Liposuction Recovery – Tips and Insights from Dr. Effie Politis

Key Takeaways:

  1. Liposuction is about sculpting and refining, not solely about weight or fat loss.
  2. Post-operative care for liposuction often involves the use of compression garments to facilitate healing, as well as massage therapy to reduce swelling and improve circulation.
  3. The liposuction recovery process can take up to 12 months, but patients can expect to see noticeable changes as early as within three months.

In the complex field of body contouring, liposuction has emerged as a highly popular and effective procedure. Yet, many individuals hesitate at its mention, largely due to misconceptions about the process and recovery timeline. Dr. Effie Politis, a leading plastic surgeon in Tampa, Florida, seeks to dispel those myths and provide a clearer understanding of what liposuction entails.

Liposuction: More Than Just Fat Reduction

“Liposuction needs to be performed very strategically,” advises Dr. Politis. Contrary to popular perception, liposuction isn’t solely about weight or fat loss – it’s about sculpting and refining. “There is fat reduction in key areas,” she acknowledges, but emphasizes that the focus is on optimizing the contouring of the patient’s body.

Preparing for Liposuction

As with any surgical procedure, the preoperative phase is just as crucial as the surgery itself. The team at Politis Plastic Surgery ensures patients have realistic expectations. “It’s not a very painful procedure, but it is quite a long recovery,” says Dr. Politis. The acknowledgment of the recovery phase plays a significant role in the patient’s decision-making process and subsequent satisfaction with the procedure.

Postoperative Care and Recovery

Postoperative care for liposuction usually involves the use of compression garments to facilitate healing. Dr. Politis adds, “Some patients require massage therapy or lymphatic massage, what we call them.” This therapy aids in reducing swelling and improving circulation for quicker recovery. Not everyone will require drainage or catheters – it is largely dependent on the area treated.

The Long Road to Recovery

Undoubtedly, the recovery process for liposuction demands patience. “The recovery overall, to be honest with you, is nine to 12 months,” Dr. Politis explains. However, the fruits of this patience are rewarding. Although the process may be extended, patients can expect to see noticeable changes almost immediately. “You can start seeing results at least within three months,” she assures.

Liposuction with Politis Plastic Surgery

Choosing to undergo liposuction is an important decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Fortunately, with expert guidance from a skilled professional like Dr. Effie Politis, you can be confident in your choice. At Politis Plastic Surgery in Tampa, the focus goes beyond the physical transformation – the team strives to ensure your comfort, clarity, and satisfaction at every stage of your journey.

With their detailed counsel and strategic approach to Tampa plastic surgery, your body contouring goals are within reach. Remember, liposuction is not just another weight-loss scheme but a carefully executed procedure, designed to enhance your natural shape and restore your confidence. And there’s no one better to guide you through this transformative journey than Dr. Effie Politis, a renowned plastic surgeon in Tampa.

Let the team at Politis Plastic Surgery help you on your journey to an enhanced, more confident you.

References:

  1. Politis Plastic Surgery | Plastic Surgeon in Tampa, FL. (2023, January 22). Politis Plastic Surgery. https://politisplasticsurgery.com/body/liposuction/
  2. Politis Plastic Surgery. (2023, September 11). Politis Plastic Surgery | Plastic Surgeon in Tampa, FL. Politis Plastic Surgery. https://politisplasticsurgery.com/what-areas-can-liposuction-target-and-is-it-permanent/
  3. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2023). American Society of Plastic Surgeons. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction
  4. NHS Choices. (2023). Liposuction. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/cosmetic-surgery/liposuction/
  5. Center. (2022). Non-Invasive Body Contouring Technologies. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/aesthetic-cosmetic-devices/non-invasive-body-contouring-technologies

Transcription:

Hi, my name is Dr. Effie Politis with Politis Plastic Surgery. Liposuction needs to be performed again very strategically and it needs to be the patients we typically counsel them preoperatively of what to expect. So it’s not a very painful procedure, but it is quite a long recovery. So again, we’re not using this for fat or weight loss. There is fat reduction in key areas, but we put the patients postoperatively in garments to help compress everything. Some patients require massage therapy or lymphatic massage, what we call them. Most of the patients don’t require any drainage or catheters. It just depends on the area and where we’re doing it, but again, it’s usually an adjunct to open surgery, whether it be breast or abdomen. The recovery overall, to be honest with you, is nine to 12 months, but you can start seeing results immediately, at least within three months.

