The new COVID-19 Delta variant of the coronavirus is sweeping the country. Mask mandates are being re-instituted and the vaccine is being urged more than ever before. COVID cases and hospitalizations have been surging by double digits. The new Delta variation snakes its way through all 50 US states. Experts are warning this new ultra-contagious virus could be the most serious you’ll ever catch in your life. It is impacting everything from elementary schools to big corporations like Apple, and millions of lives and families.

Here’s everything you need to know…

Fast Rising COVID Infection Rates, Hospitalizations & Deaths Due to Delta Variant

The CDC has reported a 36% increase in hospitalizations and a 26% increase in COVID deaths across the United States. This new ‘Delta’ strain of the coronavirus may be the reason.

Other countries, like the UK (United Kingdom), are reporting an enormous surge in COVID cases. This is potentially stalling or leading to a reversal in lifting coronavirus restrictions.

See a more detailed breakdown of the spread of the Delta variant, its origins, and impact on our blog.

What’s Different About the COVID-19 Delta Variant Strain?

The most notable issue with the COVID-19 Delta strain is that it is an evolved, hyper-contagious version of COVID-19.

This new strain is adapting and learning to become more infectious. Some began to think it was safe to leave their face masks at home, venture out to eat, or travel out of state again. We are yet again facing a high risk of infection.

Authorities warn that the vast majority of people will get COVID with this new strain, and the WHO explained that even vaccinated people shouldn’t feel safe against it.

The potential danger of this situation is serious. Therefore, imminent action from our current white house administration is crucial.

Social Media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are taking the lead. They are adding posts to users’ feeds to create awareness about the new Delta strain and blocking comments and text messages which discourage vaccination.

Not surprisingly, News 4 Jax reports that the five states with the most infections of the COVID-19 Delta variant have above-average vaccination rates.

Overcapacity in Hospitals

At the beginning of the pandemic, lockdowns and restrictions were put in place to avoid overwhelming hospitals, and the Delta variant may be tipping us over that edge.

The Director of Infection Prevention at UF Health Jacksonville reported that their hospital emergency room is full, and they are seeing a 7-8% increase in patients each day.

As hospitals become more and more overwhelmed, some medical centers are yet again choosing to reduce ‘elective’ procedures. Unfortunately, this can lead to the worsening of other prevalent health problems.

Who Needs to Keep Wearing a Mask?

Counties like Los Angeles and Las Vegas have already begun reinstating mask mandates for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

Even Apple called off its plan to allow employees to return to the office.

The former head of the FDA recently told CBS News that “this is the most serious virus you can get in your lifetime.” Therefore, both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Dr. Fauci recommend all children ages three and up wear masks as schools reopen this fall; even if they received both doses of the vaccine.

The current COVID vaccine, unfortunately, does not protect against the new Delta variant. Because of this, some vaccine manufacturers are considering developing a third vaccine dose.

Since Delta variant infected persons are ultimately at higher risk of hospitalization and death, it is important that all persons, vaccinated or not, continue to wear a mask.

Quality Face Masks Have Never Been More Important

Face masks continue to be the most effective form of protection from this new strain of COVID.

Former FDA head, Gottlieb says it is important for people to invest in high-quality face coverings such as n99 mask . He explains, “Quality of the mask is going to make a difference with a variant that spreads more aggressively as Delta does. People are more contagious and exude more virus.”

Unfortunately, even people who continue to wear face masks often choose fashion masks with non woven fabric. Repurposed clothing, accessories, and simple fabrics are not effective at filtering out the virus. This may not have been as big of an issue with the low transmission rate variants of coronavirus but with the new Delta variant, these masks will create serious risk.

There is a huge difference between the masks mentioned above and legitimate particulate respirator masks. The N95 mask is designed and tested to filter at least 95% of virus particulates in the air. There is also the superior filtering for those who want even more protection.

Look for the CDC-recommended and NIOSH certified N99 and N95 masks which have official approval numbers.

Summary

The Delta variant is a new hyper-contagious strain of COVID. The data shows that it is dramatically accelerating both hospitalizations and deaths. Thus, hospitals are becoming overwhelmed and are running out of room for new patients.

Even fully vaccinated individuals are being warned that they are not safe from this strain of the virus. Experts state that quality masks are going to make all the difference in being protected.

Now is the time to reload your stock of quality N95 masks before they sell out. Even if you are a medical professional, or are in a profession that requires dust masks, it is vital to ensure you have enough of a supply to weather any pending shortages.

If you’re having trouble losing fat around your flanks, better known as love handles, you’re not alone. It can be tough to lose extra weight even with diet and exercise. 
Many people who have struggled with shedding those stubborn love handles or “muffin top”, choose flank liposuction to contour their hips and waistline and eliminate these stubborn fat deposits.

Precisely What is Flank Liposuction?
This liposuction surgery removes excess fat from the sides, hips, waist, and upper buttocks, mainly in the areas where love handles form. 
Tiny incisions are created on either side of the patient’s body during the liposuction. Next, Dr. Mowlavi secures a port at the incision site to assist the smooth insertion and glide of a thin tube called a cannula. This tube has microscopic suction pores. The cannula is pushed up and down in the specific area of the body’s fat layer to be suctioned, gathering fat cells into a sterile, air-tight canister.
The port also keeps the incisions very small, and the wounds are closed with two or three dissolvable sutures. The scaring is so minimal that often there is no visible sign once the healing process is complete.

