Plastic Surgery: Before and After

Liposuction recovery can involve soreness, swelling, bruising, and temporary changes to daily activities. The early recovery period and the time needed to see the final contour are different. New York City board-certified plastic surgeon Darren M. Smith, MD, FACS walks through that distinction using examples from his own practice.

Originally published August 7, 2020. This recording describes Dr. Smith's recovery protocols and observations at that time. Follow your own surgical team's current instructions rather than treating the episode as a personal aftercare plan.

Key takeaways

🩹 Recovery starts before going home.

Dr. Smith explains how local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia may affect time in the recovery room.

🔎 Early care has its own stages.

The episode discusses compression, drainage from small incisions, and showering within his then-current protocol.

💬 Feeling ready for work is not the same as seeing a final result.

He contrasts early activity with swelling that settles over a longer period.

🔎 Discomfort varies.

Many patients in his description compare soreness with a strenuous workout, but that observation does not predict every patient's experience.

🔎 Noninvasive does not mean sensation-free.

His comparison with CoolSculpting focuses on temporary numbness, burning, and other altered sensations he encountered in practice.

🎧 Episode guide

00:00 — Introduction

00:36 — Anesthesia and recovery-room time

01:50 — Early soreness and compression

03:55 — Work, swelling, and final contour

05:39 — Habits discussed during recovery

06:09 — Comparison with CoolSculpting

When will I see the result?

In this recording, Dr. Smith describes swelling masking the early change and the contour becoming clearer over the following months. The appearance soon after treatment is therefore not the final result; the extent of treatment and individual recovery matter.

How soon can I return to work?

Dr. Smith gives examples of a short return-to-work interval for selected patients in his 2020 practice. That is not a guaranteed deadline or clearance for strenuous activity. Your procedure, recovery, and job demands need to be considered with your treating team.

🔗 Related reading and consultation

Liposuction and recovery information | Lipo 360 | Request a consultation with Dr. Smith

About the host — current biography

Darren M. Smith, MD, FACS specializes in mommy makeover surgery, breast surgery, and body contouring in Manhattan. He was named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2026 and has co-authored authoritative peer-reviewed publications on combined breast surgery and abdominoplasty and the surgical care of postpartum patients.

Educational information; recovery times and protocols vary. The historical CoolSculpting comparison is not a complete current safety guide. Show notes updated September 30, 2026.

Full transcript and related resources

Liposuction is intended to change body contour, not to serve as a weight-loss treatment. In this episode, New York City board-certified plastic surgeon Darren M. Smith, MD, FACS explains why he plans liposuction around localized concerns and a relatively stable weight, rather than a target number on the scale.

Originally published August 4, 2020. The examples and candidacy preferences described are from Dr. Smith's practice at the time of recording.

Key takeaways

🔬 Fat-cell size and fat removal are different concepts.

Dr. Smith uses an expandable-storage-box analogy to explain how fat cells change with weight gain and loss, then contrasts that with removing fat from a treatment area.

🔬 Removing fat does not change eating or activity patterns.

The episode discusses why surgery should not be used as a substitute for a weight-management plan.

🔎 Weight gain can affect a treated area.

Liposuction does not make someone immune to later changes in body size or proportions.

🎯 Weight stability helps planning.

A substantial change after surgery can alter the proportions on which the original contouring plan was based.

🔬 Skin quality remains part of the assessment.

Dr. Smith discusses how additional weight loss may reveal laxity that was not part of the original plan.

🎧 Episode guide

00:00 — Introduction

01:02 — The fat-cell analogy

02:50 — What liposuction removes

06:24 — Weight gain after liposuction

07:46 — Planning around a stable weight

08:35 — Weight loss and loose skin

Can I gain weight after liposuction?

Yes. The recording explains that remaining fat cells can enlarge and that weight changes can affect the appearance of both treated and untreated areas. The amount and pattern of change vary; the discussion is not a promise that future weight gain will be invisible.

Do I need to reach an exact goal weight first?

Dr. Smith favors planning around a fairly stable body shape and discusses selected exceptions in consultation. His numerical examples in this 2020 recording are not universal eligibility rules. The useful question is how your goals, anticipated weight changes, and skin quality affect the proposed plan.

