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Liposuction in Santa Barbara
Not surprisingly, Liposuction is one of the most common and popular cosmetic surgery procedures for both men and women. You may be a candidate for liposuction if you have excess subcutaneous fat, which is resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction, otherwise known as Liposculpture, may also be desirable if you wish to change the contours of your body. Commonly involved areas are the anterior part of the neck (under the chin), upper arms and armpits, male chest/breasts, trunk, abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, inner knees, calves, and ankles. Most patients are near normal weight and desire permanent contour changes. The procedure can also be helpful to somewhat heavier persons as well.
If you believe you are a candidate for body contouring, Aesthetic Surgical Partners of Santa Barbara is your source for liposuction in southern California. We invite you to call us at 805-682-7222 to schedule your consultation or send us an email.
Liposuction patient shown before surgery with bulging hips, thighs and buttocks.
Improved techniques such as the Tumescent technique, now allow larger amounts of fat removal in a safe and effective manner. While some plastic surgery practices approach Liposuction from a mechanical perspective, the doctors at Aesthetic Surgical Partners approach Liposculpture from an artistic perspective, because cosmetic surgery is truly an art form.
Liposuction produces a permanent improvement in the contour and proportion of the treated areas. A more flattering figure or physique, in or out of clothing, is the primary objective of Liposculpture.
Short incisions are made through the skin to introduce the instrument
that will remove fat in the shaded areas. A similar technique may be
used to remove localized fat deposits from other areas of the body.
Liposuction is done on an outpatient basis in Santa Barbara. General anesthesia is usually used for safety and comfort. Performed without anesthesia, or 'light sedation,' can hider optimal results and could even jeopardize your safety. Small suction tubes (cannulas) are inserted through very short incisions placed in inconspicuous locations near the fat deposits, and excess fat is removed.
A long, hollow tube with an opening at one end is inserted. At the tube's
opposite end, a vacuum pressure unit suctions off fat. Ultrasonic energy
sometimes may be used to liquefy fat before it is removed.
Our patients go home with a compression garment covering the treated areas. Compression is strongly advised for about a month as it helps reduce swelling after liposuction. Once pain and soreness decrease, it is frequently more comfortable to wear lycra or spandex exercise pants. Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. Bruising and swelling usually subside in 2-4 weeks. The final result takes shape over 2-3 months and is largely permanent.
The postoperative patient with slimmed lower body contour.
Additional procedures that may enhance the result of liposuction are Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), Breast Reduction, Thigh Lift, or Buttock Lift.
Liposuction is considered cosmetic and therefore is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment.
The specific risks and the suitability of liposuction for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications, however, are quite rare.
Illustrations courtesy the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
- Liposuction Information from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Liposuction Before and After Photos
- Schedule a personal consultation with an Aesthetic Surgical Partners plastic surgeon
- Contact us for additional information about Santa Barbara liposuction