What Are The Possible Adverse Effects?
Mild bruising, swelling, numbness, or tingling after the surgery for a few weeks and minor bleeding during surgery are possible side effects. You may feel moderate pain walking or sitting down for a few days.
However, with VASER HD Ultra-Sound Assisted Lipo, these side effects are minimized due to the gentle nature of this method of liposuction. Unlike other methods, with VASER HD lipo, the connective tissue and capillaries are not damaged, resulting in much less bruising and pain.
Adverse effects are far less likely if you follow your post-operative instructions, including wearing the compression foam and garments provided by your surgeon.
What Is The Recovery Process Like?
Depending on your overall health, you may anticipate a recovery in a little as two weeks after flank liposuction. Keep in mind, the recuperation period varies according to the amount of fat eliminated and how many areas Dr. Mowlavi suctions and sculpts. 

You may experience some soreness for several weeks after the procedure, but with VASER lipo, your recovery is more straightforward and happens faster. 
Many patients go home the same day. If your surgery includes more extensive procedures like a tummy tuck or breast lift, you may need nursing support and to stay one or two nights in a cosmetic care facility. 
Of course, sleep is essential to recovery, mild pain relievers are helpful, and lymphatic drainage massages allow you to speed up additional fat loss and preserve the shape Dr. Mowlavi created for your new figure or physique. 
As a rule, intense exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for two to three weeks, but each patient’s after-care instructions vary. Be sure you follow Dr. Mowlavi’s post-surgical plan designed for you for the very best results.
After surgery, it’s normal to feel disoriented and sleepy while the anesthesia wears off. You may even feel a little queasy. Just avoid eating a full meal until your stomach settles. It is critical to consume enough water to keep hydrated and flush the fat out of your body that is pushed into your lymphatic system with the massages you will need the first few days.
Mild activity and walking are recommended for four to five days after the surgery. Take it easy and rest, allowing your body to heal and adjust. When you do start exercising, go lightly and gradually build up your stamina.
Swelling can last two months or longer. The ultimate effects are not visible right away, but with VASER lipo, you will see surprisingly great results right after your surgery.

What Kind of Outcomes Can I Anticipate?
In a word – superior. Many surgeons remove fat area-by-area without an overall plan for proportionality of the body’s 3-dimensional nature. The issue with a piecemeal approach is that a patient can have a small waist but a broad back, armpit fat, or disproportionate thighs. It’s easy to spot the unnatural look of someone who has had liposuction without regard to their body’s overall shape and size or with crazy proportions created with too much fat transfer. 
 A talented surgeon will always look to sculpt, not just remove fat from an area without regard to how it affects the overall result. The flank area is critical to the flow and shape of the body. While fat may be removed from the love handle area, it may be needed to fill in hip dips or round out the curves.
Dr. Mowlavi’s hobby is sculpting. He brings his artist’s eye, understanding of the human anatomy, and 360 approach to each patient’s surgical plan. 

What Does Flank Lipo Cost?
The cost of flank liposuction alone might be between $3,000 and $5,000, plus the cost of the surgical facility, anesthesia, and other fees.
However, as Dr. Mowlavi’s 360 method is a front and back sculpting approach, there are other cost considerations. The essential factor for superior results is proportionality, and 360 HD Lipo is how he achieves that. To create the ideal flow of curves in women, he will treat your body as a sculpture, artfully removing fat from the armpits to the knee areas to give you the proportions that will make your new figure jaw-dropping! 
His growing number of male patients generally want the love handles gone, a tapered waist, 6-pack abs, and a larger chest area. 
Another bonus is that VASER lipo is gentle on the fat cells. Dr. Mowlavi can preserve the fat he removes and place it where desirable, like for a Brazillian Butt Lift (BBL) or a natural breast augmentation when a modest size increase is desired.
Your custom surgical quote will include all the areas Dr. Mowlavi knows he will need to address to achieve the results you envision and exceed your expectations.

Who Is A Suitable Candidate?
It is essential to remember; liposuction is not intended to substitute a healthy diet and regular exercise. 
Before having flank liposuction, or any extensive cosmetic procedure, it’s prudent to have a good diet, exercise regularly, and be a non-smoker. 
If you are a smoker, you must quit and have a 100% nicotine-free blood test for a minimum of 90 days. If you smoke, your heart and lungs do not work as well as they should. It can lead to breathing problems during or after surgery, increasing your risk of developing pneumonia. Smoking also reduces blood flow, which slows healing, increasing your likelihood of an infection.
Patients must have a normal red blood cell count, so there is no indication of anemia not matter how slight.
BMI. Dr. Mowlavi will take your BMI (Body Mass Index) into consideration. He works safely with higher BMI patients, but there is a limit. If you exceed the safety limit, he will advise you on how much weight to lose before having a safe, productive surgery.
Safety is the number one consideration for any surgery, including cosmetic or plastic surgery. 

What’s Next
The first step in considering flank liposuction is a personalized consultation. If you live within an hour of the office, it is best to come to the office by far. You’ll meet the doctor, his staff, and you may get to speak with patients who have completed their surgeries to share their experiences. 
If you live a long way, we can accommodate you with a virtual consultation. About 25% of Dr. Mowlavi’s patients come from all over the U.S, so don’t be shy about distance.