What Should I Do Before My Liposuction Procedure?
Liposuction is typically a less invasive option than other types of cosmetic surgeries, but you still need time to rest and recover. So, what can you do ahead of time to have a smooth liposuction procedure experience from start to finish? In this blog, we’ll discuss things you should do prior to your liposuction surgery to ensure you’re prepared for the procedure.
Table of Contents
What Do I Need to Know About Liposuction and Recovery?
Step One: Choosing the Right Surgeon
Step Two: Going to Your Liposuction Consultation
Step Three: Following Your Surgeon’s Pre-op Instructions
Step Four: Preparing a Recovery Area at Home
Step Five: The Day of Your Liposuction Surgery
Learn More About Liposuction in La Jolla
What Do I Need to Know About Liposuction and Recovery?
Liposuction is an outpatient surgical procedure designed to remove pockets of excess fat from nearly anywhere on your body. The procedure typically takes anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the amount of fat being removed and the areas it is being removed from. Once you return home, you must limit your activity and rest for at least one week. Most patients can return to work a week or two after their liposuction procedure and get back to exercising and more strenuous activities about a month after surgery.
Now that you know the basics of liposuction surgery and recovery, what are the best ways to prepare for your liposuction procedure?
Step One: Choosing the Right Surgeon
The most important part of your liposuction journey is finding an experienced plastic surgeon you trust to perform your procedure. Don’t settle for just any surgeon—it is essential that you receive liposuction from a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Did you know that any medical doctor can perform cosmetic surgery? They don’t have to undergo any special training to advertise that they offer cosmetic procedures. On the other hand, board-certified plastic surgeons have undergone specialized training and rigorous testing specific to plastic surgery. They must demonstrate their knowledge and abilities to the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and recertify every 10 years.
Dr. Larry Pollack is board certified by the ABPS and is also a member of both the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Step Two: Going to Your Liposuction Consultation
Once you’ve researched and found a plastic surgeon, it’s time to schedule a consultation. While you may think a consultation is for your surgeon to find out what you want, it’s more for you to determine if they’re the right choice for you.
At your consultation, your surgeon will talk to you about your concerns and goals for your liposuction procedure. This is usually when the surgery is explained, and any specific techniques or philosophies are discussed. Often, a physical examination will be performed, and your medical history and current health condition will be reviewed to determine if you’re a viable candidate for liposuction.
Your consultation is the time when you should ask any and all questions about your surgeon and their credentials, including (but not limited to):
- Are you a board-certified plastic surgeon?
- How long have you been practicing?
- What type of procedures do you specialize in?
- What is your experience performing liposuction?
- Do you have before and after photos of your liposuction patients that I can see?
- Where will my surgery take place (in a hospital or accredited surgical center)?
- Do you have hospital privileges?
- What are the risks involved with liposuction surgery?
You should also discuss the potential outcomes of your liposuction surgery. You may have an idea of what you’d like to look like, which may not align with what is possible. It’s up to your surgeon to let you know what to expect so that you have realistic expectations for your results.
Step Three: Following Your Surgeon’s Pre-op Instructions
The next step in the liposuction process is to schedule your surgery and start preparing. Your surgeon will provide you with pre-op instructions so you can be ready for a safe and successful surgery day. Some of the instructions may include:
- Stop smoking or nicotine use at least two weeks before surgery
- Discontinue the use of blood-thinning medications, both prescription and over-the-counter
- Avoid drinking alcohol a few days before surgery
- When to start fasting before your procedure
Your surgeon’s instructions will likely also include what to do the day of your surgery, including bringing the required identification and paperwork and arranging for a responsible adult to provide transportation to and from the surgical facility.
Step Four: Preparing a Recovery Area at Home
Because you will need to limit your activity after liposuction surgery, it’s best to prepare a recovery area beforehand. Some of the items to include to make yourself as comfortable as possible include:
- Prescription and over-the-counter pain medications
- Water bottle and light snacks
- Pillows to prop yourself up for greater comfort and to help minimize swelling
- Electronics (phone, chargers, television remote)
You will be instructed to wear compression garments after liposuction to reduce swelling and shape the treatment area. Your first garment will be provided to you, but additional garments can be purchased ahead of time. You may also need to arrange for coverage of any household duties or child and pet care during the first week or two of your recovery. Prepare meals or order groceries to ensure that you get adequate rest to jumpstart your recovery.
Step Five: The Day of Your Liposuction Surgery
On the day of your surgery, you’ll follow your surgeon’s guidelines for showering, including refraining from wearing lotion or other skin care products. You’ll want to put on soft, loose clothes that are easy to get on and off and that you feel comfortable wearing. Remember to leave any jewelry at home.
As specified by your surgeon, you will start fasting the night before your surgery and stop your water intake at a specific time. However, any required prescription medications can be taken with a sip of water as instructed by your surgeon. Arrive at your appointment early and get ready to embrace your new shape!
Learn More About Liposuction in La Jolla
Now that you know some of the ways to prepare for liposuction surgery, it’s time to take the leap and schedule your consultation with Dr. Larry Pollack. To discover how liposuction performed by Dr. Pollack can help you reach your aesthetic goals, call our office today at 858-450-9100 or complete the online contact form.