Liposuction isn’t something you do on a whim.
In fact, if you want to ensure the best results, there are several things you need to do to prepare for your liposuction procedure. Any board-certified plastic surgeon who offers liposuction will say you need a few months of mental, physical, and material preparation before your mind, body, (and home) are ready for liposuction.
Luckily for you, that’s exactly what we’ll cover in this post. From preparing your mind and body to adjusting your schedule and making plans for help, there’s much to cover before your liposuction.
Synergistiq Wellness is the premier body sculpting aesthetics center in Tampa, FL. Book a free, no-obligation consultation with our plastic surgeon, Dr. Dayal, if you want to learn more about liposuction to look and feel your best in Tampa.
How Can the Steps You Take Before Liposuction Affect the End Results?
Liposuction has come a long way from being an invasive procedure to a much less invasive one, but it is still significant surgery. That’s why liposuction preparation involves preparing mentally, physically, and materially.
You’ll want to do everything possible to ensure quick healing and the best possible results. We’ll break down everything you need to prepare from three months to 24 hours before the surgical procedure.
Let’s dig in to our comprehensive list of liposuction preparation tips.
Preparing For Liposuction: 1-3 Months Out
The steps you take one to three months out from your liposuction will greatly impact (1) how you feel the day you go in for the cosmetic procedure and (2) your satisfaction with the results.
You’ll want to work on your mind and body during this phase.
1. Make Sure You Are Within 30 lbs of Your Goal Weight
Any board-certified plastic surgeon won’t perform liposuction unless you are within 30 lbs of your goal weight. That’s because liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, and there are legally enforced limits on how much unwanted fat a plastic surgeon can remove during a liposuction procedure.
By getting within 30 lbs of your goal weight before liposuction, you are setting up healthy habits that ensure the long-term success of your liposuction results and better prepare you to keep the stubborn fat off for good.
2. Work on Building Up Muscle to Help Improve Toned Look
You should also start weight training in the months leading up to your liposuction procedure. Many people are surprised by their appearance when they see their frame without all the stubborn fat. Sometimes, the skin takes time to retract to your new leaner form.
By building up the muscle beneath, you’ll look fuller, fitter, and more toned after your liposuction. Consistent resistance training has many health benefits and promotes faster healing due to increased vascularity.
3. Consider Your Diet
A healthy diet should be a goal for anyone—not just those looking to get liposuction. However, people looking to get liposuction should change their diet to specifically boost hydration, increase skin elasticity, and promote cellular healing.
It’s possible to change your diet to include foods rich in antioxidants, collagen, healthy oils, and water and improve your skin’s elasticity and moisture before your liposuction procedure.
Consider antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables:
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Acai berries
- Cherries
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Carrots
- Potatoes
Healthy fats and fatty acids:
- Olive oil
- Walnut oil
- Avocados
- Fish oils
Foods rich in water:
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Lettuce
- Watermelon
Antioxidant-rich spices and herbs:
- Cinnamon
- Turmeric
- Garlic
- Ginger
4. Stop All Forms of Nicotine
We all know that smoking is an unhealthy habit. You may not know just how bad smoking is for your body’s ability to heal itself. Nicotine restricts your blood vessels and prevents your blood from circulating as effectively as it otherwise would.
You need your blood vessels working optimally and circulating at 100% efficiency, especially after plastic surgery. The healing process depends heavily on your body’s ability to circulate blood through damaged tissue. Therefore, blood vessels play a vital role when your body goes to heal wounds.
Quitting smoking is not easy, but if you want to achieve the best possible results from your plastic surgery, you’ll want to make every possible effort to reduce your nicotine intake.
5. Make Sure You Are Psychologically Prepared For Liposuction
Liposuction has come a long way in terms of the technology and tools that make it possible, but it’s still a fairly involved plastic surgery procedure. You should be sure that liposuction is actually what you want.
You need to be clear and honest with yourself about your reasons for getting liposuction, and you’ll need to have realistic expectations regarding the results.
6. Schedule the Appropriate Amount of Time Off Work
You’ll want to start thinking about taking time off of work during this stage. The amount of time off you’ll need depends on the type of work you do. For example, you will not be able to perform heavy labor for a few weeks after your liposuction procedure, so if you work a physical job, you may need more time off work.
