Ventura Liposuction doctors

	Michael C. Pickart, MD Ventura Plastic Surgeon 1746 S. Victoria Ave. Suite 250, Ventura		5 answers
	Samuel Bern, MD Ventura Plastic Surgeon 1280 S Victoria Ave Suite 201, Ventura
	Brian D. Brantner, MD California Plastic Surgeon 3555 Loma Vista Rd Suite 200, Ventura
	William Starr, MD Oxnard Plastic Surgeon 1801 Solar Dr Suite 150, Oxnard

Recent Answers

Liposuction at the Same Time with Umbilical Hernia Repair? I'm having an umbilical hernia repaired, can I get liposuction at the same time? I work out a lot and am in great shape but can't seem to lose the small layer of fat in my mid section. I was wondering if I could get liposuction done at the same time as my umbilical hernia repair? My general surgeon is going to go through the top of my belly button to keep scarring at a minimum and because the hernia is small, mesh will not be used. Thanks for your advice!

A: Liposuction can be done during a hernia repair, in most cases

As the other surgeons have indicated, combining procedures is frequently wise:

only one anesthetic
only one recovery period
some of the fee may be split between the insurance company and you yourself

However, be certain that you do not have an incarcerated umbilical hernia. In unusual circumstances, a loop of intestine can be caught in the hernia. If that bowel is injured during the repair, the case will be have been "contaminated." Although the hernia repair can still be performed successfully in the vast majority of cases, the surgeons should NOT do the liposuction. Yes, even if you paid for it, you are better off not having liposuction at the same time as an intestinal injury. Bowel contents (read poop!) will contaminate wounds, and I would not want to increase the size of a dirty surgery unless the procedure were absolutely necessary (which liposuction never is).

Michael C. Pickart, MD

Ventura Plastic Surgeon

Can Local Plastic Surgeons Handle Buttock Revisions to GAP Donor Site? I had bilateral SGAP Breast Reconstruction in August. I had to travel to have it done. I have an open wound on my breast and so I'm not ready for Stage II. However, I don't want to wait to get a more comfortable contour to my behind. Can a local plastic surgeon with extensive buttock Lipo experience (but not with GAP donor site) handle this or are there medical issues unique to a GAP that would require me to go to a microvascular surgeon? The scars look fine, I just want to get rid of the uncomfortable "tail" and shape things up a bit.

A: SGAP Donor Sites Are NOT Tricky to Recontour

Sure, any experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon can revise your SGAP donor site. However, I would caution against haste. You still have an open wound on your chest? Was your procedure just done in August? I recommend waiting a minimum of 6-12 months before revision surgery.

Michael C. Pickart, MD

Ventura Plastic Surgeon

Still in Pain 15 Years After Liposuction and Tummy Tuck I had Liposuction 15 years ago and I still have pain and burning. My abdomen is still lumpy. I had a tummy tuck at the same time. My upper part is way bigger than the lower.

I put on weight to hide the difference. I am unhappy. I went back and let my doctor see the results and he had a freaked out look on his face and I could tell it’s not right. He won’t admit he messed up now it’s too late to sue and I am afraid to go back.

Help,
Joyce

A: 15 Years of Dissatisfaction after Belly Surgery

Dear Joyce,

I am sorry to hear that you are so unhappy and that you remain in pain. Please return to your doctor. At the minimum, ask for your records and seek a second opinion (from a doctor certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery).

The issue is not who is at fault. (The surgeon's for over-aggressive surgery in one area, and under-aggressive in another? Yours for gaining weight?) My goal for you would be to relieve your pain and to restore your confidence.

Best wishes,
Michael C. Pickart, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Michael C. Pickart, MD

Ventura Plastic Surgeon