Preparing For Cosmetic Surgery and Liposuction

Before undergoing liposuction, it is important that you prepare yourself mentally and physically. Regardless of your reason for liposuction, it will have a long-term impact on your health. Making the necessary preparations before the procedure will ensure that you achieve desirable results from the procedure.

Pre-Surgical Preparation

While liposuction is a procedure that helps address problems in your body regardless of your diet choice or lack of exercise, you need to bear in mind that this is still a surgical procedure. You can help yourself eliminate the level of anxiety experienced before surgery by informing yourself on how the process works. Proper knowledge will ensure that you know what to do when the procedure goes wrong, or that you know what to expect.

During and after your surgery, you are most likely unable to perform your 'normal' duties. The recovery stage is crucial; hence, you need to take note of these preparations so everything else is smooth sailing afterwards.

1. While this is not mandatory, some doctors recommend their patients get some blood drawn before the liposuction procedure, in case it will be needed during the surgery.

2. Arrange someone to drive you home once the procedure is through.

3. During your recovery time, you will be unable to perform ordinary chores on your own. Hence, you can enlist the help of a person or two (whether a family member, spouse, or children) to help you around the house.

4. Pack loose or comfortable clothes that you can use after the surgery.

5. Get good quality sleep the night before your surgery.

Actual Day of the Procedure

When you arrive at the facility where your surgery is about to take place, your doctor will ask you to sign a consent form. This serves as proof that you intend to proceed with the operation while understanding the full risks involved, possible complications and outcomes, after considering other alternatives to liposuction before choosing to undergo this procedure.

The pre-op steps may vary from one doctor to another, but this is a basic procedure. Then, your surgeon will start to mark the skin of areas to be treated. After that, a picture of you will be taken so you can compare the results after the procedure is completed. You will now be asked to change into the dressing gown to get started with the surgery.

It is important to discuss with your doctor beforehand the type of anesthesia to choose because he or she might have any other instructions to give out. For instance, if you will undergo general anesthesia, you are advised not to drink or eat anything within 6 hours prior to the surgery. Doing so will avoid the possibility of an upset stomach once you've been injected with the anesthesia.

Other Pointers to Keep In Mind

These are special reminders from your surgeon before liposuction to avoid complications:

• In case you are taking birth control pills, doctors would advise to discontinue your intake and opt for another contraceptive method following the surgery. This reduces the possibility of blood clots in your legs.

• Within 7 to 10 days prior to your surgery, avoid the following types of medications: ibuprofen, aspirin, and other anti-inflammatory and non-steroidal drugs. These might contribute to excessive bleeding during and after your surgery.

• For smokers, you need to quit smoking before and after liposuction due to the risk of chest infections from the anesthesia.