Are you thinking about removing stubborn fat and enhancing your body shape through liposuction? It’s important to be physically and mentally prepared before undergoing this minimally invasive cosmetic procedure. Dr. Eric P. Bachelor, a highly experienced plastic surgeon at East Bay Aesthetic Surgery in Pleasanton and Danville, CA, recommends several steps to ensure the best possible results.
How Do You Prepare for Liposuction?
Preparing for liposuction can be just as important as the procedure itself, and taking the time to prepare can make all the difference in achieving the best possible results.
Reach a Healthy Weight
While liposuction can effectively reduce unwanted fat, it’s important to note that the procedure is not a weight-loss solution. It should only be considered if you are at a healthy weight and have stubborn areas of fat that won’t respond to diet and exercise.
Being at a healthy weight before undergoing a fat removal procedure is necessary to ensure safety and success. If you’re significantly overweight, you may not experience a smooth recovery period. Additionally, achieving your desired weight before body contouring can help you get smoother contours and long-term results.
Maintain a Balanced Diet and Active Lifestyle
Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for overall health and weight management. It includes consuming various nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. A balanced diet can also help reduce inflammation in the body, which can improve your recovery time after surgery.
In addition to eating well, engaging in regular physical activity is another great way to prepare for cosmetic surgery. Exercise helps boost metabolism and burn calories while strengthening muscles and improving cardiovascular function. By incorporating aerobic and strength-training exercises into your routine, you may enhance your results and ensure the safety of your procedure.
Stop Smoking
Smoking can significantly impact your body’s ability to heal after surgery. Nicotine causes constriction of blood vessels, meaning less oxygen and nutrients are delivered to your tissues. In effect, it can slow down healing. Additionally, smoking can damage your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections. Quitting smoking before surgery is one of the best things you can do for your overall health and recovery.
Schedule Your Consultation
During your consultation with our team, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your care plan, expectations, and medical history. It allows us to evaluate whether or not lipo is right for you. We may also discuss the different types of body contouring procedures available and which ones might best suit your needs.
Your care plan involves determining what areas of the body will be targeted for fat removal. We will provide you with a customized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Additionally, we may also advise you on alternative procedures or additional treatments that could help you achieve your cosmetic goals.
Prepare for Time off Work
Although liposuction is generally a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure, you’ll need some time to rest and recover before returning to your normal routine. You may need a few days up to a few weeks off work. If you have a sedentary job, taking 1–2 weeks off might be sufficient. However, if your job requires physical activity or manual labor, you may need more time off to allow your body to heal completely.
Still, recovery time varies from person to person depending on the extent of the surgery and how quickly your body heals. Therefore, if you are having multiple areas treated, plan accordingly for an extended period of time off work.
Arrange for Assistance and Support
Another way to prepare for your cosmetic procedure is to arrange for assistance during your recovery period. After fat removal, your body will need time to heal. During this time, it’s essential to have a support system in place at home. This could include family members, close friends, or even a professional caregiver who can help with daily tasks such as cooking meals, doing laundry, or running errands while you focus on healing.
Having people around you who understand what you’re going through can make all the difference in your recovery period. You may want to consider reaching out to family members or friends who you can trust to help. They can also provide emotional support when you feel overwhelmed.
Stock Up on Supplies
You’ll need to have enough food and beverages stocked up at home for at least a week post-surgery. Choose easily digestible foods like soups and smoothies. Having all the necessary supplies on hand will make your recovery period more comfortable and stress-free. You won’t have to worry about rushing out to purchase items while feeling uncomfortable or risk not being able to find what you need at nearby stores.
Additionally, investing in comfortable clothing can make a big difference during your recovery period. Loose-fitting clothes made of soft fabrics like cotton or bamboo will allow you to move around easily without any added pressure on your body. Plus, having items such as ice packs, compression garments, and pain medication readily available can help alleviate discomfort and speed up healing.
Have Someone Drive You Home
Lipo involves the use of anesthesia, which means you’ll need someone to drive you home after the procedure. Depending on how much anesthesia was used, you may feel drowsy after the surgery, making it unsafe for you to drive yourself. Arranging for transportation beforehand ensures that there’s someone available to take you home safely.
Get a Good Night’s Rest
Getting a restful night’s sleep before the day of your procedure will help prepare your body and mind. It can help reduce stress levels and anxiety. You may see an improvement in your overall mood and mental health, so you feel prepared for the surgery and the recovery period that follows.
Enjoy a Long Shower
A long shower will keep your skin clean on the day of your surgery. It’s also an excellent way to relax and calm your nerves before undergoing a fat removal procedure. However, be careful not to use lotions, makeup, or cosmetics on the day of your surgery. By avoiding these products, you’ll be helping to ensure that your skin is as clean and natural as possible when you go in for cosmetic surgery.
What To Expect During Your Recovery Period
The recovery period after lipo varies depending on several factors, including how much fat was removed from your body, the type of procedure performed, and your overall health. You’ll need to set aside time for healing and follow our post-operative instructions carefully.
Right After the Procedure
Liposuction does not require hospitalization; you can expect to go home the same day after the surgery. After a successful procedure, you may choose to heal at home instead of bearing any additional costs associated with hospitalization. However, because this fat removal procedure requires anesthesia, you won’t be able to drive after the surgery.
A Few Days Later
Your post-operative care instructions may include wearing compression garments for several days following the procedure. Compression garments are designed to help promote healing in the treated areas. They also help improve circulation, which can speed up the healing process. Depending on our recommendation, you may expect to wear these garments for several days or even weeks after your procedure.
In addition to wearing compression garments, you may also need to take medication during your recovery period. We may prescribe you pain relief medication or antibiotics. You should also avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting during this time as it can result in further complications.
A Few Weeks After
A week or two after getting lipo, you should feel much better and more comfortable. Most people can return to work during this period. Still, if your occupation requires you to exert heavy physical effort, we recommend that you take additional time to heal.
You may be able to see the results of your fat removal procedure after one month or more. During this time, it may be possible for you to engage in light exercise, depending on your comfort level.
Get Guidance and Support Before Cosmetic Surgery
Before undergoing cosmetic surgery, it’s important to take the time to be prepared and have the right expectations. Discussing all your options with our team is a key step to ensuring the safety and success of your procedure. To get started, contact East Bay Aesthetic Surgery in Pleasanton and Danville, CA, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Eric P. Bachelor. With our help, you can rest assured that you’ll receive the care and support you need at every step.