For any surgical procedure, elective or otherwise, it is important to know exactly what to expect before, during and after the procedure. Liposuction is an outpatient operation that has little downtime and a short recovery period, but that doesn’t mean you can be lax about learning health and recovery instructions. Here is what you need to make sure you ask your surgeon before getting liposuction.
How much fat can be removed from my target areas?
How much fat can be removed and how much of a difference it will make in appearance after recovery depends on the target area and health factors. Make sure that you have reasonable expectations. Ask for a computer generated model of what you can expect your results to look like.
What can I do during recovery?
Complete recovery from liposuction takes about two to four weeks, depending on the target area and amount of fat removed. Most people can return to work, perhaps with restrictions depending on career, within a few days. But if you are very active or exercise daily to stay fit, you need to make sure to find out what is okay and when after your surgery.
What post-surgical care might be required?
Your surgeon will instruct you to have someone drive you to and from the hospital on the day of your liposuction procedure and to have someone stay with you overnight due to the use of anesthesia. But the person you choose for this responsibility may differ depending on what duties the task might include. If you won’t be able to handle your own post-surgical care, you need to make sure you choose someone who can handle it.
What other procedures do you recommend?
Other cosmetic procedures are often done at the same time as liposuction. A big portion of the cost of elective surgeries can be eliminated simply by having more than one procedure done at a time. You can still usually have the operation on an outpatient basis. Sometimes a surgeon will recommend additional measures, such as a mini-tuck, to ensure that you get the results you are looking for.
What medications and habits do I need to stop before surgery?
Depending on your health and current medications, your doctor may need to work with the surgeon on adjusting or temporarily stopping some medications. Aspirin therapy or other blood thinners can cause complications during surgery and most often will be stopped a few days prior. Habits such as smoking and daily glasses of wine might also need to stop, at least until after your recovery.
Ready to talk to our expert staff about your potential liposuction procedure? Contact us today for a free consultation to determine if you are a good candidate.