🔗 Related reading and consultation

Liposuction and candidacy | Stomach liposuction | Request a consultation with Dr. Smith

This episode is educational and does not establish an individual weight target or treatment plan. Show notes updated September 30, 2026.

About the host — current biography

Darren M. Smith, MD, FACS specializes in mommy makeover surgery, breast surgery, and body contouring in Manhattan. He was named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2026 and has co-authored authoritative peer-reviewed publications on combined breast surgery and abdominoplasty and the surgical care of postpartum patients.

Full transcript and related resources

What is Emsella, and what happens during treatment? Darren M. Smith, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City, describes a chair-based treatment that uses electromagnetic stimulation of the pelvic floor. The patient remains clothed, without an internal applicator. The episode focuses on pelvic floor function and stress-related urinary leakage.

Originally published August 1, 2020. The recording's treatment schedules, prices and early study statistics reflect that period and are not a personalized treatment plan.

What you will learn

🎯 Treatment targets

Emsella and Emsculpt use related electromagnetic technology, but target different muscle groups: the pelvic floor and body muscles respectively.

🪑 Chair-based treatment

The recording describes sitting on a dedicated chair while its magnetic field stimulates pelvic floor contractions.

💬 Urinary leakage

Dr. Smith discusses leakage associated with activity or laughing, including concerns people may notice after childbirth or with age.

🩺 Pelvic floor physical therapy

He describes how device treatment may be considered alongside pelvic floor physical therapy rather than treating these as mutually exclusive approaches.

🧩 Combined treatment planning

The episode introduces the practice's then-current concept of combining abdominal muscle treatment and pelvic floor treatment.

🎧 Episode guide

00:00 — Introduction

01:44 — A clothed, chair-based treatment

03:21 — Urinary leakage discussion

04:12 — What treatment involves

05:06 — Historical treatment schedule and cost

05:37 — Physical therapy and pelvic floor goals

💬 Common questions

Does Emsella require an internal probe?

No internal probe is described in the recording. The patient stays clothed and sits on the treatment chair. An assessment is still needed to decide whether the treatment is appropriate.

How many sessions are discussed?

In this 2020 episode, Dr. Smith describes six approximately 30-minute sessions over three weeks. That is a historical example; a current clinician should confirm the protocol, contraindications and expected benefits for the individual patient.

Can it be paired with pelvic floor physical therapy?

Yes, Dr. Smith discusses that possibility. The episode is not a diagnosis of the cause of leakage or a promise that one treatment can address every pelvic floor concern.

🔗 Related information

See the practice's current Emsella information and, for the separate abdominal body-contouring treatment, Emsculpt NEO information. You can also schedule a consultation to discuss suitability.

About the host — current biography

Darren M. Smith, MD, FACS specializes in mommy makeover surgery, breast surgery, and body contouring in Manhattan. He was named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2026 and has co-authored authoritative peer-reviewed publications on combined breast surgery and abdominoplasty and the surgical care of postpartum patients.

Educational information, not individualized medical advice. Benefits, risks and responses vary; intimate-wellness claims in the audio are not guarantees. Show notes updated September 30, 2026.

Full transcript and related resources

Can a treatment improve muscle definition without surgery? In this episode, Darren M. Smith, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City, discusses original Emsculpt: an external electromagnetic treatment that stimulates muscle contractions. He emphasizes matching the treatment to a muscle-toning goal and recognizing when fat reduction or loose skin calls for a different approach.

Originally published July 29, 2020. This recording concerns original Emsculpt, not Emsculpt NEO. Device features, treatment schedules, prices and practice preferences should be confirmed for the specific treatment offered today.

Key takeaways

⚙️ Electromagnetic stimulation

External applicators deliver high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy to stimulate muscle contractions.

🎯 Muscle tone goals

Dr. Smith describes muscle tone and definition as the central goal. He cautions that someone primarily seeking substantial fat reduction may need a different option.

📍 Treatment areas

He distinguishes abdominal treatment goals from buttock treatment protocols and discusses why the amount of overlying fat affects visible definition.

🗓️ Timing and maintenance

Results develop over time and require maintenance. The episode does not present treatment as a permanent substitute for physical activity.

🔎 Tissue assessment

Loose skin, muscle definition and fat volume are separate concerns; an individualized assessment helps determine which needs attention.