What Areas Can Liposuction Target and Is It Permanent?

Key Takeaways:

  1. Liposuction can target multiple areas of the body including the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, and chin/neck.
  2. Liposuction is not a permanent solution, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle and close contact with a surgeon can help ensure long-term results.
  3. Consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon is important for personalized advice and guidance.

We live in an age of more: more information, more options, more ways to shape and mold our bodies to fit our unique visions of ourselves. Liposuction, a surgical procedure that removes excess fat, has emerged as a popular solution for body contouring. But like any good thing, understanding its application and permanence is crucial. So, what areas can liposuction target and is it a permanent solution?

Target Areas of Liposuction: Sculpting Your Unique Vision

You’ve probably wondered, “What parts of the body can benefit from liposuction?” The answer might surprise you.

Abdomen and Waist: From Flab to Fabulous

The abdomen and waist are magnets for stubborn fat. Liposuction here removes excess fat, giving you a more defined waistline. Yes, say goodbye to those love handles and hello to a sleeker silhouette.

Thighs: From Stubborn to Sculpted

Thighs can be a trouble spot. A surplus of fat here can resist diet and exercise. But, fear not. Liposuction can reduce stubborn fat, enhancing your overall thigh contour and boosting your confidence.

Hips and Buttocks: Balance and Volume in All the Right Places

Liposuction can also sculpt the hips into a balanced silhouette and enhance the shape and size of the buttocks. If you’ve been dreaming of a more proportionate figure, liposuction may be your answer.

Arms: Toned Not Tormented

Upper arms often accumulate fat leading to a flabby appearance. Liposuction targets this area, eliminating excess fat and helping you achieve toned and defined arms. Wave goodbye with confidence.

Chin and Neck: Neck-Reveal in Progress

Unwanted fat under the chin and in the neck area can be off-putting. Liposuction can remove this fat, enhancing your profile and reducing the appearance of a double chin.

Permanence of Liposuction: The Long Game

So, is liposuction permanent? Not technically. Liposuction removes excess fat but it doesn’t reduce fat cells. This means that weight gain can still occur post-surgery, compromising your results.

Factors to Keep in Mind: Keep it Toned

Several factors can affect the long-term results of liposuction. Weight fluctuations, lifestyle choices, and the aging process may interfere with your desired outcome. But, maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and following post-liposuction care instructions can help ensure long-lasting results. Remember, liposuction is a tool for contouring, not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.

Get Personal: Your Body, Your Rules

Every body is unique. If you’re considering liposuction, consult with a qualified plastic surgeon for personalized advice and guidance.

Conclusion: Liposuction's Promise

In conclusion, liposuction is a versatile solution for body contouring. It can target multiple areas including the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, and the chin and neck area. While not technically permanent, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and keeping in close contact with your surgeon plays a crucial role in ensuring the longevity of your results.

At Politis Plastic Surgery in Tampa, FL, you’ll find Dr. Effie Politis, a renowned plastic surgeon in Tampa who is well-versed in the art of body contouring. Her experience, combined with her commitment to personalized care, makes her the go-to expert in the Tampa plastic surgery scene. Let her guide your journey to a new and improved you.

