drawn body areas.

Image 2: We used the annotation tool (Labelme) to draw polygons over each body area we want to later detect. The Back area is show in green, flanks in red, butt in yellow, outer thighs in cyan, inner thighs in blue and upper arms in magenta.

Labeling the data is an arduous manual process – it takes time, precision and patience to draw polygons using the mouse to mark the different body areas.

Training the Model

After having all the 2500 pictures + json pairs – we segmented them in 2 sets – a training set containing 2407 pairs and the remaining 93 pairs were used as a validation set during training.

Image 3: The training was done in Google Colab using a Tesla V100 GPU (16 GB Ram)

The total train time took about 1 hour – thanks to the GPU. The same training was done offline without a GPU – and it took over 10 hours. Using a powerful GPU is definitely a valuable asset to train models much faster.

Testing the Model

We tested the trained lipo areas detection model – with several before and after pictures and virtual consultation selfies.

Testing Before and Afters with a plain background

Testing Before and Afters with a plain background and a watermark (courtesy – Infiniskin.com)

Testing Virtual Consutation Selfies (smartphone pictures) with a complex backgrounds. The model proved to be effective also with regular selfie style pictures taken with a regular smartphone camera. Here are some of the results.

Stubborn areas of fat hanging around your midsection can be a pain. Whether you have love handles, a bulging tummy, or crave a sleek hourglass shape, belly fat gets in the way of achieving your ideal physique.

Permanently remove fat around your tummy, sides, and back once and for all, and enjoy a sleek, slim shape with Lipo 360. Take a closer look into Lipo 360 to help you determine if it’s right for you.

What is Lipo 360?

Surely you’ve heard of traditional liposuction to get rid of pesky fat. Lipo 360 is a more inclusive cosmetic procedure that removes stubborn fat from the midsection to restore your natural silhouette – 360 degrees around.

Lipo 360 is one of the most sought-after modern fat removal procedures to achieve an hourglass shape. Lipo 360 removes subcutaneous fat (the fat you can visibly see just under the skin) using tumescent (under the skin) liposuction in 4 distinct areas to reshape and contour the body. Target areas cover the stomach, flanks, back, and waistline.

What Does Lipo 360 Include?

Lipo 360 looks at the entire midsection to create cohesive, natural-looking results. The doctor can remove stubborn fat from the abdomen, lower back, flanks (love handles), and waist.

Lipo 360 can help you achieve:

• • • A flatter stomach
    • More apparent abdominal muscles
    • Reduced love handles
    • A more curvy, shapely figure
    • A smaller waistline

What Happens During a Lipo 360 Procedure?

Lipo 360 is a relatively straightforward procedure. Here’s what to expect before, during, and after your treatment.

Before Liposuction:

Before fat removal surgery, you’ll meet with your cosmetic surgeon to discuss your goals and expectations about the procedure. During this initial consultation, be sure to let your doctor know which areas of the body you hope to target.

If you’re a good candidate for Lipo 360, you’ll be able to book the surgical procedure with your doctor.

During the Procedure:

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that’s easy to remove and put back on the day of your surgery.

Before your liposuction procedure, your doctor will likely review any pre-op tests, go over aftercare instructions, and answer any last-minute questions you might have.

In most cases, Lipo 360 is performed under local anesthesia or sedation. Tumescent liposuction does not require general anesthesia, meaning you will remain awake but pain-free during the procedure. Lipo 360 starts with making small incisions in the skin. Next, the surgeon will inject tumescent fluid into the incisions, which is a combination of lidocaine, epinephrine, sodium bicarbonate, and saline.

The solution numbs the areas of the body where liposuction is being performed to keep you safe and comfortable throughout the surgery. Next, the plastic surgeon will use a cannula vacuum to suction unwanted fat deposits from specific areas in the midsection.

Finally, the doctor will proceed with body sculpting and removing fat deposits in the lower abdomen, upper abdomen, flanks, lower back, and love handles to accentuate your natural curves and create a natural-looking result.

If you opt to have a fat transfer like a Brazilian Butt Lift simultaneously with Lipo 360, the fat cells will be harvested, sterilized, and then reinjected into your body at this stage of the surgery.

After Liposuction:

You’ll likely wear a compression garment immediately following your liposuction surgery. This garment helps reduce pain, swelling, bruising and helps speed up the healing process.

Your doctor may monitor you for a short amount of time post-op before discharging you. Even though you will not be under general anesthesia, driving is not permitted after surgery. Instead, you should arrange a ride home with a trusted friend, family member, or car ride service following your procedure.

Your doctor will likely book a follow-up appointment a few days later to check your progress and healing.

What is the Recovery Time After Lipo 360?

