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Liposuction, also called lipoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes deposits of excess fat from specific areas of the body, face or neck. Liposuction can be used to slim the hips and thighs, flatten the abdomen, shape the calves and ankles or eliminate a double chin.
If you're ready to discuss your liposuction options, now is a great time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wang at our plastic surgery offices, serving Southern California including Pasadena, Arcadia and Riverside. You can request a consultation online or call Wang Plastic Surgery at (888) 360-6688 today to schedule your appointment.
Liposuction in the Pasadena area is best for men and women of normal weight with firm, elastic skin, but are troubled by fat deposits that don't respond to diet or exercise. Age is not a consideration; however, because of diminished skin elasticity, older patients may not experience the same results as younger patients with tighter skin.
There are several variations of liposuction that can achieve more precise results with quicker recovery times. They include fluid injection, ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL), the tumescent technique and the super-wet technique. In your initial consultation, Dr. Wang will help you to assess which technique is best for you, based on the location of your fat deposits and the condition of your skin. The dedication to personal service sets Dr. Wang and his staff apart. See what former patients have to say about their experience with the caring staff at Wang Plastic Surgery when you read what patients are saying.
What are the common benefits of liposuction?
Liposuction results in a tighter, more sculpted appearance in areas with large deposits of fat that have not responded to diet and exercise.
How is liposuction performed?
Liposuction can be performed either under local, regional or general anesthesia, depending on the location of the fat deposits and the extent of the procedure. The procedure generally involves inserting a narrow tube (cannula) into an incision beneath the surface of the skin to break up the fat cells and suction them out. In the fluid injection method, a medicated solution is injected into the fatty areas prior to suctioning to act as an anesthetic before and after surgery, make the fat easier to remove and reduce blood loss and bruising. Dr. Wang will determine the type and amount of fluid according to your individual needs. The tumescent technique involves injecting large volumes of fluid when the patient is under local anesthesia, while the super-wet technique uses lesser amounts (usually the same as the amount of fat to be removed) with general anesthesia or IV sedation. During the ultrasound-assisted technique a special cannula that produces ultrasonic energy is used to liquefy the fat by exploding the cell walls prior to suctioning. UAL is particularly effective in fibrous areas of the body like the upper back or the enlarged male breasts.
How long does liposuction take?
The time needed to perform liposuction varies considerably, depending on the size of the area to be treated, the amount of fat to be removed and the technique and anesthesia to be used.
What can I expect after liposuction?
You are likely to experience some pain, burning, swelling, stiffness, bleeding and temporary numbness after the procedure. Dr. Wang can prescribe medication to relieve the pain, as well as an antibiotic to prevent infection. There will also probably be some fluid drainage from the incisions. Dr. Wang may insert a small drainage tube beneath the skin for a few days to prevent fluid build-up. Your stitches will dissolve or be removed within the first week to 10 days. You may also be fitted with a snug elastic garment to wear over the treated area for a few weeks. Overall, you'll start feeling better in a week or two. Read Dr. Wang's advice about recovery from surgery.
What is the recovery period like?
To reduce swelling and prevent blood clots, Dr. Wang may advise you to begin moving about as soon as possible. Strenuous activity should be avoided for about a month so that your body has time to heal. Some bruising and swelling may still remain for six months or more, but most will usually subside within three weeks. Read Dr. Wang's advice about recovery from surgery.
How long before I can return to normal activity?
You should be able to return to work within a few days after surgery, but you should avoid strenuous activity.
The information about Liposuction is provided for Riverside and Pasadena area residents courtesy of Dr. Stewart Wang, a board certified plastic surgeon.
Tummy Tuck, or abdominoplasty, is designed to firm and smooth the abdomen. This cosmetic procedure removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and may also tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The result is a flatter, tighter abdominal profile.