References:

  1. Politis Plastic Surgery | Plastic Surgeon in Tampa, FL. (2023, January 22). Politis Plastic Surgery. https://politisplasticsurgery.com/body/liposuction/
  2. Politis Plastic Surgery. (2023, September). Effie Politis, MD: Understanding Liposuction | Politis Plastic Surgery. Politis Plastic Surgery. https://politisplasticsurgery.com/effie-politis-md-understanding-liposuction/
  3. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2023). American Society of Plastic Surgeons. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction
  4. NHS Choices. (2023). Liposuction. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/cosmetic-surgery/liposuction/
  5. Center. (2022). Non-Invasive Body Contouring Technologies. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/aesthetic-cosmetic-devices/non-invasive-body-contouring-technologies ‌

Effie Politis, MD: Understanding Liposuction

Key Takeaways:

  1. Liposuction is an art form crafted to bring out your ideal figure and enhance your overall well-being.
  2. Dr. Effie Politis uses suction-assisted liposuction—a safe technique that has produced consistently excellent results for countless patients.
  3. Liposuction is a tool for contouring and shaping different parts of the body, and it can also be used in conjunction with other procedures to create the most pleasing and balanced figure possible.

A Journey through Liposuction

“You have a vision of you at your best, and we help to make it real.” These are the words of Dr. Effie Politis at Politis Plastic Surgery in Tampa, Florida. As her statement suggests, liposuction is more than just a surgical procedure—it’s an art form crafted to bring out your ideal figure and enhance your overall well-being.

Dr. Politis leads the way in liposuction procedures, reflecting on how far the procedure has advanced over the years. “Liposuction has come a long way,” she asserts, signaling that this Tampa plastic surgery clinic is up-to-date with the latest techniques and advancements, ensuring you get the best possible results.

A Safe and Proven Technique

Dr. Effie Politis uses suction-assisted liposuction—a safe technique that gives patients peace of mind. “I use a safe technique,” she confirms, adding, “I use suction-assisted liposuction.” This type of procedure involves the use of a vacuum to draw fat out of the body. It’s a tried-and-true method that has produced consistently excellent results for countless patients.

It's All About Contouring

Contrary to some common misconceptions, liposuction isn’t a weight loss procedure. Instead, it’s a tool for contouring and shaping different parts of the body. Dr. Politis explains, “We use it to contour and shape parts of the body and typically in adjunct with other procedures like an abdominoplasty.”

This procedure can also be used in conjunction with breast implants, breast reductions, or lifts, enabling surgeons to create the most pleasing and balanced figure possible. As Dr. Politis puts it, “So we’re able to suction fat out of the sides of the breast if they feel like they have fat there, back fat or the axilla.”

Addressing Aesthetic Concerns

Liposuction isn’t merely about achieving a certain body shape—it’s also about boosting your confidence and overall satisfaction with your appearance. Whether you’re uncomfortable with extra fat showing in tank tops or simply unhappy with certain areas of your body, this procedure can make a world of difference. Dr. Politis and her team can address and resolve these aesthetic concerns, using their expert knowledge and skills to achieve the results you desire.

Choose the Best Plastic Surgeon in Tampa

If you’re considering a liposuction procedure, there’s no better choice than Dr. Effie Politis of Politis Plastic Surgery. Not only does she offer the advanced surgical capabilities necessary to perform it safely and effectively, but she brings a comprehensive understanding of aesthetic principles and a strong commitment to patient satisfaction.

Her practice in Tampa, Florida, offers a friendly, welcoming environment and state-of-the-art facilities designed to put you at ease. Dr. Politis’ extensive training, experience, and dedication to her patients set her apart. She’s not just a top plastic surgeon in Tampa—she’s a partner in your journey towards achieving your ideal self.

So, if you’re ready to see the best version of yourself, remember the name—Dr. Effie Politis of Politis Plastic Surgery. Start your transformative journey today and experience the stunning results that come from choosing a master of the art and science of liposuction.

