What Should I Do Before My Liposuction Procedure?

Planning to get liposuction can be an exciting time for many patients. This blog discusses factors to consider when choosing a liposuction surgeon, how to prepare for liposuction surgery, and planning for the recovery process. 

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Planning on Getting Liposuction?

When you’ve concluded you deserve some help in battling stubborn fat deposits, you’re on your way to a newly confident self. For those wanting to get rid of excess fat deposits, liposuction can be a transformative procedure. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes stubborn fat, typically in areas resistant to diet and exercise. Treatment areas include the upper, mid, and lower body, allowing many patients to achieve their ideal shape in their chosen areas finally.

Once a patient has decided that they’d like to get liposuction, they must go through a process of researching and planning to ensure that they are well-prepared for the procedure. The liposuction preparation process is just as important as the surgical procedure itself. During the initial preparation phase, thorough research must be done to find the right board-certified surgeon, and the patient will come up with a clear vision for their desired outcome. Financing plans must also be made. After this is all done, the patient will start preparing for the procedure itself and the recovery process.

Being well-prepared for the liposuction procedure will ensure patients have a smooth consultation, surgery, and recovery. Having a clear understanding of the entire process and being prepared for every step along the way can also help you enjoy your smooth, sculpted results even sooner.

Choosing a Liposuction Surgeon

Choosing to get liposuction is a very personal decision. Patients will want to make sure to pick a reputable surgeon with whom they feel comfortable to ensure open and clear communication throughout their entire plastic surgery experience.

Research Board-Certified Surgeons

Selecting an experienced, board-certified surgeon is an essential step of the liposuction process. When choosing a surgeon, it’s important to keep in mind that that person will be responsible for carrying out the chosen aesthetic vision. Read through a few surgeon’s websites and use the consultation appointment to gauge if your vision aligns with the surgeon’s expertise.

Discuss Concerns and Goals During Consultation

A consultation appointment is an excellent way to get a feel for the surgeon’s personality, compassion, and techniques. During the consultation, the patient’s medical history will be assessed, the chosen treatment areas will be examined, and the desired results will be discussed. If the surgeon determines that the person is a good liposuction candidate, and if the patient chooses to pursue the procedure with that surgeon, a treatment plan will be created. This treatment plan will include what techniques will be used to achieve the patient’s aesthetic goals.

Plan for Payment

Understanding the total cost of a liposuction procedure can help patients plan their payments. A price quote will be given during the liposuction consultation, and patients can ask about financing options.

How Should I Prepare for Liposuction?

There are several things patients can do in the weeks leading up to surgery and on the day of their liposuction appointment to ensure their bodies are ready and they are in the best condition for the procedure.

Maintain Stable Weight

Before receiving liposuction, patients should be at or near their goal weight. This is important because liposuction can only remove limited amounts of fat. Additionally, losing significant weight after liposuction can create excess, sagging skin, which will obstruct the body contouring results. Maintaining a stable weight for at least a few months before liposuction can help patients have an easier time staying at a stable weight post-surgery, as doing so will prolong results.

Quit Smoking

Patients who smoke will need to quit smoking at least three weeks before their liposuction procedure and three weeks after. Smoking increases surgical complications and issues during recovery that could harm results or extend the required downtime. Some surgeons recommend stopping smoking for at least six weeks before and after surgery, or even longer, to stay on the safe side.

Avoiding Drugs and Alcohol

Recreational drug and alcohol use can also negatively affect the surgical and recovery processes. Patients should typically stop using recreational drugs at least two weeks before and after surgery or longer if the surgeon instructs them to do so. Alcohol should be avoided for at least one week before surgery and another one to two weeks after surgery.

Adjust Medications

Some patients may need to adjust their current medications if they are taking anti-inflammatory drugs or anything else that increases the risk of bleeding. Medications that increase bleeding risks typically need to be avoided for at least two weeks before and after surgery. Making these medication adjustments is necessary to avoid blood clotting complications.

Prepare to Fast

The surgeon will instruct patients to fast for at least seven hours before the liposuction appointment. No food or drinks can be consumed during this time. Fasting prior to undergoing anesthesia ensures that the patient’s stomach is empty and prevents nausea and food or drinks from moving to the lungs.

Preparing for Liposuction Recovery

In the days leading up to the liposuction procedure, taking some time to prepare for recovery can help ensure a smooth and safe healing process.

Pick up Prescribed Medications

Pain medications may be prescribed to help patients be more comfortable during recovery. To make things easier, patients can pick up these medications the day before the procedure so they have everything they need when they go home after surgery.

Arrange a Ride Home

Liposuction patients will need to arrange for someone to drive them home on the day of their procedure. After surgery, patients will wake up from anesthesia and will not be in a safe condition to operate a vehicle. It can be helpful to plan ahead for who will be driving you home to make sure everything is in order.

Prepare Your Space

Resting is extremely important after liposuction. Many patients find it beneficial to prepare easy meals and gather loose-fitted, comfortable clothing so they don’t have to worry about these things while their bodies are healing.

Want to Know More About Liposuction in Huntsville, AL?

The Cosmetic Surgery Center of Huntsville can help people planning their liposuction procedures by providing more in-depth information about the process or scheduling a consultation. To contact us or set up a consultation with Dr. Robert J. Knowling, call (256) 881-2220 or fill out our online contact form.