How to Get Ready for Liposuction
Liposuction is a popular body contouring procedure that can help you to get rid of stubborn fat nearly anywhere on your body that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise alone. Once you’ve consulted an experienced cosmetic surgeon and decided that liposuction is right for you, the next step is to start preparing for your procedure.
Although your cosmetic surgeon will most likely give you a detailed list of instructions for how to get ready for liposuction, there are some general tips and tricks that you can keep in mind at various stages of your liposuction preparation as well.
Early Liposuction Prep
Even though liposuction can be an excellent tool for achieving the slimmer, sleeker shape you want, it isn’t an effective weight loss method. Because of this, you’re going to see the best results if you are already at or very close to your target weight before your procedure. Maintaining a regular exercise routine and making healthy eating choices can help you to reach your weight loss goals prior to getting lipo.
Another lifestyle change that you may need to make in the early stages of your preparation for surgery is to quit smoking. Not only can smoking increase your risk of complications during liposuction, but it can also prolong your body’s healing process afterward, which could affect the quality of your results. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to stop all tobacco use at least 4 weeks before your surgery.
Several Weeks before Your Procedure
Once you have a date for your liposuction procedure, you’ll want to make sure you schedule a few days to a week off of work to give yourself some time to rest and recover. The amount of time you choose to take off will depend on the size and number of areas being treated, as well as the physical demands of your job. Keep in mind that you’ll need to avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks after getting liposuction.
Your cosmetic surgeon should also give you a list of certain medications to stop taking several weeks before and after your surgery to help minimize bruising and complications. This includes over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen, as well as some herbal supplements. Make sure you go over any prescription and non-prescription medications you’re currently taking with your cosmetic surgeon prior to your procedure.
Arrange for help ahead of time with kids, pets and duties around the house for a few days or weeks after getting liposuction.
The Days Leading up to Liposuction
As the big day approaches, there are a few things you can do for yourself now so that you won’t have to worry about them when you come home from your procedure. First, plan out where you’re going to be spending the majority of your recovery time and prepare a nice comfy space for yourself. Equip your area with things like books, movies, fluffy pillows, blankets, tissues and anything else you might need to rest and relax.
During this time, you can also get caught up on laundry, household chores and grocery shopping so you can focus on resting and relaxing when you get home. Many people find that doing a little meal prep ahead of time and freezing pre-portioned meals is a great way to have plenty of healthy foods to eat during liposuction recovery.