References:

  1. Politis Plastic Surgery | Plastic Surgeon in Tampa, FL. (2023, January 22). Politis Plastic Surgery. https://politisplasticsurgery.com/body/liposuction/
  2. Politis Plastic Surgery. (2020, August 26). Politis Plastic Surgery | Plastic Surgeon in Tampa, FL. Politis Plastic Surgery. https://politisplasticsurgery.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-your-liposuction-recovery
  3. Bandoim, L. (2017, September 20). Is Liposuction Safe? Healthline; Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/is-liposuction-safe
  4. NHS Choices. (2023). Liposuction. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/cosmetic-surgery/liposuctio/
  5. Matarasso, A., Kim, R. W., & Kral, J. G. (1998). The Impact of Liposuction on Body Fat. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 102(5), 1686–1689. https://doi.org/10.1097/00006534-199810000-00057

Transcription:

Hi, my name is Dr. Effie Politis with Politis Plastic Surgery. So liposuction has come a long way. I use a safe technique. I use suction assisted liposuction and we now use liposuction. It’s not a weight loss procedure. We use it to contour and shape parts of the body and typically in adjunct with other procedures like an abdominoplasty, sometimes when women are getting breast implants or breast reductions or lifts. So we’re able to suction fat out of the sides of the breast if they feel like they have fat there, back fat or the axilla or some women do carry some fat and it shows in tank tops and they’re not happy with that.

Embracing Natural Beauty with Bilateral Mastopexy and Liposuction at Politis Plastic Surgery

3 Key Takeaways:

  • The simplicity of a Bilateral Mastopexy with Liposuction of Axillas procedure by Dr. Effie Politis, a top-rated plastic surgeon in Tampa, FL, can result in remarkable, natural outcomes.
  • Politis Plastic Surgery prides itself on customizing procedures to each patient’s unique needs and desires, with a focus on achieving natural results.
  • Dr. Effie Politis, a board-certified plastic surgeon, provides comprehensive evaluations and personalized consultation to discuss and decide the best possible approach for each patient.

Bilateral Mastopexy and LiposuctionWhen it comes to enhancing your physique, sometimes simplicity is indeed the key. This concept resonates at the heart of Politis Plastic Surgery, located in Tampa, FL. Dr. Effie Politis, a leading plastic surgeon in Tampa, FL, embodies this philosophy by delivering remarkably natural results to her patients.

One such example is a recent case where a 56-year-old patient underwent a Bilateral Mastopexy with Liposuction of the Axillas. This procedure provides a dual approach to improve the appearance of the breasts and underarm areas. It’s an effective method that combines breast lifting with the removal of excess fat in the underarm area, ensuring a balanced, natural aesthetic result.

At Politis Plastic Surgery, the emphasis is always on the individual, ensuring each procedure is tailored to meet the patient’s unique needs and desires. Dr. Politis is renowned for her ability to enhance a patient’s beauty while maintaining their natural individuality, allowing their authentic self to shine through.

This patient-centric approach coupled with Dr. Politis’s outstanding surgical expertise underscores why she is highly regarded as a plastic surgeon in Tampa, FL. Her dedication to achieving a natural result means that the changes she facilitates serve to compliment and enhance the inherent beauty each patient possesses, rather than overshadowing it.

If you’re considering a change, why not schedule a consultation with Dr. Effie Politis herself? In your consultation, she will thoroughly evaluate your case, discuss your desired outcomes, and together, you can decide the best possible approach to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

To get started on your journey towards an enhanced, but natural, you, contact the clinic via call or text at (813) 542-2587. Alternatively, you can learn more about their offerings at politisplasticsurgery.com or pay them a visit at 5016 West Cypress Street, Suite 200, Tampa, FL 33607.

In the pursuit of natural beauty and self-confidence, let Dr. Effie Politis guide your way. Embrace the transformative simplicity offered by Politis Plastic Surgery. After all, simplicity truly is key.

References:

What is Fat Transfer

Hi my name is Dr. Effie Politis with Politis Plastic Surgery

Fat Transfer is a great technique or adjunct to many of my surgeries. It can be used on the face, breast, buttocks or any other part of the body with any contour deformities. So basically we take fat from an area that has more fat, so typically the abdomen, the flanks and we transfer to an area that’s deficient of fat. The way we do that is by harvesting the fat with small cannulas liposuction, liposuction cannulas under a certain amount of pressure, then we process and filter the fat and wash it so we clean it up from all of the oil and ingredients that we don’t want. And then it is placed through a closed system into cannulas and we can inject that again for panfacial rejuvenation or breast enhancement if they’re looking for smaller volumes. Of course you’ve heard of the buttock augmentation with fat and that’s another procedure that we can do with this excess fat.