If you're ready to discuss your tummy tuck options, now is a great time to request a consultation online with Dr. Wang at our plastic surgery offices, serving Southern California including Pasadena, Arcadia, Glendora, Chino Hills and communities throughout the Inland Empire. Or, call Wang Plastic Surgery at (888) 360-6688 today to schedule your appointment.
Tummy tucks are best-suited to men or women who are in good medical condition, but are troubled by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that don't respond to diet or exercise. Women who have experienced significant stretching of abdominal skin from multiple pregnancies will also benefit from a tummy tuck, as well as older patients who have lost skin elasticity. Those who intend to lose a lot of weight or women who plan to become pregnant should postpone the procedure since the abdominal muscles can slacken again.
To help manage and minimize discomfort after Inland Empire tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Wang offers his tummy tuck patients the On-Q PainBuster® Post-Op Pain Relief System. This system consists of a small balloon that pumps anesthetic directly to the surgical site through a tiny tube. Benefits of the On-Q system include:
- Automatic and continuous pain management for up to 5 days
- Reduced potential for breakthrough pain and need for narcotics
- Compact size for discreet and comfortable use
- Simple removal once all medication has been delivered
With the ON-Q system, you can get back on your feet quickly and enjoy all life has to offer.
What are the common benefits of a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck produces a tighter, more sculpted appearance in patients with large deposits of abdominal fat or who have lost elasticity around their abdomens. Dr. Wang's patients have achieved extremely satisfying results through body contouring cosmetic surgery. Take a moment to read about former patients that have chosen tummy tucks and other procedures at Wang Plastic Surgery.
How is a tummy tuck in Riverside, CA performed?
While the patient is under general anesthesia, Dr. Wang makes a long incision, just above the pubic area, from hipbone to hipbone. A second incision is then made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. In partial abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved, although it may be reshaped as the skin is tightened and stitched.
After making the incisions, Dr. Wang reveals the vertical muscles in your abdomen by separating the skin from the abdominal wall up to the ribs. The surgeon tightens these muscles by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position to firm the abdominal wall and narrow the waistline. The skin flap is then stretched downward and the extra skin removed. During partial abdominoplasty, the skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. This skin is then stretched down, excess skin is removed and the flap stitched back into place. In a full tummy tuck, a new hole is cut for the navel and it is stitched is place. The incisions are then stitched and dressings applied. A temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the area.
How long does a Pasadena abdominoplasty take?
A complete tummy tuck usually takes two to five hours, while a partial tummy tuck may take one to two hours.
What can I expect after a tummy tuck?
Depending on your procedure, you may be released within a few hours or you may be required to remain hospitalized for two to three days. You are likely to experience swelling of your abdomen, pain and scarring. Scarring may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months, but in time scars will flatten and lighten in color. Patients who follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly will experience long lasting results. Read Dr. Wang's advice about recovery from surgery.
What is the recovery period like?
Surface stitches are usually removed in five to seven days and deeper stitches are removed in two to three weeks. Dr. Wang will instruct you in how to shower and change your dressings. Later, you may be asked to wear a support garment in place of the dressings on incisions. Dr. Wang will advise you to begin walking as soon as possible after surgery. Light exercise will improve the healing process, since it reduces swelling, lowers the chance of blood clots, and tones muscles. Read Dr. Wang's advice about recovery from surgery.
How long before I can return to normal activity?
Your physical condition prior to surgery will determine how quickly you recover. Some people return to work in two weeks, while others may require three to four weeks of recuperation.
The information about tummy tuck in Pasadena and the Inland Empire is provided courtesy of Dr. Stewart Wang, a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Bariatric surgery has the power to lift your spirits and change your life, but after all that weight loss, did you know that you'll likely need additional plastic surgery in Pasadena or the Inland Empire to lift drooping and loose skin?
Dr. Wang offers confidential consultations to tell you more about body lift. You can request a consultation online or call Wang Plastic Surgery at (888) 360-6688 to schedule your appointment at any of our three plastic surgery offices: the Upland office near Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga in the Inland Empire, our Pasadena office, or Santa Ana office in Orange County.
