Congratulations — you’ve decided that you want to undergo liposuction! This can be a life-changing procedure for those who choose it, reshaping their body and giving them confidence that will last a lifetime.
However, there’s more to a liposuction than just the procedure. At our Milwaukee, Wisconsin clinic, we’ve prepared countless people for liposuction, informing them about how they should prepare for the procedure as well as what they should expect in the days, weeks, and months that follow.
In this article, we’re going to walk you through everything that you should do prior to your liposuction in order to ensure the best outcomes and give you a result that you can be happy and confident about for the rest of your life.
1. Consult a Board-Certified Surgeon
The first step to a successful liposuction is finding a surgeon you can trust. We’ve previously discussed how one can find the best plastic surgeons in their area, but in short, you should make sure your surgeon and their facility are certified and that you feel comfortable with the person who will be performing the procedure.
After you’ve selected your surgeon, you will work together to create a plan for your surgery, including your goals, your desired treatment areas, and more. At this time, it’s important to ask whatever questions you might have before the procedure, as understanding what to expect will help you prepare mentally and physically for what’s to come.
2. Adjust Medications and Supplements
While you’re planning your procedure, you should Inform your surgeon about any medications and supplements you’re taking. This is an important step, as some medications and supplements can impact surgical outcomes.
After this conversation, your surgeon will advise on what to stop taking before surgery and when you can resume such medication.
3. Reach and Maintain a Stable Weight
Liposuction is generally used to reshape the body, not for weight loss. While you will lose a substantial amount of fat through liposuction, knowing that you can reach and maintain a stable weight will ensure the best results in the long-term while also making it easier for your surgeon to sculpt the treated areas.
4. Adopt a Healthy Diet and Exercise Routine
One of the best ways to ensure a successful recovery is getting your diet and exercise in order. A healthy diet with moderate exercise will put you in an ideal position as you begin recovering from the procedure.
If you don’t know where to start, simply try focusing on lean proteins and healthy fats and add more vegetables in your diet. For exercise, adding a moderately paced walk into your day can do wonders, though you should consult with your surgeon about a timeline for returning to exercise following your liposuction.
5. Stop Smoking and Avoid Alcohol
There are plenty of reasons to quit smoking, one of them being that it makes procedures like liposuction a little more complicated. The presence of nicotine in your body can increase the likelihood of things going awry, so in general, experts recommend quitting smoking at least four to six weeks before surgery.
Alcohol, too, should be avoided, as it can increase the risk of bleeding and dehydration. Advice about alcohol varies from expert to expert, but overall, most surgeons say that alcohol should be avoided for at least a week before your liposuction.
6. Plan for Recovery
Liposuction requires downtime for healing. One should usually expect to take one to two weeks off work, depending on the extent of the procedure. On the day of your liposuction, you should arrange for someone to drive you home and assist you for the first 24 to 48 hours. Speaking of home, we’d recommend preparing a recovery space with comfortable seating, pillows, and entertainment to ensure you have a calm healing process.
During this preparation, you should also get everything that you might need post-procedure, including all medications and compression garments recommended by your surgeon. These could include pain medications, bandages, and antibiotics, though your surgeon will be able to give you greater insight into what you should prepare for in the days following your liposuction.
7. Mentally Prepare
It’s natural to feel both excited and nervous before your liposuction. Don’t worry! Stay positive, trust your surgeon, and surround yourself with supportive friends and family. Remember: results take time to reveal themselves, but once they do, you’ll be happy that you allowed yourself to rest in the days and weeks following your liposuction.
Final Thoughts
By taking proactive steps, you can ensure that your liposuction will be a smooth process. Follow your surgeon’s advice, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and plan your recovery, and you’ll be on track to achieving your desired body contour. Patience is key — your final results will reveal themselves gradually as you heal.
If you’re interested in scheduling a liposuction consultation, reach out to the offices of Dr. Mark Bosbous today!