Liposuction in Santa Barbara, CA
Even people who have healthy lifestyles and exercise regularly can develop areas of exercise-resistant fat. For some, this area is the abdomen, but others store unwanted fat in the thighs or buttocks, or even the arms, chest, or knees. Wherever your problem area may be, liposuction can remove the unwanted fat permanently.
Deciding If Liposuction Is Right for You
What Will My Consultation Be Like?
In our boutique practice, you will meet with Dr. Yegiyants personally when you come in for your consultation. Upon physical examination, she can determine if you are a candidate for liposuction. If you have pictures that demonstrate the contour or shape that you want for yourself, it can be helpful to bring these to your consultation to share with Dr. Yegiyants. During your consultation, she will extensively review your medical records and history, and discuss your ultimate goals for the surgery.
Dr. Yegiyants has advanced training in arts and aesthetics, and she will draw upon this background to study the natural shape of your body and make recommendations for body contouring. She will also take the time necessary to make sure she fully understands what you want for yourself and that you know what to expect throughout the process.
Schedule a Consultation
Ready to take the next steps towards booking a procedure? Schedule your consultation today to begin your aesthetic journey with Sara Yegiyants, MD, FACS.
How Is Liposuction Performed?
While there are several different approaches to the procedure, Dr. Yegiyants prefers to use power assisted liposuction when appropriate as it minimizes surgery time. She will begin by making markings on your body that will guide her during the contouring process. Most liposuction procedures are done under general anesthesia and are performed in a surgery center, but Dr. Yegiyants is able to treat some areas (such as the cheeks) using a local anesthetic in the office.
Once you are numb or under sedation, a small incision will be made in the treatment area(s) that will allow for insertion of a thin tube called a cannula. The cannula is moved in a way that allows for the dislodging and removal of the fat cells, which are then suctioned out using a vacuum.
With the power assisted liposuction technique, the movement of the cannula is enhanced by a specialized tool that allows for fat to be dislodged more quickly. Using her expert skills and advanced aesthetic sense, Dr. Yegiyants will use the movement of the cannula to achieve the desired shape. When the area has been perfectly contoured, the incision sites are closed and the procedure is over. In some cases, patients will have more than one treatment site (if there are multiple areas of fat removal).
What Are the Different Types of Liposuction?
Surgeons have refined liposuction over the years to ascertain which techniques are most effective. The advanced procedures used today have some specific differences, but they all work under the same principle – the surgeon uses a thin tube called a cannula connected to a vacuum to suction the fat cells from the treatment area.
Here’s an overview of the most practical, successful liposuction methods.
Tumescent Liposuction
Dr. Yegiyants starts this procedure by injecting a local anesthetic and epinephrine solution into the target area(s). The solution fills the fatty layer and causes it to swell and firm, allowing Dr. Yegiyants to maintain control as she contours. The solution also causes the blood vessels to shrink, significantly reducing blood loss, bruising, swelling, and discomfort during recovery.
After injecting the solution, Dr. Yegiyants makes a small incision in the skin, inserts a cannula into a vacuum, and shapes the fatty layer. She can remove unwanted fat into a sterile collection system using back-and-forth movements. Then, she positions an elastic compression garment to help the skin contract during recovery.
High-Definition Liposuction
The idea behind high-definition liposuction is to remove or add different fat volumes in specific areas to create a three-dimensional outcome. For example, removing fat between the stomach muscles adds definition. By manipulating the fat suctioned from the different areas, Dr. Yegiyants can creat the illusion of three-dimensional depth, like defining the horizontal lines between the rectus muscle to give the appearance of a six-pack. During your consultation, you can discuss your desired degree of definition.
Dr. Yegiyants can use the same technique for her male patients, creating a more athletic, chiseled appearance by combining liposuction with gland excision.
To improve back contours in men and women, Dr. Yegiyants highlights spaces near muscles in the upper and lower back. For men, this gives a highly desirable V-shape. In addition, suctioning the rear flanks behind the hips can provide women with a sexy hourglass silhouette.
How Much Does Liposuction Cost in Santa Barbara and Orange County?
Each patient has unique needs, so it is only possible to estimate an exact price after examining your case and listening to your expectations. The treatment cost will vary according to the number of areas treated and the technique employed, so we recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Yegiyants to get an accurate quote. However, for those who still need a price reference, the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons establish that the average cost of liposuction treatment is $3,637.
Can Fat Come Back after Liposuction?
The good news is that the fat cells removed through liposuction cannot grow back, which means they are permanently gone. However, this doesn’t make you immune to weight gain. Sometimes, a few fat cells are left behind, or fat tissue from other body areas can also redistribute after liposuction, so you must maintain your healthy diet and exercise regimen after treatment. Leading a healthy lifestyle is the only way to ensure long-term results from your liposuction procedure.
Meet Dr. Yegiyants
Sara Yegiyants, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in surgical and non-invasive procedures. Learn more about Dr. Yegiyants and why you should choose her for your next procedure.
Enhanced Results with Z-Wave Technology
For optimal results, Dr. Yegiyants frequently performs liposuction with Z-Wave. This non-invasive treatment harnesses the power of radial shockwaves to tighten skin and reduce cellulite. When performed with liposuction, it can help create smooth, slim contours with tighter skin. This versatile treatment is completely painless and requires no additional downtime.
What Can I Expect During Recovery and Beyond?
Liposuction is performed as an outpatient procedure, so you should be able to go home the same day as your surgery. You will likely have compression bandages or wear compression garments during the first week or two for support and comfort and to minimize post-surgical swelling. Pain during healing is usually minimal, but Dr. Yegiyants will prescribe pain medication to enhance your comfort for the first few days. You may also experience some bruising and swelling in the treatment areas.
Once you go home, you will be able to get up and walk around during the first day or two, but you should not plan to do much movement. It is important that you follow all post-operative instructions to maximize your healing and promote the best possible outcome.
Most patients return to work in only a few days after surgery. Though immediate changes will be visible, it may take several weeks for the swelling to subside. The surgical scars will also fade over time.
Liposuction is a permanent solution, and the fat will not return to the treatment areas. However, significant fluctuations in your weight may affect your results and you may store fat in other areas of the body during weight gain, so it is best to maintain a stable weight after surgery.