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.