Liposuction in Ventura County
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Liposuction in Ventura County and Oxnard, California
Liposuction is a procedure that can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck. Although liposuction is not a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that do not respond to traditional weight-loss methods.
If you’re considering liposuction in Ventura County, this page will give you a basic understanding of the procedure — when it can help, how it is performed and how you might look and feel after surgery. Please ask your Plastic Surgeon in Ventura County if there is anything about the procedure you don’t understand.
The Best Candidates for Liposuction in Ventura County
The best candidates for liposuction are normal-weight people with firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat in certain areas. You should be physically healthy, psychologically stable and realistic in your expectations. Your age is not a major consideration; however, older patients may have diminished skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as a younger patient with tighter skin.
Liposuction carries greater risk for individuals with medical problems such as diabetes, significant heart or lung disease, and poor blood circulation, or smokers.
Planning Your Liposuction in Ventura County
In your initial consultation, your Plastic Surgeon in Ventura County will evaluate your health, determine where your fat deposits lie and assess the condition of your skin. Your Plastic Surgeon may recommend alternative methods of treatment. For example, if you believe you want liposuction in the abdominal area, you may learn that an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck may more effectively meet your goals. Be frank in discussing your expectations with your Plastic Surgeon.
Preparing For Your Liposuction in Ventura County
Your Plastic Surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets and certain medications.
Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after liposuction, and to help you at home for a day or two.
Where Your Liposuction in Ventura County Will Be Performed
Liposuction may be performed in a Plastic Surgeon’s office-based facility or outpatient surgery center. Smaller-volume liposuction is usually done on an outpatient basis, while large volume liposuction often requires overnight stay in a hospital.
Anesthesia for Liposuction in Ventura County
Liposuction is often performed under general anesthesia. Smaller, more localized areas (arms or chin) can be performed under sedation.
The Surgery
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All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk
Liposuction is normally safe, as long as patients are carefully selected, the operating facility is properly equipped and the physician is adequately trained.
Though rare, complications may occur. Risks increase if a greater number of areas are treated at the same time, or if large amounts of fat and fluid are removed, requiring longer operating times.
Complications may include infection, excessive bruising, swelling, seroma or fluid accumulation under the skin, damage to skin, nerves, and unfavorable drug reactions. Very rarely, the formation of fat clots or blood clots can migrate to the lungs and cause death.
The scars from liposuction are small and strategically placed to be hidden from view. However, imperfections in the final appearance are not uncommon after lipoplasty. The skin surface may be irregular, asymmetric or even baggy, especially in the older patient. Numbness and pigmentation changes may occur. Sometimes, additional surgery may be recommended.
After Your Liposuction in Ventura County
After liposuction, you will likely experience some fluid drainage from the incisions. To control swelling and to help your skin better fit its new contours, you will be fitted with a snug elastic garment to wear over the treated area for a few weeks. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
Pain will be controlled with medications prescribed by your Plastic Surgeon, though you may still feel stiff and sore for a few days.
Getting Back to Normal
It is normal to feel a bit anxious or depressed in the days or weeks following surgery. However, this feeling will subside as you begin to look and feel better.
Healing is a gradual process. Your Plastic Surgeon in Ventura County will tell you to start walking around as soon as possible to reduce swelling and to help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. You will begin to feel better after about a week and you should be back at work within a few days following your surgery.
Activity that is more strenuous should be avoided for about a month as your body continues to heal. Although most of the bruising and swelling usually disappears within three weeks, some swelling may remain for six months or more.
If you have any unusual symptoms between visits — for example, heavy bleeding or a sudden increase in pain — or any questions about what you can and can’t do, call your doctor.
Your New Look
You will see a noticeable difference in the shape of your body quite soon after surgery. However, improvement will become even more apparent after about four to six weeks, when most of the swelling has subsided. After about three months, any persistent mild swelling usually disappears and the final contour will be visible.
If your expectations are realistic, you will be very pleased with the results of your liposuction in Ventura County.
You will find that you look better in a wide variety of clothes and are more at ease with your body. By eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, you can help to maintain your new shape.