Feeling anxious or nervous ahead of any form of surgery is completely normal, even cosmetic surgery. When you choose to undergo a surgical procedure to change and improve the appearance of your body, you are entrusting your surgeon to make positive alterations that will increase your confidence and self-esteem. This fact, combined with the prospect of an invasive surgical procedure that requires you to be placed under a general anesthetic, or at least receive an epidural anesthetic, and that requires a significant recovery time, means that it is entirely understandable if you feel overwhelmed.
Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to help ensure that your liposuction procedure goes as smoothly as possible and how to experience a straightforward recovery that is free from complications. You can also have a direct impact on the effectiveness and overall outcome of your procedure. Here’s our top advice when it comes to preparing for your liposuction procedure.
Physical Preparations
The best way to ensure that your liposuction goes well, and you have minimal risk of complications is to make sure you are fit and healthy before your procedure. Your surgeon will make a number of recommendations as to the physical preparations that you can make, which should begin at a minimum of 2 weeks ahead of your surgery.
Quit smoking. Unsurprisingly, you will be asked to stop smoking for at least 2 weeks before and 6 weeks after your surgery. This is because smoking has been shown to increase your risk of complications and slow your recovery due to the lack of oxygenated blood reaching the area where you have had liposuction causing the rate of healing to reduce.
Manage your medications. If you rely on specific medications, you must tell your surgeon at the time of your consultation. This is because some medications can increase the risks you face during your procedure and in this case, you may be given an alternative treatment to use during this time. They can also interact with the drugs that you may be given after your liposuction. You will also be advised to avoid taking all aspirin, NSAID’s and cold/sinus medications.
Get your weight under control. You will only be approved for candidacy for liposuction if you are considered to be a stable and healthy weight. This is because the effects of liposuction can be reversed if you suddenly start to gain/lose weight again.
Get healthy. A healthy, balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats, and a little carbohydrate is essential for getting your body in tip-top condition before your surgery. Make sure you drink plenty of water too. This will help flush out any germs and benefit your overall health and wellbeing.
Prepare your home for your recovery. You will need to take some time to recover following your procedure and as such, it can be helpful to have your home prepared for this so that you don’t feel that you need to rush around doing anything indoors. Get your home cleaned, prepare some easy-cook/microwaveable healthy meals, and arrange for someone to help you out with any children or pets you have.
Psychological Preparations
Undergoing cosmetic surgery can have psychological as well as physical effects. Being emotionally prepared for your procedure and recovery can be invaluable. Some of the things that you can do to psychologically prepare yourself for liposuction include:
Understanding the type of pain/discomfort you may experience after your procedure.
Being aware of all of the risks associated with liposuction.
Ask your surgeon what to expect immediately after coming around after your procedure.
Understanding the limitations that you will have during the recovery period and why it is important that you follow those which have been put in place by your surgeon (for example, not driving for at least 72 hours)
Having realistic expectations for your results
Realizing that it can take a number of weeks for your results to be evident
Being aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in order to also maintain the results of the liposuction for as long as possible
If you would like more advice on preparing for liposuction, please contact our expert cosmetic surgery team in Miami, FL today.
