Preparing for Liposuction

Liposuction should consist of consultation with your surgeon before you undergo surgery. All surgeries will come with a list of precautions and risks, and liposuction is no different. Your doctor is the best person to inform you of how to prepare for the body slimming procedure; be sure to be receptive of his or her advice for the safest surgery and best results.

In a preparation appointment, your doctor will go over what medications you are taking. Be sure to be all inclusive and honest at this time; even over the counter vitamins can affect how your body reacts to anesthesia and to surgery. Your doctor will want you to cease any contraception methods that put hormones into your body for up to a month prior, and you should also avoid anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and even some vitamins. The presence of some medicines is conducive to bleeding, other affect the blood in different ways. You should also stop smoking in preparation, and it is also advised not to resume afterward.

Liposuction is not a solution to weight loss or an alternative to diet and exercise. Most will suggest that you be at a healthy weight before undergoing the procedure as it is meant to treat stubborn areas of your body that will not seem to budge even with proper diet and exercise. Conversely, it is also suggested that you not lose a significant amount of weight immediately prior to the procedure; you should be steadily maintaining a healthy desired weight. A large expeditious weight loss is usually followed by a gain, and gaining after lipo is certainly not cost effective, nor is it conducive to the success of the surgery.

If you are moving forward with the procedure, you should now begin to make preparations for your recovery period. Most experience outpatient operations, but some who are undergoing a large removal may be required to stay overnight at the hospital. Be prepared to have someone drive you home in either situation, and be sure that all in your home expect that you will be resting and recovering for a period of time. You will need to be home from work for several days and preferably an entire week, while you will not be able to return to strenuous activities for six to eight weeks. You will have pain, bruising, and stitches to contend with, and following your surgeon’s recommendations will help you heal at the fastest rate possible.