What to Know If You’re Considering Liposuction

Bothered by stubborn fat deposits that won’t go away even with regular exercise and healthy eating? At Politis Plastic Surgery, we recommend you consider liposuction to achieve a more comfortable and confident look.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that removes unwanted fat deposits from specific areas of the body. A plastic surgeon makes incisions to reach the fat deposits and uses a cannula to draw them out. The areas commonly treated include the abdomen, arms, thighs, hips, ankles, calves, neck, love handles, tummy, face, chest and buttocks.

read more here

What you need to know about your liposuction recovery

Have you tried getting rid of stubborn pockets of fat in your belly? Are you frustrated by barely noticeable results after months of exercise and dieting? If so, then liposuction—an outpatient cosmetic procedure—can offer a fast and effective solution to your dilemma.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that removes excess fat from a localized area of the body. A thin, hollow tube called a “cannula” is inserted through incisions made in the surgical site and used to loosen the excess fat and suction it via a vacuum or cannula-attached syringe.

Who can undergo the procedure?

You can be a candidate for the procedure if you have overall good health, have one or more areas of excess fat that do not respond to diet or exercise, and are within 30% of your ideal weight. Liposuction is not a substitute for losing weight or exercising. The goal is to remove stubborn pockets of fat to make your body appear slimmer and contoured.

What are the prerequisites of a successful liposuction?

While highly safe and effective, liposuction involves surgical incisions and comes with a downtime and recovery period. Hence, it requires preparation in order to recover properly and achieve the desired results.

The most critical aspect of this procedure is consulting a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in liposuction. A skilled surgeon will offer an individualized consultation, align your aesthetic goals to what the surgery can do, help you understand the potential results, and guide you in making an informed decision. She will also help you understand what you should expect during and after surgery, which will make your recovery process easier and faster.

You should have realistic expectations of what liposuction will help you achieve before you undergo the procedure. Liposuction can be superbly transformative when used to achieve specific aesthetic objectives, but much less so for those with unclear goals. This is why it is important to share your objectives and expectations with your surgeon and have them evaluated to ascertain the feasibility of the procedure in helping you achieve them.

Also, you should know that the recovery process after liposuction varies from person to person. In fact, factors such as your age, prior medical history and overall health will determine how quickly you recover. What you do in the period leading up to the surgery—weight loss, healthy diet and quitting smoking—will also affect your recovery. So speak with your surgeon, understand the procedure and how to prepare for it, understand the recovery process, and then allow your body to heal at its own pace.

What should you expect soon after surgery?

Liposuction is an outpatient procedure. You should expect to go home the same day. However, if a large amount of fat is to be removed, you may be required to stay in the hospital overnight to be closely observed.

Immediately after surgery, you will be placed in a compression garment that was custom-designed and fitted for you before the procedure. Then you will be moved to the recovery room for observation and then discharge an hour or two after the procedure.

While you are in the recovery room, your response to the surgery will be monitored. Your vital signs will be checked, including oxygen levels and blood pressure and any signs of dizziness and nausea. If all signs are good, you may return home.

You should have the following supplies ready for you at home:

  • Pain medication
  • Soda crackers for nausea
  • Bottled water
  • Comfortable, loose clothing
  • Dark towels to place on your car seat to absorb leaking fluids
  • Pillows for comfortable rest

Regardless of whether you stay overnight in the hospital, you will need someone to drive you home. The residual effects of anesthesia and pain medication make driving unsafe.

What happens the first 3 days after liposuction?

On the first day, you will have compression garments or elastic bandages wrapped around the surgical sites to help reduce swelling and contour your body to its new shape. Be sure to wear them diligently.

