Advertisment

Things to do before liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that uses a suction technique to remove fat from specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms or neck. Liposuction also shapes (contours) these areas. Other names for liposuction include lipoplasty and body contouring. What are the things to do before liposuction ? This article will explore the benefits of liposuction, things to do before liposuction and things to avoid.

Advertisment
Things to do before liposuction
liposuction surgery

Uses of liposuction 

Liposuction is used to remove fat from areas of the body that haven’t responded to diet and exercise, such as the:

  • Abdomen
  • Upper arms
  • Buttocks
  • Calves and ankles
  • Chest and back
  • Hips and thighs
  • Chin and neck

Benefits of liposuction 

Liposuction is normally done for cosmetic purposes, but it is sometimes used to treat certain conditions.

Advertisment

These include:

  • Lymphedema: A chronic, or long-term, condition in which excess fluid known as lymph collects in tissues, causing edema, or swelling. The edema commonly occurs in the arms or legs. Liposuction is sometimes used to reduce swelling, discomfort, and pain.
  • Gynecomastia: Sometimes fat accumulates under a man’s breasts.
  • Lipodystrophy syndrome: Fat accumulates in one part of the body and is lost in another. Liposuction can improve the patient’s appearance by providing a more natural looking body fat distribution.
  • Extreme weight loss after obesity: A person with morbid obesity who loses at least 40 percent of their BMI may need treatment to remove excess skin and other abnormalities.

Things to do before liposuction

Here are some things you should do leading up to your liposuction procedure.

Hit your goal weight 

There is no specific weight you need to achieve before getting liposuction. However, a key liposuction prep tip is to reach your target weight, or at least get close to it, several months before your surgery.

Remember that reaching your goal weight is different from achieving your ideal body. Many people still have stubborn excess fat in specific areas, even after getting within range of their target weight. This is how liposuction can help.

Advertisement

Build muscle 

Building muscle and increasing your strength is good for your health overall, and it can also enhance your liposuction results. Before your procedure, focus on building muscle so that when the fat is removed, it reveals a toned appearance. In addition to enhancing your visual results, having healthy muscle definition and improved strength can help you heal and recover from the procedure faster.

Get a healthy diet 

A healthy, balanced diet will help you get closer to your goal physique and optimize your body for the healing process after liposuction. As you recover from surgery, your body will need adequate protein to rebuild tissues, antioxidants to reduce inflammation, and plenty of water to stay hydrated. It’s best to build these habits and find healthy recipes you enjoy well before your surgery!

Things to do before liposuction
Foods high in antioxidants

It’s advisable to target foods high in antioxidants and water for your pre-liposuction diet. These include:

Advertisment

• Omega 3 fatty acids
• Celery
• Certain spices such as turmeric and cinnamon
• Cucumber
• Squashes, e.g., zucchini and pumpkin
• Different types of berries including blackberries, blueberries, and acai

Also, drink plenty of water daily.

Prepare Your Home

Liposuction does require a bit of recovery, thus in order to make sure you are well taken care of, it is smart to prepare your house beforehand. Stock up on items like gauze, pain medications, lotions, and ice packs.

Advertisment

If possible, it is best to avoid going up and down stairs, as your body needs to rest with as little activities as possible. Listen to your body, as it will tell you when your body is ready to start walking and moving around more. To avoid as much movement as possible, before surgery, set up an area designated for your recovery that is stocked with plenty of water, all electronics, extra towels, and tissues.

Prepare meals and snacks beforehand that can be easily made, avoid alcohol or an excessive intake of caffeine, and drink plenty of water.

Things not to do before liposuction  

Here are some tips on what to avoid and not do before your treatment!

Advertising

Avoid the intake of  nicotine before surgery

Using nicotine can sabotage your plastic surgery results because it restricts blood vessels, decreasing blood flow. Your blood vessels play a vital role in your liposuction results and restricting them compromises your results.

Additionally, your blood flow has a huge impact on your recovery process as it determines how fast you heal and your likelihood of developing blood clots. Therefore, to ensure a quick recovery and a safe surgery procedure, stop smoking once you schedule your liposuction.

Avoid smoking 

Smoking before any surgery can increase your risks for delayed healing, bleeding, and other dangerous complications. You should stop smoking at least one month prior to your liposuction surgery and continue to avoid smoking for at least one month after your procedure.

Advertising
Things to do before liposuction
no smoking

Smoking can reduce blood flow through the circulatory system, which would restrict the body’s ability to heal during your critical post-surgical recovery.

Drinking alcohol

Drinking alcohol can cause several complications during and after the surgery. You will be advised to avoid drinking alcohol 48 hours prior to the surgery, but it is recommended to quit for about a week.

Advertisment

WHAT NOT TO DO THE DAY BEFORE SURGERY

When you’re preparing yourself for liposuction surgery, the day or two prior to surgery are very important. Make sure you avoid these habits or actions right before surgery:

  • Shaving. Don’t shave the area around your surgical site at least 24 hours before your liposuction procedure. Shaving could lead to ingrown hairs after surgery and a potential infection.
  • Tight clothing. Don’t show up for your surgery in tight or uncomfortable clothing. You’ll want to be as comfortable as possible for your trip home afterwards.
  • Driving yourself to surgery. You need someone to drive you to and from your surgery, so plan ahead with a friend or family member. After surgery, you won’t be physically able to drive safely and your surgeon will not allow you to take a taxi or public transportation. Plan ahead.

Don’t miss our Health tips!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like