🎧 Episode guide

00:00 — Introduction

01:05 — Electromagnetic muscle stimulation

05:11 — Treatment areas and goals

08:33 — Patient selection

13:18 — Results and maintenance

14:40 — Skin laxity and combination treatments

💬 Common questions

Is Emsculpt mainly a fat-removal treatment?

Dr. Smith frames the original device primarily as a way to address muscle tone. He discusses fat changes, but specifically cautions against choosing it when reducing a substantial amount of fat is the main goal.

Are results permanent?

The recording explains that muscle-related effects can diminish without ongoing maintenance. The frequency of any further treatment depends on the person, device and treatment plan.

Does it tighten loose skin?

Dr. Smith does not consider original Emsculpt a skin-tightening treatment. He explains that increased underlying muscle volume can sometimes change how mild laxity looks, which is different from treating excess skin itself.

ℹ️ Current context and related information

The FDA's body-contouring overview explains that magnetic-field treatments can cause soreness or cramps and require screening for contraindications. Noninvasive body contouring is not weight-loss treatment.

Read about the practice's current Emsculpt NEO information, liposuction, and BodyTite, or schedule a consultation.

About the host — current biography

Darren M. Smith, MD, FACS specializes in mommy makeover surgery, breast surgery, and body contouring in Manhattan. He was named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2026 and has co-authored authoritative peer-reviewed publications on combined breast surgery and abdominoplasty and the surgical care of postpartum patients.

Educational information, not individualized medical advice. Suitability and results vary. Show notes updated September 30, 2026.

Full transcript and related resources

Liposuction may suit someone seeking a change in body contour from localized fat, rather than a treatment for obesity or substantial weight loss. Skin elasticity and the location of that fat also matter. In this episode, New York City board-certified plastic surgeon Darren M. Smith, MD, FACS explains the questions he uses to assess candidacy.

Originally published July 26, 2020. The discussion reflects Dr. Smith's practice at that time; an examination is needed to apply it to an individual.

Key takeaways

🎯 Start with the goal.

Dr. Smith distinguishes changing the contour of an area from trying to lose a substantial amount of weight.

🔬 Fat location matters.

The episode separates subcutaneous fat beneath the skin from visceral fat around the organs, which liposuction does not target.

🔬 Assess the skin as well as the fat.

Liposuction removes fat; it relies on the skin's ability to adapt to a smaller contour.

🔎 Additional procedures serve different purposes.

Dr. Smith discusses radiofrequency tightening for selected cases and skin-removal operations when laxity is more pronounced.

🔎 Cellulite is a separate concern.

He explains that changing fat volume does not predictably resolve cellulite.

🎧 Episode guide

00:00 — Introduction

00:35 — Contour goals versus weight loss

04:19 — Superficial fat versus visceral fat

06:42 — Loose skin and elasticity

08:22 — Tightening and skin-removal options

09:12 — Liposuction and cellulite

Can liposuction treat a “beer belly”?

That depends on what contributes to the abdominal fullness. Dr. Smith explains why fat under the skin differs from fat deeper inside the abdomen. The pinch example in the recording illustrates that distinction; it does not establish surgical candidacy without an examination.

What if I already have loose skin?

The amount of skin laxity can change the plan. The episode describes a spectrum from liposuction alone to combining contouring with tightening or skin excision. Age, health, smoking history, and the condition of the skin are discussed as assessment factors.

🔗 Related reading and consultation

Liposuction in NYC | BodyTite skin tightening | Tummy tuck surgery | Request a consultation

About the host — current biography

Darren M. Smith, MD, FACS specializes in mommy makeover surgery, breast surgery, and body contouring in Manhattan. He was named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2026 and has co-authored authoritative peer-reviewed publications on combined breast surgery and abdominoplasty and the surgical care of postpartum patients.

Educational information, not an individual treatment recommendation. Procedures and outcomes depend on your anatomy and health. Show notes updated September 30, 2026.

Full transcript and related resources

Current update: On December 6, 2022, Endo announced that it would cease Qwo production and sales, citing concerns about variable bruising and prolonged skin discoloration. This was a manufacturer decision, not an FDA ban. The recording's launch plans, wait list and pricing predictions are historical. Read Endo's announcement.

