So you’ve decided you’re going to have liposuction surgery? You’ve found the doctor you want, discussed your procedure in detail, given it a lot of thought, and decided to go ahead and have a particular type of liposuction surgery. You’re really looking forward to finally getting rid of that annoying fat you’ve been trying to work off for years. The doctor’s office has booked your appointment, and you want to begin preparing for the procedure. Of course, you want everything to go perfectly and you’re ready to do all you can to make that happen. In this article, I will tell you about some of the things you can do to make your liposuction surgery a success.
Here’s some FAQs that cover most areas of concern patients have about lipo and cosmetic surgery in general.
Liposuction Surgery
Do liposuction patients need to get a medical clearance before they can have the procedure?
Most doctors feel more comfortable if their patients have a medical clearance from their primary care physicians, but some physicians may not. I want to have the assurance that our patients are generally healthy, or at least have no medical conditions that could cause problems when they have liposuction surgery.
Is there a special diet that should be followed prior to liposuction surgery?
You want to eat well-balanced meals with sufficient protein, because protein is needed to make collagen, and your body heals by making collagen. You should not have any alcohol for two days prior to toe procedure, and you should not smoke for two weeks prior to your liposuction surgery.
Are there any supplements that people should take prior to liposuction or other types of plastic surgery?
Although there aren’t enough scientific studies to prove its benefits. Arnica Afontona has been taken by many people over the years and is sometimes recommended by physicians. Arnica is a herb growing in the mountains of Europe and Siberia, which is also called Wolf’s bane or Leopard’s bane. Anecdotal reports indicate mat Arnica appears to help lessen bruising and swelling.
However, nothing is without risk. If the dose is too high, Arnica can be toxic to the heart. Until I see more definitive medical studies, I do not personally recommend Arnica for my patients.
What do people need to know about sunbathing or using tanning parlors prior to liposuction?
There is no problem if you use self-tanning products before your liposuction surgery. But if you use a tanning parlor or expose your skin to the sun without protection, there is a risk of getting a burn, and if you have a burn in the area where we are doing liposuction, we can’t do the surgery. The risks of an infection or the skin becoming irritated by the compression garment would be too great.
And of course as a dermatologic surgeon, I am very opposed to people using suntan parlors because of the exposure to ultraviolet rays. But if someone comes in with a tan and they are not burned, there is no reason to postpone the surgery – it won’t have a negative effect.
How long should you arrange for someone to stay with you after cosmetic surgery?
Someone should be with the patient the night of surgery and stay through the next morning until the patient has taken a shower.
Does this person have to drive the patient home after the procedure?
They can. Some people take a taxi or car service. But patients cannot drive themselves right after liposuction surgery. Someone else has to be behind the wheel. If you take a taxi or car service, you have to make sure someone is at home to meet you when you get there and remain with you until the next day.
Do patients need any special kind of clothing for the surgery?
They should have loose-fitting clothing ready to put on after liposuction surgery. Big sweat pants and an extra pair of socks are recommended so patients will feel comfortable. They should also have some old sheets and towels, so in case their insertion sites are draining a little, their linen will not get stained. These can also be used for the car ride home.