What to Expect Before and After Liposuction Procedures

As with every kind of surgery, liposuction procedures are preceded by a thorough consultation with a surgeon. Patients may also consult with specialists as well as their primary care physicians. An initial consultation with a plastic surgeon who specializes in liposuction procedures will include an analysis of your overall health. Then, you and the surgeon will go over the areas on your body where fat deposits lie as well as the condition of your skin in and around these areas. During this consultation, be very candid with your surgeon about what you expect from the surgery and what your goals are for your post-operative body. Your surgeon should be able to give you a very clear idea about what kind of liposuction (or “body contouring”) procedures are best for you and what kind of results you can expect to achieve through said procedures.

Choose the Right Kind of Liposuction

Because the human body is an endlessly complex living machine, there are a myriad of ways to reshape it and adjust its contours. Many people who are considering liposuction become overwhelmed by the many kinds of procedures that are available. Once you have found a reliable plastic surgeon who you feel comfortable with, you can work with him or her to identify the best type of liposuction procedure for you. While you are choosing the best type of liposuction for you, you will also need to consider the various anesthesia options and discuss them with your doctor.

Preparing for Your Liposuction Surgery

Once you have scheduled your surgery, your doctor will give you detailed instructions about how to prepare yourself for liposuction. These directions will include guidelines for eating, drinking, and vitamin intake in the days and weeks leading up to your liposuction procedure. It is important to note that surgery may have to be postponed if you come down with a cold or infection shortly before your scheduled procedure.

Preparation for your surgery should include a plan for the hours and days directly following your liposuction procedure. You will most likely be very groggy after your surgery and will definitely need someone to drive you home. It is best to have a close friend of family member do this for you. In addition to needing help to get home, you also may need assistance at home for a day or two after your procedure.

What to Expect After Your Liposuction Surgery

After your liposuction procedure, your doctor will likely outfit you with a snug surgical garment to wear over your incisions and the area that was treated. By wearing this garment for a few weeks after surgery, your body will have an easier time taking to its new shape and will likely experience less swelling. Your surgeon may also prescribe a round of antibiotics in order to stave off infection.

Unlike some other cosmetic surgeries, the results of liposuction are sometimes immediately apparent. Due to the swelling, bruising, and bleeding that are a natural part of the healing process, liposuction patients often feel uncomfortable and bloated after the surgery.

• Going For Liposuction? Find Out What You Can Expect Before, During And After The Procedure
• Choosing the Best Type of Anesthesia for your Liposuction Procedure
• Recovery Tips After a Liposuction Procedure