Liposuction is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that removes unwanted fat deposits from specific areas of the body. Preparing properly in the week leading up to your liposuction procedure is crucial for ensuring the best results and a smooth recovery. Here is a comprehensive guide to getting ready for liposuction and what to expect in the week before your surgery.
Consult with Your Surgeon
The most important thing to do in the week before liposuction is to have a final consultation appointment with your surgeon. This is the time to ask any remaining questions you have about the procedure and go over all the details of your surgery plan. Your surgeon will likely:
- Evaluate the areas being treated and mark the surgical sites
- Discuss the liposuction technique being used
- Review your medical history and any medications or supplements you take
- Provide instructions for preparing for surgery and your recovery
Be sure to bring up any specific concerns and make sure you understand all pre- and post-operative instructions from your surgeon. This is also the time to discuss expected results and any non-surgical recommendations your surgeon may have for maximizing your results, such as diet and exercise modifications.
Arrange Support for After Surgery
While liposuction is an outpatient procedure, you will still need some help in the first few days after surgery. Make arrangements for a friend, family member or other caretaker to drive you home after surgery and stay with you at least the first night. You’ll likely need help with things like meals, hygiene, medications and getting up and down.
Stock up on soft, comfortable foods that are easy to prepare like soups, yogurt and cooked vegetables. Fill any prescriptions you’re given ahead of time so you have them on hand for recovery. Make sure you have plenty of pillows, ice packs and comfort items in the place you’ll be recovering.
Prepare Your Home
In addition to having care and food arranged, take some time to prepare your home for recovering from liposuction surgery:
- Clean your house thoroughly and do any laundry so chores don’t pile up.
- Remove any tripping or slipping hazards.
- Set up areas both for resting and spending time up and around.
- Make sure entryways are well-lit and easy to navigate.
- Put frequently used items at accessible heights.
- Adjust your bed with lots of pillows and linens.
Having a comfortable, clean and safe environment will go a long way for your recovery.
Handle Work and Other Responsibilities
Make arrangements for taking off work or school as needed for your recovery period. Most patients require around 5-10 days off from work and normal activity after liposuction. Let colleagues, teachers and others know you’ll be unavailable during this time. You may need to arrange for help with childcare, pet care or other responsibilities while you recover.
Clear your schedule as much as possible in the week before surgery to avoid feeling stressed. Try to finish up any big work projects and get your household organized and bills paid ahead of your procedure.
Begin Eating a Balanced Diet
Nutrition is an important part of preparing for liposuction. Begin following the diet your surgeon recommends about a week prior to surgery. This may involve:
- Emphasizing lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Increasing intake of vitamins C, A and zinc to promote healing.
- Avoiding sodium to prevent fluid retention.
- Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Cutting out processed foods and added sugars.
- Limiting alcohol consumption.
Starting the recommended nutritional program in advance allows your body to adjust and prime itself for recovery. Staying hydrated and eating quality whole foods provides the nutrients your body needs to heal quickly.
Stop Taking Certain Medications and Supplements
Your surgeon will advise you to stop taking certain medications and supplements a week or more prior to surgery. This is because they can sometimes interfere with anesthesia, increase bleeding risks or impact recovery. Common examples include:
- Blood thinners like aspirin, ibuprofen and vitamin E
- Herbal supplements like garlic, ginseng and ginkgo biloba
- Certain prescriptions like stimulants or antidepressants
Carefully review the list of any medications, vitamins and supplements you take. Check with your surgeon about when to discontinue their use leading up to liposuction. Never stop prescribed medications without your physician’s guidance.
Stop Smoking
It’s essential to stop smoking cigarettes or vaping at least a few weeks before and after liposuction. Smoking severely impairs circulation and wound healing. Quitting smoking ahead of time allows oxygen levels in your blood to return closer to normal and for your lungs to begin recovering function.
If you are a heavy smoker, your surgeon may recommend quitting smoking 2-3 months prior for maximum benefits. Tell your surgeon if you are unable to fully stop so alternatives like nicotine patches can be discussed.
Make Travel Arrangements
If you are traveling to have your liposuction performed, make all your travel plans well in advance. This includes:
- Booking your flights and hotel stay.
- Arranging transportation to and from the surgical facility.
- Locating any pharmacies you may need.
- Confirming when you’ll be cleared to travel home after surgery.
- Ensuring you have proper post-operative care at your destination.
It’s also wise to purchase travel insurance in case any last minute changes arise that could impact your plans and prepaid costs.
Begin Skin Preparation
Getting your skin in optimal shape prior to liposuction promotes proper healing. Start focusing on skin health a week before surgery:
- Use moisturizing creams and oils to deeply hydrate the skin.
- Exfoliate gently with scrubs or loofahs to remove dead skin.
- Avoid tanning beds, sunburns and irritating skin products.
- Continue regular skincare routines to keep skin balanced.
- Consider lymphatic massage to reduce swelling.
Caring for your skin ahead of time helps make sure surgical sites and incisions can heal their best. Continue nurturing skin health in the months after your procedure too.
Prepare and Relax Your Body
It’s important to both mentally and physically relax and prepare your body leading up to liposuction:
- Get plenty of rest and avoid fatigue.
- Manage stress levels through yoga, meditation, etc.
- Stick to light physical activity like walking.
- Drink lots of water and eat fiber to avoid constipation.
