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Booking your liposuction procedure can be exciting. Everyone wants to ensure their procedure and recovery period will go as smoothly as possible. The key to this is to ensure you are fully prepared prior to having liposuction.
So, how do you prepare for liposuction?
1. Give full details of your medical history during your consultation
Before undergoing any cosmetic surgery, you will be required to have a consultation with the surgeon who will perform your procedure. This will give the surgeon the chance to see if you are an eligible candidate for surgery. You will also be able to ask any questions you have about the procedure so you feel comfortable before having surgery.
During the consultation, it is important that you are completely honest about your medical history. The surgeon will need to know about any previous surgeries, any allergies you have, and any medication you are currently taking. Not disclosing any of this information can be potentially dangerous. Some medications or health conditions may interfere with the surgery, the anaesthetic or the medication you are given after the procedure. To avoid any problems, it is best to be completely honest with your surgeon from the start.
2. Stop certain medications
Your surgeon may advise you to stop taking particular medications before and after having liposuction. This includes medication such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements. Some medications can interfere with the anaesthetic or any medications you are given after the procedure.
Your surgeon will be able to advise you how long in advance you will have to stop taking any medication and when you can resume taking it.
3. Stop smoking
As well as stopping any medications, you will also have to stop smoking. Smoking can have a negative impact on cosmetic surgery. Smoking causes a reduction in the blood flow through the circulatory system. This can cause the body to slow down how quickly it will heal after surgery, meaning your recovery period will be even longer. To avoid any complications, it is best to stop smoking at least one month before and after your surgery.
4. Reach a stable weight
Before having liposuction, you should try to lose as much weight as possible by following a healthy diet and exercising. However, it is important to maintain a stable weight between your consultation and your surgery date. You will need to avoid following any crash diets prior to surgery. This will risk your body being in a weakened state and may cause you to gain more weight following the procedure. To avoid excess weight gain after surgery, it is best to follow a sustainable diet before surgery, so you can continue this diet following surgery.
5. Fill any prescriptions
You may need to take medication during your recovery period. Before having your surgery, you may wish to get this prescription filled, along with any other prescription medication or supplements you will need during the recovery period. This will mean you can avoid having to visit the GP or pharmacist while you are recovering.
6. Make sure you can get home from surgery
Liposuction is a surgical procedure, so you cannot drive yourself home from the clinic. You must have a family member or friend pick you up and drive you home. Make sure you arrange this before your procedure. If you have no way to get home, the surgeon may not proceed with the surgery.
If you do not have anyone to drive you home but still want to proceed with surgery, you may be interested in arranging a chaperone through the Centre for Surgery.