What causes cellulite, and why do treatments differ? Darren M. Smith, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City, explains how fibrous bands tether skin and contribute to dimpling. This episode explores Qwo at the time of its introduction and distinguishes discrete dimples from broader wavy skin texture.

Originally published July 23, 2020. This is an archival discussion of a then-new treatment, with current context added above.

Key takeaways from the recording

🧬 Cellulite anatomy

Cellulite involves the relationship between skin, fibrous bands and underlying fat; simply removing fat does not address every contributing feature.

💉 Historical Qwo treatment

Qwo was an injectable collagenase treatment intended to affect the fibrous bands involved in dimpling. Its approved indication was moderate to severe buttock cellulite in adult women.

📚 Evidence in 2020

Dr. Smith reviews the early evidence and uncertainty available in 2020, rather than reporting long-term experience with the product.

🧩 Treatment approaches

He compares approaches that release individual bands with treatments aimed at skin laxity and broader contour irregularities.

⚖️ Weight and skin changes

Weight changes do not predictably improve cellulite; loss of volume can also make skin laxity more apparent.

🎧 Episode guide

00:00 — Introduction

00:37 — What causes cellulite?

02:36 — Qwo and its proposed mechanism

05:54 — Early results and recovery discussion

09:20 — Dimpling versus wavy cellulite

12:11 — Weight changes and cellulite

💬 Common questions

Is this episode an invitation to book Qwo?

No. The wait-list invitation in the original audio predates Endo's decision to stop production and sales. A current consultation can address available options and whether treatment fits your particular concern.

Will losing weight get rid of cellulite?

The episode explains that the response varies. Less fatty volume may reduce prominence in some people, while accompanying skin laxity can make irregularities more visible in others.

ℹ️ Current related information

For today's practice information, see Avéli cellulite treatment and BodyTite skin tightening, or schedule a consultation. These links provide current context; Avéli is not part of the original recording.

About the host — current biography

Darren M. Smith, MD, FACS specializes in mommy makeover surgery, breast surgery, and body contouring in Manhattan. He was named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2026 and has co-authored authoritative peer-reviewed publications on combined breast surgery and abdominoplasty and the surgical care of postpartum patients.

Educational information, not individualized medical advice. No cellulite treatment guarantees complete removal or identical results. Show notes updated September 30, 2026.

Full transcript and related resources

Can loose neck skin improve without a neck lift? It depends on the cause and amount of skin laxity. In this episode, Darren M. Smith, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City, discusses less invasive options for selected mild or moderate cases and why substantial excess skin may require surgical removal.

Originally published July 20, 2020. Treatment schedules and practice preferences described in the recording reflect that period.

What the episode explains

🧬 Skin laxity factors

Aging, substantial weight loss and loss of volume after liposuction can leave skin that does not fully contract.

🔎 Neck bands and skin

Vertical muscle bands and excess skin are different concerns. Dr. Smith discusses Botox for softening bands, rather than removing loose skin.

⚙️ RF microneedling

Radiofrequency microneedling, including Morpheus8, uses needles and heat. It penetrates the skin and should not be described as completely noninvasive.

⚙️ FaceTite and AccuTite

FaceTite and AccuTite deliver energy through small access incisions; they are minimally invasive procedures with risks and recovery considerations.

🩺 Neck lift options

For more substantial laxity, Dr. Smith discusses a neck lift or a facelift that includes the neck. The choice depends on anatomy and goals.

🎧 Episode guide

00:00 — Introduction

00:53 — Why neck skin becomes loose

04:22 — Botox and neck bands

06:07 — Radiofrequency microneedling

07:26 — Minimally invasive tightening

09:24 — When a neck lift enters the discussion

💬 Common questions

Can Botox remove loose neck skin?

The recording distinguishes skin laxity from muscle-related neck bands. Dr. Smith describes Botox as an option for reducing the appearance of bands, not a treatment that removes excess skin.

Is FaceTite a treatment without surgery?

Dr. Smith describes it as a minimally invasive procedure involving small incisions and a probe beneath the skin. That distinction matters when comparing it with microneedling or a surgical neck lift.

ℹ️ Current safety context

In October 2025, the FDA warned of reported serious complications with certain uses of RF microneedling, including burns, scarring, fat loss and nerve damage. Discuss the specific device, treatment area, expected benefit and risks with a qualified clinician. This update is separate from the original recording. Read the FDA safety communication.