There is minimal downtime after this type of liposuction, and you should be able to return to work in 3-4 days. Most patients experience some pain or discomfort for a few days. Swelling and bruising are the most common side effects of Lipo 360. Ample rest is recommended for at least 2 days following surgery. Pain can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Avoid any significant exercise for at least three weeks, and don’t return to the gym until you are cleared for exercise by your surgeon.

The small incisions will heal and fade within a few days. You’ll notice immediate changes in your body following Lipo 360. The final results often take 2-3 months.

Am I a Good Candidate for Lipo 360?

Healthy individuals who are within their ideal body weight but want to remove stubborn excess fat are ideal candidates for 360-degree liposuction. Lipo 360 is exceptional if you’re seeking an hourglass shape. However, if you have a large amount of visceral fat (that’s the fat deep inside your body surrounding your internal organs), Lipo 360 may not be the best procedure for you. Additionally, if you recently lost weight and have an abundance of excess skin, liposuction is generally not used as a skin tightening procedure. In this case, a tummy tuck or a mommy makeover could be a better option to remove loose skin permanently.

Liposuction is not a weight loss surgery. Instead, the procedure removes excess fat from troublesome areas that don’t respond well to exercise to contour and redefine your body shape.

Can I do Lipo 360 and BBL at the Same Time?

Absolutely! Lipo 360 is an excellent way to collect excess fat cells that can later be transferred into other body areas. Typically fat is removed from the midsection in Lipo 360. The extracted fat is purified and prepared for transfer. During a BBL, the surgeon will inject your own fat into the buttocks to increase volume and improve the overall shape of your bottom.

Additionally, you can recycle fat with a Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation or a gluteus augmentation.

The Benefits of Lipo 360

Deciding which type of liposuction is right for you can be a challenge. Keep in mind traditional lipo targets one specific area where Lipo 360 offers a more inclusive result. Circumferential liposuction is a more comprehensive procedure that considers your full profile and silhouette of the midsection. This procedure isn’t exclusively to remove fat around the back, belly, and love handles; it’s to help sculpt and shape the body to give you your desired figure.

How Much Does A 360 Liposculpture Cost?

Like any other cosmetic surgery, the cost can vary for each patient. Body contouring surgery is especially personal. Factors including where you live, how much fat you want to remove, and surgeon expertise can fluctuate the cost. For example, lipo 360 can be anywhere from $1,400 to $9,200.

To have an accurate understanding of the cost of your procedure, you’ll first have to book an initial consultation with your surgeon. In-person or virtual consultations are the first step to take to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there any risks associated with 360 Liposuction?

There are risks associated with any cosmetic surgery. While uncommon, severe side effects include infections, bleeding, skin ulcerations, and nerve injuries.

2. Does having a prior C-Section matter?

It is not a contraindication for having this type of liposuction. In most cases, having a prior C-section will not affect the surgery. Lipo 360 can sometimes even make the scar smoother and remove fat deposits that can accumulate above the scar.

3. What is the difference between Lipo 360 and a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck physically removes fat and skin to tighten and smooth the stomach, whereas Lipo 360 only removes fat around your midsection. Additionally, a tummy tuck is a much more invasive surgery and will require ample downtime.

4. How many inches can I lose with Lipo 360?

Lipo 360 will generally remove a couple of inches from your waist. A general rule of thumb is that you lose an inch for every five pounds of fat lost. Keep in mind your results may vary.

5. When will I be completely healed?

You can return to regular activity relatively quickly after surgery. However, a long-term recovery typically lasts 3 months.

If you’re still unsure if plastic surgery is right for you, consider speaking with a board-certified plastic surgeon to learn more. 360-degree-lipo can be a life-changing procedure for many patients looking to achieve their ideal body shape.

Liposuction’s popularity has peaked due to its widely growing demand for correcting fat accumulations and its ability to remodel the body. It has become such a standard tool in the anesthetic world that people are willing to pay massive amounts just to fit within the redefined “cultural beauty standards.”

Photo courtesy of – Orlando Liposuction by Bassin

The issue

Liposuction is not a crime because it has been used as a tool to treat prevalent body fats. Still, nowadays, as unrealistic beauty standards such as the “Kardashian effect” and “fuller lips” on the rise, it is being utilized as a procedure to change the natural body contour of a person.

While most of the advertisements we see are not real on social media, mainly because they are photoshopped, the youth is now choosing Liposuction. This is because they see it as the only preferable way of achieving a slimmer figure like Cinderella, or because they don’t want to gain post-pregnancy weight to resemble Gigi Hadid.

Irreversible damage caused by Liposuction

Scarring, Hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and blood vessels’ damage are significant consequences that people fail to realize in the pursuance of these so-called “beauty norms.” The average cost of a Liposuction is $3,200. This procedure has become popular amongst individuals showcases the insane amounts of cash that individuals are ready to burn to resemble their role models.