During the first 24 hours, you can expect some fluid to discharge from the liposuction incisions. This is a common occurrence and no need for concern. You may also have small drains placed at the surgical areas to minimize fluid buildup around the incisions. If you have drains, your surgeon will explain how to care for them.

You can expect to have moderate pain and soreness during the first few days of your recovery. If your surgeon prescribes pain medication, follow your medication schedule closely. The pain should begin to lessen within 48 hours.

Be sure to limit your activity during recovery. While the compression garments will restrict your movements, it is up to you to limit physical activity whenever possible. Get some help around the house for this early part of your recovery, particularly if you take care of young children.

What should you expect during the first and second weeks after surgery?

During the first five days following your procedure, your compression garments stay on 24 hours a day. Move your body every two hours to prevent the formation of blood clots and reduce swelling, and then rest and drink plenty of fluids. You should avoid showering and bathing—give yourself a sponge bath and wash your hair over a sink.

After day 5 and for the next 9 days, you can remove the compression garment when showering. Light exercise, like stretching or showering, can now be part of your routine.

You can expect a massive reduction in pain and soreness a week or two after your procedure, which means you will probably be able to return to work by the second week. If you have a physically demanding job, you may need more time off to fully recover. Meanwhile, you still need to wear your compression garments.

What happens between week 3 and week 5?

One month after liposuction, you will most likely feel no pain or soreness at all. Slight swelling is normal and can take months to subside completely. As the swelling and bruising continue to heal, the results from the surgery improve. By the week 4, you can resume light exercise while still avoiding strenuous or heavy activity. At this point in the recovery process, compression garments are only required for 12 hours a day.

What should you expect week 6 and beyond?

The sixth week usually marks the end of bruising and swelling, though some swelling may linger for a while. You will no longer need the compression garments and you may enjoy unrestricted activity levels unless your doctor orders otherwise. By week 6, you are free to enjoy the full scope of results from your surgery.

What should you do to speed up your recovery?

Recovery should not be rushed, but you can take certain actions to speed up your body’s natural healing process:

1. Eat healthy

Proper healing requires good nutrition even if you are completely healthy when you undergo liposuction. Eat well, eat regularly, and include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet to reduce inflammation. Protein will aid healing and maintain lean muscle mass. It is a good idea to prepare some healthy meals before your surgery since you won’t be able to cook the first few days after liposuction.

2. Stay hydrated

Hydration is essential for faster recovery, so drink plenty of water after your surgery. For variety, try infusing the water with fresh fruit. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day.

3. Get enough rest

Take it easy on your body and get plenty of rest during the first few weeks after your surgery. Proper rest and sleep will speed up your healing.

4. Walk regularly

Though strenuous exercise is not advisable during recovery, light movement will actually speed up your healing. During the first few days, exercise without increasing your heart rate and take short walks to keep yourself moving without straining your body.

5. Reduce salt

Keep your salt intake low because excess salt will increase water retention in your body and promote swelling.

6. Avoid tight waistbands

Tight waistbands and belts will slow down the drainage of fluids from the body, increase swelling, and slow down the healing process. Avoid waistbands and belts until swelling and bruising are reduced to the point where you feel comfortable wearing them.

7. Ask for help

Before the procedure, recruit a family member or friend to help you with activities such as caring for young children, cleaning or running errands. Trying to perform these activities yourself after the surgery will wear you down and prolong the recovery period.

Liposuction is a great way to boost your confidence and make you feel happier with your appearance. At Politis Plastic Surgery, our experience has shown that patients who know what to expect during and after the procedure usually have the smoothest and fastest recoveries.

Do you have more questions about liposuction recovery? Call (813) 542-2587 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Effie Politis. As a board-certified plastic surgeon who regularly performs liposuction, Dr. Politis will be happy to speak with you about how to achieve a slimmer, more contoured body. For more information about liposuction and other cosmetic surgery procedures, visit the Politis Plastic Surgery website.

