For subdermal J Plasma without Liposuction is there still a risk of fibrosis and lumps?

Hi There,Great question you ask!  If J-plasma is used alone just for skin tightening purposed below the skin then there is minimal to no risk of fibrosis and lumps.  The fibrosis and lumps come from the liposuction portion of the procedure when areas are aggressively liposuctioned or a non even plane of liposuction is performed.  Use of microcannulas and experience of your provider is the most important factors in post op results!

Multiple different types of devices can be used to deliver energy under the skin, with or without liposuction at the same time. These include lasers, ultrasound, and radiofrequency. J plasma is a form of radiofrequency. Although these devices all work a bit differently, the main goal is to heat the tissues and induce collagen formation, which will result in skin tightening. Ideally, this collagen formation occurs in an organized fashion. However, sometimes a focal area can develop more collagen formation  than surrounding areas and this can result in a lump or area of fibrosis. This is a risk with any energy device or even with just liposuction alone. 

Thank you for your question. In the absence of liposuction, it is unlikely you would develop lumps from J-Plasma. J-Plasma will give very significant tightening of both the skin and the fibrous septae beneath the skin. The end result is a tighter, firmer tissue. The J-Plasma does use a cannula that is inserted beneath the skin through small incisions following tumescent liposuction.I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore.

     Any time we do any procedure that involved the deeper layers of the skin and it's connections to the underlying fascia - there is some risk of irregularities. These complications are rare- but possible.   However- it is critical to realize that we are trained to do everything we can to minimize these risks from the outset,  and maximize a smooth contour in your outcome to the best of our ability. 
      Each doctor has their preference for tools and techniques and what works best in their hands.  We all want our patients to have great outcomes they are happy with, and most of us have a contingency in the unlikely event that a patient has a complication with skin contour.  Bare in mind- we are trying to maximize your best outcome- but there is no procedure that has zero risk.  Make sure you talk to your doctor about their experience with potential lumps or contour irregularities, what they do to prevent it, and what can be done in the rare case where it may occur.  
     In terms of the cannula- pretty much any subdermal ( under the skin) treatment is going to use cannulas. Cannulas to infuse the numbing solution, cannulas to remove fat if lipo is involved. For J plasma- there is a hand piece that has the length and caliber of a cannula- but we typically haven't called it a cannula, although there are some similarities in it's shape and length if that is your concern.
     Regardless of what we call it- however -  the tremendous advantage of using cannulas is that it allows us to work under the skin without having to cut the skin.  Cannulas give us easier access, and minimize the external marks or scars that would otherwise be needed.  Once the area is well anesthetized (numbed) the patient does not feel any pain from the cannula.  In many cases, these procedures can be done with minimal sedation or pain medication because the way we anesthetize the skin has become so effective. This allows us to eliminate the risks of putting you under general anesthesia .   ***Some cases still require general anesthesia - it depends on the complexity of the procedure, so it is important to discuss with your doctor.
I hope that was helpful! 
Dr R