However, people who work a desk job or other non-physical jobs can return to work after a few days of rest. Talk with your plastic surgeon to learn exactly how much time you should take off, and let your employer know as soon as possible, so there are no scheduling hiccups.
Preparing For Liposuction: 2-4 Weeks Out
So, you’ve started eating right, have stopped smoking, and are now consistently weight training to prepare for your liposuction. You’ve scheduled time off with HR and are mentally ready for the cosmetic procedure.
Congrats! Here’s what to do 2-4 weeks out from your liposuction.
1. Make Sure You Start (Reading) Following The Doctor’s Pre-Op Instructions
You’ll receive thorough pre-operative instructions from your plastic surgeon. You must familiarize yourself with these inside and out. Numerous tips and suggestions will help you prepare as best as possible for your procedure.
2. Prepare Your Home For Your Recovery
You’ll also want to start planning for your recovery during this stage. You’ll need to rest for the first few days after your procedure, so make sure you set yourself up for a relaxing and expedient recovery.
Make sure food and water are abundant and within reach. You’ll also want to protect your bed, couch, or recliner from drainage fluid by lining it with protective coverings and an abundance of towels.
You’ll have a lot of downtime for a few days, so ensure you are prepared with low-intensity activities like puzzles, games, or your favorite Netflix show.
3. Make Sure You Have Plans With Friends or Family To Help You
You will need help, so reach out to friends and family to schedule some assistance.
First and foremost, you’ll need help getting home from the plastic surgeon. You’ll want to prepare transportation because you’ll be unable to drive after your procedure. It’s also crucial you have help with ordinary house chores and necessary household tasks.
You likely won’t be able to handle chores or home maintenance independently for the first few days. Think ahead and ask for help from friends or family.
4. Avoid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Other Items On the Doctor’s List
Assess what vitamins, supplements, and medications you need to stop taking. Your pre-op instructions list all the medications and supplements you should stop taking two weeks or more before your liposuction.
Be sure to stop taking the following medications:
- Dietary medications
- Phentermine
- HCG
- Hormone supplementations or creams
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Ibuprofen
- Aspirin
- Motrin
- Other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Any non-essential herbal supplements
- Blood thinners (unless otherwise cleared by your doctor)
This list is not comprehensive. Be sure to check with your plastic surgeon for a full and comprehensive list.
5. Do Not Shave the Treatment Area
Avoid shaving or trimming the treatment area at least two weeks before your procedure. Shaving increases the risk of skin infection due to micro-cuts and ingrown hairs that can form after shaving.
6. Don’t Drink Alcohol (1 Week Before or After)
Avoid alcohol one week before and after your liposuction cosmetic surgery. Alcohol interferes with the anesthetic medication used during the procedure and also thins your blood, which can lead to blood flow complications during and after your procedure.
Overall, there are many health reasons why drinking alcohol is not a great idea. However, it’s an especially bad idea before your liposuction procedure because it can negatively impact the surgery results.
Preparing For Liposuction: 24 Hours Out
You’ve made it!
It’s the day before your liposuction surgery. You have all your plans in place and your affairs in order. You’ve got plenty of food and water, a comfortable place to rest, and an abundance of help scheduled from friends or family.
What’s next? How do you prepare for liposuction surgery the day before?
1. Avoid Using Skincare Products or Other Chemicals On Your Skin
To avoid complications during the procedure and recovery process, avoid all skin care products 24 hours before your procedure: no creams, perfumes, fragrances, or essential oils.
2. Wear Loose, Comfortable Clothes
On the day of your procedure, dress in loose and comfortable clothes. No need for yoga pants and skin-tight shirts on the day of your liposuction procedure. You want to prioritize comfort and convenience.
3. Do Not Eat Or Drink Anything After Midnight Before Your Procedure
As with most surgical procedures, you’ll want to avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight before your procedure. Having food trapped in your digestive system while under anesthesia can lead to many problems, including vomiting and food getting into your lungs during your surgery.
It’s best to follow the doctor’s recommendations to reduce the chance of complications on the operating table.
Schedule Liposuction in Tampa with Synergistiq Wellness
Synergistiq Wellness is a premier body contouring center for adult patients of all ages. If you are interested in our less-invasive form of liposuction in Tampa, or other body contouring procedures, book a free consultation with our plastic surgeon today.
*The information on this page was reviewed for accuracy by the Synergistiq Wellness team. Learn more about us.