To help manage and minimize discomfort after surgery, Dr. Wang offers his patients the On-Q PainBuster® Post-Op Pain Relief System. This system consists of a small balloon that pumps anesthetic directly to the surgical site through a tiny tube. Benefits of the On-Q system include:
- Automatic and continuous pain management for up to 5 days
- Reduced potential for breakthrough pain and need for narcotics
- Compact size for discreet and comfortable use
- Simple removal once all medication has been delivered
With the ON-Q system, you can get back on your feet quickly and enjoy all life has to offer.
How is a body lift performed?
Inland Empire plastic surgeon Dr. Wang performs body lift after your weight has stabilized following gastric bypass surgery, generally 12 to 18 months later. To fully recontour your body, several surgeries may be needed, with a minimum of three months between the procedures. After a discussion of your cosmetic goals at the consultation, Dr. Wang will suggest a sequence of procedures to give you the best results in the shortest period of time.
Many of the procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis, depending on your overall health. The body lift procedure targets five trouble areas that commonly plague patients after bariatric surgery:
Abdomen
Extreme weight loss normally leads to excess abdominal skin and loose abdominal muscles. The heavy, hanging skin can cause such conditions as recurrent rashes, moisture trapping and infection, requiring removal of excess abdominal skin and fat through Pasadena tummy tuck surgery. Patients who have undergone drastic weight loss may need more extensive forms of tummy tuck such as belt lipectomy or panniculectomy.
Thighs and Buttocks
Thigh lifts can help correct excess folds along the inner thighs or fat deposits along the outer thighs. This surgery may require extensive incisions along the entire length of the thigh and leg. In some cases, post-bariatric surgery patients may also benefit from a buttock lift to recontour and raise this area.
Both men and women may experience considerable sagging skin in the breast area after gastric bypass surgery. Dr. Wang can raise this drooping skin with breast lift surgery. Women may want to supplement their lift with breast implants in the Inland Empire / Upland, California area. A breast enlargement procedure can help these women achieve their ideal look, while in some cases men who suffer from gynecomastia may need liposuction to fully reduce breast size. Breast surgery may be combined with upper body lift surgery, which removes excess upper torso skin folds.
Arms
Loose skin and excess fat that hangs on the underarm area can be removed through brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery. Once the excess fat and skin are removed, Dr. Wang tightens and sews together the remaining skin to create a slimmer arm appearance.
Face and Neck
After intense weight loss, wrinkles and sagging skin on your face and neck may become more noticeable. Dr. Wang can help correct this condition by performing facelift or necklift, which tightens muscle and deep tissue while sculpting your face and neck skin. Facelifts are performed through incisions concealed inconspicuously within the hairline and by the ears.
How long does a body lift take?
Each procedure will take several hours to perform, with surgical time depending on the amount of tissue that needs to be removed and the difficulty of reconstructing the surgical area.
What can I expect after a body lift?
Because it is comprised of many surgeries over an extended period of time, body lift can cause discomfort, and may require one to three days of care in a hospital or other care facility. Often, patients who undergo body lift after bariatric surgery are at greater risk for complications because of weight-related illnesses such as sleep apnea, diabetes, heart disease, or malnutrition. Dr. Wang carefully monitors patients in these situations both before and after the surgery, and provides specialized care as needed.
What is the recovery period like?
You will be sore for several days, but you are encouraged to engage in activity when you feel ready. Dr. Wang fits patients with elastic compression garments, which must be worn continuously for several weeks, and then for a few more weeks during exercise or strenuous activity.
How long before I can return to normal activity?
Dr. Wang will carefully monitor your progress and guide you through recovery. Most patients return to non-strenuous activities within two weeks, and begin low impact exercise within four to six weeks after surgery.
The information about Body Lifts after Gastric Bypass Surgery is provided for Pasadena and Inland Empire plastic surgery patients courtesy of Dr. Stewart Wang, board certified plastic surgeon.