What you do before liposuction really matters

Liposuction is a versatile, safe and effective method of removing unwanted fat cells that do not respond to diet and exercise. For excellent results with the procedure, you need a knowledgeable and experienced surgeon, realistic expectations and overall good health. And what you do before the surgery will determine the results.Like every surgery, liposuction is a serious procedure that may come with unwanted complications. Before you opt for the procedure, you have to be sure it is right for you and, more importantly, prepare properly to get your desired results.

How should you prepare for liposuction?

1. Achieve your ideal weight months before the procedure.

Liposuction is neither a substitute for weight loss nor a remedy for future weight gain, and it is based on your current weight and body contours. Therefore, it is best to be at your ideal stable weight at the time of surgery to avoid seeing the results from liposuction erased when your weight cycles up again.

Exercise and a nutritious diet will help you achieve a healthy stable weight and make your body ready for recovery after liposuction. Ask your plastic surgeon to help you with diet and lifestyle changes that can enable you to achieve your ideal weight several months before the procedure.

2. Build your muscles.

Liposuction removes stubborn fat and often reveals underlying muscles in the area where it is performed. In some cases, revealing these muscles by removing unwanted fat may lead to undesired body contours. It is necessary to build and tone muscles several months before the procedure to ensure the surgery delivers the appearance you desire.

Apart from helping you achieve the look you want soon after surgery, building your muscles will also enhance your strength and speed up healing.

3. Change your diet.

Diet is critical as you prepare for liposuction. An appropriate diet will boost your health and enhance the elasticity of your skin, enabling you to heal faster after surgery and achieve desired results. In preparing for your surgery, drink plenty of water and eat foods that are high in antioxidants. The foods you should target include:

  • Squashes, like zucchini and pumpkin
  • Berries, including blackberries, blueberries and acai
  • Healthy oils, like walnut oil and olive oil
  • Omega 3 fatty acids
  • Cucumber
  • Celery
  • Spices, including turmeric and cinnamon

4. Quit smoking.

Plastic surgery is an extremely delicate procedure and anything that can sabotage the results should be avoided. Since nicotine restricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow throughout the body, you should avoid smoking.

By quitting smoking, you will enjoy improved blood flow, more oxygen transport to your tissues, reduced risk of developing blood clots, accelerated healing of wounds and reduced tissue scarring and tissue death. You will also reduce the risk for complications and enhance your recovery process.

It is best to stop smoking permanently. But if you can’t, then you should stop at least one month before your procedure and only resume after you are healed.

5. Make your home ready.

For a comfortable and speedy recovery, you should prepare your home in advance for the recovery period. Recovery after liposuction does not take long, but your home should allow for the rest and relaxation you will need. Ask your plastic surgeon for suggestions on how to equip your home for your recovery period.

Generally, you can prepare your home by:

  • Putting essential items near your bed for easy reach.
  • Getting longer charge cords for electronic devices.
  • Re-organizing your wardrobe to make comfortable clothes easier to find.
  • Buying foods that are easier to prepare.
  • Making arrangements for help with your children and pets.

6. Adjust your medication.

There are a number of over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs and supplements that may cause problems during liposuction surgery. They include drugs that inhibit blood clotting, cause excessive blood clotting or interfere with anesthesia. Generally, you should avoid taking blood thinners, aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements at least three weeks before surgery.

It is important to discuss medications with your doctor for specific instructions. After this discussion with your plastic surgeon, you may be taken off certain medications temporarily or instructed to take extra precautions against potential side effects during surgery.

Remember: Never to stop taking your prescription medications unless advised to do so by your surgeon.

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we give you the opportunity to have your liposuction done in an accredited facility by a surgeon who performs the procedure regularly. We believe that as a patient, you play a critical role in achieving lasting results from the surgery. These tips are intended to give you the best possible starting point for recovery and the most desirable and enduring results.

If you have specific questions or concerns, you can arrange for a private consultation with Dr. Effie Politis. For more information about liposuction and other plastic surgery procedures, visit the Politis Plastic Surgery website.