🔗 Related information

Explore current information about Morpheus8, FaceTite and AccuTite, and neck lift surgery, or schedule a consultation.

About the host — current biography

Darren M. Smith, MD, FACS specializes in mommy makeover surgery, breast surgery, and body contouring in Manhattan. He was named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2026 and has co-authored authoritative peer-reviewed publications on combined breast surgery and abdominoplasty and the surgical care of postpartum patients.

Educational information, not individualized medical advice. Suitability, risks and results vary. Show notes updated September 30, 2026.

Full transcript and related resources

Liposuction cost depends on the treatment areas, the amount and complexity of work, anesthesia, equipment, surgeon and facility. A useful estimate explains what is included in the full procedure. The dollar amounts in this episode are historical New York City examples from July 2020, not current prices or a personalized quote.

In this episode of Plastic Surgery: Before and After, board-certified New York City plastic surgeon Darren M. Smith, MD breaks down the factors behind a liposuction estimate. He explains why two procedures described as liposuction may involve different amounts of work, staffing and equipment.

Key takeaways

💬 Separate the fee components.

The episode distinguishes the surgeon's fee, anesthesia fee and operating-room or facility fee.

🔎 Define the actual treatment.

The number of areas, the volume being treated and the complexity of the case can affect the estimate.

🔎 Previous treatment can add complexity.

Dr. Smith discusses scarring from prior liposuction and other factors that may make revision work more involved.

🔎 Ask why a technology is included.

The recording covers power-assisted, laser-assisted, ultrasound-assisted and radiofrequency-assisted approaches. Additional equipment and procedure time can add cost.

🔎 Consider the setting and team.

Anesthesia staffing, surgeon training and qualifications, and geographic location are all part of the discussion.

💬 Questions answered

What liposuction prices are quoted in the recording?

Speaking about his New York City experience in 2020, Dr. Smith gives a surgeon's-fee example of approximately $3,000–$6,000 for a first treatment area, with lower per-area pricing as areas are added. He discusses anesthesia and facility fees separately. These are archival examples, not today's rates, an all-inclusive package, or a quote for your care.

Why can revision liposuction cost more?

The episode explains that previous liposuction and scar tissue can make a case more difficult. The amount of time, anatomical complexity and equipment needed are part of planning the procedure and its estimate.

Do I need every available liposuction add-on?

Dr. Smith recommends asking what specific problem an added technology is intended to address. His preferences in this 2020 discussion are not a rule that every patient needs laser, ultrasound or radiofrequency treatment.

🎧 Episode chapters

02:21 — How liposuction technology can affect cost

09:46 — Anesthesia options and staffing

12:49 — Number of areas, treatment volume and complexity

15:04 — Surgeon qualifications and geography

16:29 — Surgeon, anesthesia and facility fees

17:14 — Historical 2020 New York City price examples

🔗 Related information

Review current liposuction cost factors, read about liposuction and liposuction methods, or request a consultation with Dr. Smith in New York City for an individualized assessment and current quote.

About the host — current biography

Darren M. Smith, MD, FACS specializes in mommy makeover surgery, breast surgery, and body contouring in Manhattan. He was named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2026 and has co-authored authoritative peer-reviewed publications on combined breast surgery and abdominoplasty and the surgical care of postpartum patients.

Originally released July 18, 2020. Show notes updated September 30, 2026. This is general education. Current pricing, suitability, risks and expected results require an individual assessment.

Full transcript and related resources

More than one plastic surgery procedure can sometimes be performed during the same operation, but the combination needs to fit the patient's health, goals, and recovery resources. New York City board-certified plastic surgeon Darren M. Smith, MD, FACS discusses the benefits and tradeoffs of a combined plan.

Originally published July 16, 2020. The examples reflect his practice at the time; the decision to combine or stage procedures requires an individual assessment.

Key takeaways

🩹 A shared recovery can be convenient.

One period away from work or one trip for surgery may suit some patients, while recovering from several procedures can also be more demanding.

💬 Some costs may be shared.

Dr. Smith discusses operating-room setup, anesthesia, travel, and postoperative support as factors, rather than offering a universal package price.

🔎 Longer operations introduce additional considerations.

Position changes, technical complexity, and clot-prevention planning are part of his discussion.

🎯 The procedures should complement the goal.