What can we do?

The idea of undergoing this procedure is not wrong, but rather how it is used to achieve fake beauty standards is. Awareness through campaigns and influencers can help people feel less insecure when it comes to their appearance.

A positive approach towards our body can be achieved only when our opinion of things change. No doubt, Liposuction has helped many, but when the cure becomes an addiction to pursue unrealistic goals, that is where the problem worsens.

In a nutshell, you cannot deny the advantages of this treatment. However, you must note that in this fierce race to look one’s best, peoples’ mental health has taken a huge toll as well. This is why awareness is the only option to bring hope amongst the youth and adults alike. Excessive use of anything, even anesthetic procedures, paves the way for them to become dependent on them.

As a human being, we naturally desire to develop ourselves. We consider or confuse this development by bringing change in our looks, personality, mentality, and profession. Nature demands variance and we adopt it by doing particular experiments. These experiments may be about various aspects of our lives. We may explore scenarios about or personality or professions. While it comes to our looks and beauty nowadays, we prefer going for surgeries.

Does Liposuction exist in our surroundings?

You must be wondering what are these surgeries about? Yes, the answer is also a counter-question indeed. Have you ever noticed someone with sexier lips than lips naturally are? Bigger Butts than nature made them. A pretty tight face, no matters what the age of a person is or look enhancing sexy-looking eyebrows than they were before.

How did all these miracles happen? Have you ever reflected? No Worries, as we have got the answer, as these miraculous changes are brought through a procedure known as Liposuction. It is basically a cosmetic surgery that most people undergo to enhance their physical appearance. It includes various subdomains like Eyebrow lifting, Lip Augmentation, Face Augmentation, Butt Augmentation, or BBL Surgery and similar categories.

What Influence does it Create?

All these surgeries bring a rapid and noticeable change in your looks. Meanwhile, the result may be positive or negative. You may look prettier, sexier, and attractive with lesser age. While consequences are also damaging your natural beauty and gaining an unwanted, unadoptable look. So How it actually works, without any further delay let’s get straight into it.

What Liposuction Actually Is?

Liposuction is basically a fat removal process. The excess amount of fat gathered in individual thighs, buttocks, hips, arms, abdomen, neck, or back are ridiculous sometimes. Actually destructing the aura of one’s personality. When regular exercise or diet is not working to reduce these unwanted fatty companions Liposuction is preferred.

What do People think About Liposuction?

While it’s also in people’s opinion that Liposuction is not a remedy to control or remove overweight. Because medical experts also suggest that better and healthier results can be obtained by adopting healthier routines, diet, and following a proper sleep time. Similarly, some have the opinion of reducing it with proper gym and exercise. So opinions various person to person.

How the procedure of Liposuction is carried on?

Before undertaking the procedure of liposuction one must have the background knowledge of ones;

• Immune system
• Complete medical history
• His /Her body nature to respond after surgery.

Depending upon the above-mentioned facts if someone is physically fit enough that he can easily go for surgery. One can go for it. If someone has no background disease attached, he may undergo liposuction, if someone has the patience to face the consequences of before and after surgery, one must go for it.

What are the expectations attached to Liposuction?

First of all, be dying sure after carrying out proper research that you want to go for it or not. Once you decided you may encounter several implications consequently.

Firstly you must have knowledge about the place where you are undergoing your Liposuction. Is it authentic? Is it well-reputed? Is it known for producing good results? Etc.

Secondly, you must have the proper information about the doctor, who is carrying out your liposuction. Is he a professional, renowned person? Etc.

Thirdly it’s a surgical process, so it is done with performing anesthesia. As a result, you won’t feel any pain at the time of surgery. But once the effect of anesthesia is gone it’s really painful.

Fourthly you must have an idea that it’s a surgical process so you may have to stay at the hospital or not. If yes, follow what the doctor instructs. If no, never forget to bring someone to drive and bring you home.

Fifthly, after surgery, you must expect that you may face severe pains, swelling, fluid leakage from wounds, bruising or similar kind of problems.

How to Minimize those pains?

To minimize those pains, you must have an idea that these pains are of a couple of categories.

• The Pains during the procedure of liposuction.
• The pains after the process of liposuction.

So to deal both you have to operate with two different mindsets. In the case of the earlier one, you must have some discussion with your surgeon before surgery. This discussion can be about your concerns about pain. The type of anesthesia you are comfortable with whether local or general. You may also talk about the medication that you must use before getting the procedure done.

While in case of a later one, you have to be careful about your regular medication including pain pills. You must have to wear the only garment that your doctor recommends. You have to take proper bed rest and being mentally strong. You must be careful about your diet that includes avoiding salt and drinking doctor’s recommended juices only.

Overall this procedure is quite painful and time taking, so you must be outstandingly sure about your decision.