- Take some time off work if possible and rest up.
Making self-care and rest priorities in the week before surgery helps you go into the procedure feeling your best. This sets you up for an easier recovery too.
Have a Final Dress Fitting
Schedule a fitting a few days before your procedure to make sure you have proper compression garments ready. Wearing compression helps control swelling and promote healing. You may receive a garment from your surgeon, or be instructed to purchase medical-grade liposuction compression garments online or from a pharmacy.
Try on the recommended compression clothing and ensure it fits comfortably. Let your surgeon know if it feels too tight or loose so adjustments can be made. Have your garment ready to wear for when you come home from surgery.
Prepare for Incisions and Bruising
Know that some bruising, swelling and mild oozing from incisions is normal after liposuction. Get supplies ready at home to make managing these effects easier:
- Gauze pads and medical tape to dress incisions
- Antibacterial ointment like polysporin to apply to incisions
- Bruise cream if needed for discoloration
- Arnica tablets used homeopathically to control bruising
Have any recommended over-the-counter medications or supplies for wound care purchased in advance. This makes it easy to begin caring for your incisions as directed without having to shop while recovering.
Stock Up on Recovery Items
Fill up on supplies you’ll need for your recovery period so everything is within reach:
- Gel ice packs or frozen peas for icinglipo the
sites - Loose, soft cotton clothing that buttons up the front
- Throat lozenges for sore throat from intubation
- Lip balm and lotion since fluid loss can cause dry skin
- Entertainment like books, shows or movies
- Pillows and blankets to make sitting or lying comfortable
Having creature comforts handy makes the first days home after liposuction more pleasant. Don’t forget any prescription medications you’ll need to manage post-operative pain and promote healing.
Arrange for Pet or Childcare
If you have children or pets at home, make arrangements for others to help care for them as needed in the week following surgery. You’ll have limitations on lifting and activity during early recovery. Ask for help from family, friends or pet sitters to handle tasks like:
- Getting children ready for school or activities
- Preparing meals and snacks for kids
- Walking, feeding and playing with pets
- Cleaning up pet accidents
- Transporting children or driving pets to appointments
Having support for child and pet responsibilities allows you to focus fully on healing without the added stress and fatigue.
Have Payment Ready
Confirm with your surgeon’s office what your exact payment responsibility will be based on your insurance coverage and financial arrangements. Have payment ready to bring with you on the day of your procedure so you don’t have to worry about it. This may include:
- Cash, credit card or financing for your copays or coinsurance
- Payment for anesthesia fees
- Any surgical facility fees not covered
Taking care of payment ahead of time is one less thing to stress over as you prepare for your liposuction.
Pack a Hospital Bag
Pack items you’ll need at the surgical facility and for your first night home after surgery like:
- Form fitting and easy to put on clothes like yoga pants and button-up tops
- Slip-on shoes and loose socks
- Your compression garment
- Prescription medications
- Chargers for phone or other devices
- Toiletries like deodorant, dry shampoo and lip balm
- Entertainment and reading material
Having a bag ready ahead takes the guesswork and stress out of preparing on the day your surgery. Remember to limit valuables and leave jewelry and other accessories at home.
Arrange Transportation
You’ll need to arrange for transportation to and from the surgical facility on the day your liposuction is performed:
- Ensure your driver understands the details of when and where to pickup and drop you off.
- Confirm the location has pickup areas that don’t require a lot of walking.
- Check that your ride home is comfortable with any needed post-op care duties.
- Ask them to bring a pillow and blanket for the drive home.
Never try to drive yourself home or take public transportation alone after any sedation. Having reliable transportation set up is vital.
Set Up Your Recovery Space
Designate an area of your home as your main recovery space for the first few days after surgery. Make it as comfortable and functional as possible:
- Place it close to the bathroom to avoid having to walk far.
- Keep medication, water, snacks and other necessities within reach.
- Make sure the space is private, quiet and relaxing.
- Add entertainment like a TV or tablet.
- Include chairs both for sitting up and reclining.
Knowing you have a dedicated recovery nest ready helps provide peace of mind as you prepare for liposuction.
Restrict Strenuous Activity
In the final days before your liposuction procedure, take care to avoid activities that are overly strenuous or that could potentially cause injury. Some examples include:
- High intensity exercise like running, weightlifting or competitive sports
- Potentially dangerous recreation such as skydiving or rock climbing
- Contact sports that risk trauma to the surgery sites
- Yard work with heavy lifting or machinery use
Stick to gentle activities like walking, stretching, yoga and leisurely swimming. This helps avoid complications developing right before surgery.
Have Written Instructions Handy
Keep all the pre- and post-operative instructions from your surgeon handy in the week before surgery. Be sure to thoroughly read and understand:
- Medication and supplement instructions
- The day-of-surgery timeline
- Post-op activity guidelines and wound care
- What to watch out for and when to call the doctor
Having the instructions close by eliminates worry about forgetting important details. Refer back to them as needed for clarity in the week before your liposuction.
Conclusion
Preparing both physically and logistically in the week leading up to your liposuction procedure is essential for an optimal experience. Follow your surgeon’s personalized recommendations and make sure you have proper rest, nutrition, support and aftercare arrangements in place. Addressing any anxiety and questions ahead of time allows you to enter surgery feeling empowered and ready.