The mirror does not lie. You have been putting your best efforts into eating healthy and exercising regularly, but certain areas of stubborn fat refuse to go away. You have tried everything – restrictive diets, late hours at the gym, and those weird vibrating belts – but still, back bulges and thigh flab remain.
If you are one of those who dreamed of a body you love, then you are not alone. While learning to accept your body is essential, there’s no shame in achieving the sculpted shape you desire. It is where a procedure like liposuction can help.
What is Liposuction?
Modern liposuction surgery procedures have given millions of Americans hope to achieve the bodies of their dreams. Liposuction was first introduced in 1980 and has become the most popular plastic surgery. The critical aim of liposuction is to remove the extra fat from the body from places like the buttocks, thighs, abdomen, neck, or arms.
The first step in the surgery is locating the fat deposits that need removal. Then, you will discuss with your plastic surgeon the areas where you would like to remove the fat deposits.
Are you looking for a plastic surgeon to perform the liposuction preparation for your procedure? Remember, it is essential to find a board-certified physician with extensive experience in liposuction.
Why is it essential to prepare for Liposuction?
Preparing for liposuction is crucial for several reasons, but your mental and physical health are two essential aspects of the liposuction procedure. Here is why preparing for liposuction is so vital.
• Being mentally prepared for liposuction helps you have a reasonable expectation of the results. Liposuction removes fat cells from targeted areas, but it is not a substitute for weight loss or treatment for obesity. That is why mental preparation will help to avoid dissatisfaction down the road. It will also help you feel more confident and comfortable undergoing surgery.
• Physical preparation improves surgical overcoming and recovery. A healthy diet with an exercise routine reduces complications and risks and speeds up recovery.
Do’s and Don’t Before Liposuction
Careful preparation for liposuction is essential before you decide to go ahead with liposuction.
A conversation with your plastic surgeon regarding your preparation for liposuction surgery is essential. Based on your unique circumstances, there may be specific steps to follow or avoid that are specific to you. Nevertheless, the following tips are usually applicable to all patients undergoing liposuction. Diligent preparation for liposuction can help in achieving a smooth recovery.
1. Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon
The first step is the most important. Your choice of surgeon will have the biggest impact on your liposuction results. Look for a plastic surgeon who is board-certified and has extensive experience in the field, specifically performing liposuction procedures. Check their before and after photos, read reviews from past patients, and meet with 2-3 surgeons in person before you make your final decision. Be sure you trust their aesthetic judgment and vision for your results.
2. Achieve Optimal Health Goals
Before you schedule your consultation with the plastic surgeon, you must try to lose weight independently. You can do this through proper exercising and dieting. It will help you maximize the chances of a successful surgery outcome.
Patients who need to undergo liposuction should be at their target weight or have a healthy BMI before the surgery. You can discuss this in more detail with your surgeon. However, if your BMI is too high, then your surgeon might not recommend you go for liposuction. Your surgeon may suggest conventional weight loss methods such as adhering to a balanced diet and engaging in physical activity.
However, if you cannot reduce stubborn areas of fat on your own, liposuction is the most helpful solution to eliminate them.
3. Stop Smoking and Limit Alcohol Intake
Smoking restricts blood flow and oxygen and can significantly increase risks and complications for any surgery.
You can also consider quitting smoking a healthy choice, but you can also discuss short-term smoke-free plans with your surgeon before the surgery.
Also, limit alcohol intake for at least one week prior to the surgery as alcohol can impact healing and pain management.
4. Get a Medical Check-Up
See your primary care doctor for a full check-up to identify any health conditions that could interfere with surgery or recovery. Your doctor may order lab tests or EKGs to ensure you are healthy enough for liposuction. Be honest about all medications and supplements you take, as some may need to stop weeks before surgery. Generally, you will have to do this for a short period of time. Certain medications, such as blood thinners or supplements, can negatively affect general anesthesia.
5. Arrange Help for After Surgery
You will need help after the surgery, from someone who can pick you up and take you home. It could be a family member, friend, or professional service that can help you with daily activities in the first few days of recovery. Liposuction generally does not require you to be in bed for weeks, but you will experience soreness and swelling, and that is what requires care and attention. Stock up on soft, comfortable clothes that are easy to get on and off, so you can focus on rest and healing.
6. Establish Realistic Expectations
Liposuction can certainly boost your confidence by improving your physical appearance. But you need to remember that it is not a magical surgery that will take your insecurities away.
That is why it is essential that you set realistic expectations with your plastic surgeon. Understand the limitations of liposuction as it removes stubborn fat but cannot replace weight loss. Make sure your goals are achievable to avoid disappointment later. Listen to your surgeon’s advice on cosmetic outcomes, too.
How Can Dr. Delozier Help You?
Although diet and exercise are vital to maintaining a healthy and attractive physique, no one wants to exhaust themselves at the gym or give up all food to shed stubborn fat. So, if you are someone experiencing difficulties losing the extra pounds, liposuction is the answer for you.
Dr. DeLozier is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Nashville, TN, specializing in reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries. Schedule your appointment with Dr. DeLozier to discover the best possible outcomes that liposuction can do for you.