Examples include multiple-area liposuction, breast and abdominal surgery, augmentation with a lift, and nose and chin surgery for facial balance.

🔎 Experience with the combination matters.

Dr. Smith encourages a detailed conversation about whether the proposed procedures work together and how recovery will be managed.

🎧 Episode guide

00:00 — Introduction

01:05 — Potential benefits of combining procedures

04:38 — Complexity and operating time

05:45 — Blood-clot risk considerations

07:21 — Examples of combined procedures

13:59 — Planning with your surgeon

Can a breast augmentation and lift be combined?

The episode describes this as an option for selected patients who want both increased volume and a change in breast position or shape. Dr. Smith explains that choosing an implant and planning a lift involve related but distinct decisions.

Will combining procedures always save money?

It may reduce some duplicated expenses, but it does not establish what your own operation will cost. Dr. Smith's examples concern shared setup, travel, and recovery needs. The extent of surgery and support required still need to be defined in an individualized quote.

What should I ask at consultation?

Discuss the goals for each procedure, whether the surgeon recommends combining or staging them, the anticipated operating time, and the help you will need afterward. The episode emphasizes this planning conversation rather than choosing a combination from its name alone.

🔗 Related reading and consultation

Combined or staged mommy makeover | Mommy makeover | Breast augmentation | Request a consultation

About the host — current biography

Darren M. Smith, MD, FACS specializes in mommy makeover surgery, breast surgery, and body contouring in Manhattan. He was named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2026 and has co-authored authoritative peer-reviewed publications on combined breast surgery and abdominoplasty and the surgical care of postpartum patients.

Educational information; surgical risk, recovery, and the appropriate combination vary. Show notes updated September 30, 2026.

Full transcript and related resources

Fat transfer moves a patient's own fat from a donor area to another part of the body to add or refine volume. Because the transferred tissue must establish a blood supply, not all of it necessarily survives. New York City board-certified plastic surgeon Darren M. Smith, MD, FACS explains what this means for planning and expectations.

Originally published July 14, 2020. Techniques, prices, and outcome estimates discussed are historical examples, not current quotes or guarantees.

Key takeaways

🔬 The graft is living tissue.

Dr. Smith explains how transplanted fat initially depends on the surrounding tissue before developing a blood supply.

🔎 Harvesting and placement are distinct steps.

The episode describes obtaining fat with liposuction, preparing it, and placing it in a recipient area.

🔬 Fat transfer has several uses.

Examples include facial volume, breast reconstruction, breast augmentation, and selected combinations with other operations.

🔎 Retention is variable.

Some fat can be absorbed, and another procedure may be considered after the result settles.

🔎 The intended volume change matters.

Dr. Smith discusses donor-fat availability and why fat transfer alone may not match the goals of someone seeking a large breast-size increase.

🎧 Episode guide

00:00 — Introduction

02:42 — Breast and facial applications

04:48 — Harvesting and preparing fat

07:56 — Retention and repeat treatment

09:15 — BBL and its distinctive risks

12:48 — Breast volume and symmetry considerations

Will all transferred fat remain?

No. The recording emphasizes that survival is incomplete and variable, which affects the eventual volume and symmetry. Its numerical retention estimates should not be treated as a personalized forecast.

Can fat transfer replace breast implants?

It can be considered for selected volume and contour goals, but the episode describes limits related to available donor fat and the amount retained. Dr. Smith also discusses combining an implant with fat transfer to refine particular areas of the breast.

Why is a BBL discussed separately?

The episode highlights the distinctive risks of gluteal fat grafting, including fat embolism. Current context: the 2022 multisociety safety statement supports real-time ultrasound guidance to help keep fat placement above the gluteal muscle fascia. This does not eliminate risk. Read the ASPS joint safety statement alongside this archival discussion.

🔗 Related reading and consultation

Facial fat grafting | Fat-transfer breast augmentation | Request a consultation

About the host — current biography

Darren M. Smith, MD, FACS specializes in mommy makeover surgery, breast surgery, and body contouring in Manhattan. He was named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2026 and has co-authored authoritative peer-reviewed publications on combined breast surgery and abdominoplasty and the surgical care of postpartum patients.

Educational information; suitability, retention, recovery, and risk vary. Show notes updated September 30, 2026.

Full transcript and related resources