Patient Information
Q & A with Gregory C. Park, MD
COMPRESSION GARMENTS
Each plastic surgery operation performed by board certified plastic surgeons in San Diego has it’s own post-operative protocol to decrease expected swelling and bruising. For this purpose compression garments are recommended to be worn anywhere from 1-6 weeks depending on the area and surgery.
Below you will find a list of surgeries and the time in which compression garments are to be worn. These are just guidelines and if you find something less expensive and cover the area Dr. park will be just as happy and please share with us so that we may inform our future patients.
Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)
Requires compression from the armpit to 1 inch below the elbow up to 2 weeks post-op 24/7:
Male Liposuction
Abdomen or Chest to be worn 24/7 from 2-4 weeks post-op:
Female Liposuction
Arms, abdomen, back, and or thighs and Tummy tuck to be worn 24/7 from 2-6 weeks post-op:
Breast Augmentations, Breast Reductions, and Breast Lifts
Require “Sports” bras that provide comfortable, snug compression 24/7 up to 4 weeks post-op. The bras should have no underwire and should not be excessively tight.
Read more about choosing the right bra after surgery in our Blog.
When thinking of garments to purchase consider the time of year, what can be worn under clothes to work, the time in which you will be washing and drying garments, and or what will allow access to possible drains in the immediate post-op days.
SCAR HEALING OPTIMIZATION
Whether your scars are hidden in the hairline, a fold or natural crease of skin, it is important to care for them long after the post-operative period. Incisions heal anywhere between 7-10 days and mature in about a year. All scars, including incisional scars heal similarly. Collagen within scars can be arranged in an organized fashion or laid out haphazardly. How collagen forms within your healing scar may depend on a number of different factors, such as genetics, nutrition, wound environment, and closure of an incision or wound. Scar healing optimization essentially directs collagen to “flatten out and line up in a linear pattern”.
Scar Massage
In addition to closing your incisions with the utmost care, Dr. Park believes that patient participation in the healing process will optimize the appearance of a scar. Dr. Park recommends massaging a newly forming scar. By applying light pressure and massage with your fingers in the direction of the scar with Jojoba oils, coconut oils, shea butter, vitamin E, lotion, or soap in the shower you can soften scar tissue under the surface to ensure that the scar remains flat. For those that are familiar with scar care products, such as SkinMedica’s Scar Recovery Gel, these treatments help to stimulate new cell growth and aid in the restorative process.
Silicone Sheeting
There are also self-adhesive silicone sheets that can be worn directly on the scar throughout the day. Wearing silicone can help seal the scar from exposure to air and applies continuous pressure and elevates skin temp and hydration to help flatten and smooth scars. You can purchase silicone sheets through NewGel+ at www.newgelplus.com
An alternative for patients who undergo areolar reductions, breast reductions, and mastopexy (breast lift) are silicone petals that are placed over nipples and areola. This product is also made of silicone and can be purchased at most department stores such as Macy’s, Nordstroms, Victoria’s Secret or at Hollywood Fashion Secrets.
Fly In For Plastic Surgery in Oceanside & San Diego
Our patients visit us in San Diego from all parts of the United States. We are fortunate to live and work in one of the most popular tourist destinations in the U.S. The weather, beaches, and local attractions of San Diego, and the quality care and service that we provide make the decision to visit us in San Diego an easy one. You can fly-in with family or friends, or travel alone. We will make certain that your experience will be outstanding before, during, and after your surgery. Once you decide to undergo surgery with Dr. Park, we will walk you through our process that will ensure that your visit with us is smooth, pleasant, and memorable.
Step One – Initial Contact
- Visit us for a personal consultation. This is ideal for patients who prefer to meet with us before making the decision to schedule surgery.
- Schedule a Virtual Consultation. With this option, patients send digital photos and communicate with us by email or phone to determine if they are good candidates for surgery.
After your assessment, we will provide you with all fees for surgery, time required for postoperative care, and suggestions for local hotels and nursing care, if required.
Step Two – Scheduling Surgery
When you have decided to schedule surgery, our staff will offer available dates for your preoperative appointment and day of surgery. A deposit will be required to secure your date, and the balance for surgery will be due at least 3 weeks prior surgery. During your preoperative appointment you will meet us in person to undergo a physical exam, review details of your surgery, receive pre and post-operative instructions, and also obtain prescriptions for post-op medications.
Step Three – Date of Surgery
The next day your surgery will be performed at North Coast Surgery Center which is located about a block away from our office. In some cases patients can spend the night at the surgery center for an extra fee. Most patient choose to stay in a local hotel attended by family or friends. We do require that your care taker is at least 18 years of age. If you are traveling alone, we can recommend a medical attendant service that will provide a nurse to take care of you for as long as you choose.
Step Four – Recovery
We do ask our patients to stay in the San Diego area for at least 3 to 7 days. In some cases your stay may be less than 3 days. In other cases your stay may be more than 7 days. It all depends on the type and amount of surgery that you are having done. There are numerous hotels to choose from in San Diego. If you’d like to limit the time spent on the road to drive to your appointments, we recommend staying either in Carlsbad or Oceanside. Both have great beaches, local attractions, shops, and restaurants to enjoy while you’re visiting us. Hotels in these cities are within an easy drive to our office and the surgery center. If you’re not sure where to stay, we’ll be happy to provide you with recommendations.
Call us at 760.655.1414. We look forward to meeting you and arranging your surgery with North Coast Plastic Surgery and Dr. Gregory Park
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Location – Plastic Surgery in San Diego California
Dr. Gregory Park provides Plastic Surgery services at North Coast Plastic Surgery near Tri-City Medical Center. His office at 3998 Vista Way Suite A, Oceanside, California is conveniently located for patients around the Oceanside, San Diego, Carlsbad, Vista, Encinitas, Fallbrook, Del Mar, La Jolla, San Marcos, and Escondido areas.
North Coast Plastic Surgery
3998 Vista Way Suite A
Oceanside, CA 92056
760.655.1414
There are many lenders available that provide financing for elective medical procedures. You can sign up for monthly payments and stop waiting to get your procedure. Contact us or ask us during your consultation for more information about the financing companies we have partnered with.
Schedule your consultation. Call us today or provide your contact information on the form below.
Our office is open Monday through Friday 9 am to 5 pm, and on Saturdays by appointment only.
North Coast Plastic Surgery
3998 Vista Way Suite A
Oceanside, CA 92056
760.655.1414