How to Prepare for Liposuction Surgery
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We’re thrilled about your upcoming and honoured to be part of your journey. Our goal is to provide you with comprehensive guidance and instructions, ensuring you’re for a successful liposuction experience.
At Centre for Surgery, preparing for liposuction involves a commitment to adhere to specific pre- and post-operative guidelines. These steps are crucial for achieving the best results. Remember, plastic surgery is more than just a procedure; it’s a journey that requires careful steps to ensure it’s enjoyable, safe, and ultimately rewarding.
Two Months Pre-Surgery: Essential Preparations for Liposuction
With two months left until your liposuction surgery, one of the most important steps is to stop smoking and avoid all nicotine products. This includes not only traditional cigarettes but also e-cigarettes, nicotine gum, shisha, and any other inhalants nicotine. Nicotine can impede blood flow to the skin, which is vital for wound healing. Poor blood flow can lead to serious complications such as impaired wound healing or, in extreme cases, skin necrosis.
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Another vital consideration two months before surgery is for help. You won’t be able to drive yourself home after the surgery due to the effects of anaesthesia. You’ll need responsible to ensure you’re settled in, help you with medications, and assist in your initial recovery. A ride app won’t suffice — you need someone who can actively support you during the first 24 hours post-surgery. If your surgery is more extensive, you might need to consider staying at one of our nearby plastic surgery after-care facilities.
Two Weeks Pre-Surgery: Critical Preparations for Liposuction
You must stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and all kinds of vitamins and herbal supplements. These substances can increase the risk of bleeding and interfere with the healing process. It’s essential to avoid them both two weeks before and after your surgery.
Alcohol consumption should also be halted during this time frame. Alcohol can affect your body’s ability to heal and may increase the risk of complications during and after surgery.
If you experience headaches or cramps during this period, limit your pain relief to paracetamol only. is generally safe and does not have the same blood-thinning effects as aspirin or ibuprofen.
Avoiding Sun Exposure Before Liposuction Surgery
In the two weeks leading up to your liposuction surgery, excessive sun or getting sunburnt can have adverse on your surgery and recovery. Sunburnt skin can be problematic in the surgical area, as it is more and . Try to limit your time in the sun, wear protective clothing, use sunscreen, and postpone any tanning plans until after your recovery.
Start using the Hibiscrub soap you purchased for body cleansing. This antiseptic soap is specially designed to reduce bacterial load on the skin, which is crucial for preventing infections during and after surgery.
When washing with Hibiscrub, ensure you cover all areas of your body, paying special attention to creases and folds — particularly in between and underneath your breasts, the belly button, and your back. Keep the soap on your skin for approximately two .
Shave the area around the surgery site two days before surgery, allowing any minor skin irritations or abrasions time to heal before the procedure. Shaving on the day of surgery or the day before can leave the skin more vulnerable to infections. After shaving, start using Hibiscrub soap to cleanse the shaved area as well as the rest of your body.
For the two days leading up to your surgery, stick to a lighter diet — meals that are easy to digest and not too heavy on your stomach. Stay away from heavy, greasy foods like burgers and fries, as such foods can cause bloating and discomfort. After midnight the night before your surgery, you should not eat . This is to ensure that your stomach is empty for the surgery, reducing the risk of complications such as aspiration during anaesthesia.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. This includes all forms of food and liquids, even water.
If you are taking essential medications such as high blood pressure pills, you may take them with a small sip of water in the morning of your surgery. However, consult with your surgical team to confirm which medications you should take.
Do not apply lotions, deodorants, creams, or similar products to your skin on the morning of your . These substances can interfere with the surgical markings your surgeon will make just before the procedure.
On the day of your liposuction surgery, leave valuables at home, switch to glasses if you wear contact lenses, and wear loose and comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and take off. Depending on the area of your liposuction, ensure the clothing you choose doesn’t put pressure on the surgical site.
When you wake up from surgery, you will already be wearing a compression garment. It’s normal to experience some drainage from the liposuction incisions — this fluid is a mix of the numbing medication used during surgery and a small amount of blood. The most significant drainage usually occurs in the first 24 hours post-surgery. Have plenty of towels on hand to protect your bedding and furniture, and consider using plastic covers on car seats if post-surgery.
Wearing the Compression Garment: It’s crucial to wear your compression garment continuously for six weeks. Ensure the garment remains straight and wrinkle-free, particularly around the waist, where it tends to bunch. Any creases or tight bands can adversely affect the shaping process.
Use of Foam Pads: Foam pads will be placed inside your garment at the front and back. These pads are to keep your skin smooth and flat during the healing process. Wear these foam pads for at least the first two weeks post-surgery.
Ensure the garment is completely free of creases and fits against your body. If your job involves a lot of sitting, sit as straight as possible to avoid bending and creating dents, particularly in the abdominal area. Aim to be out of your garment for no more than 30 minutes at a time — quickly hand wash the garment using detergent, then put it in the dryer for minutes. Consider purchasing a second garment for convenience so you can alternate between them.
Aim to walk around every other hour for approximately two weeks after surgery. While it’s essential to rest and take it easy, lying in bed for extended periods can increase the risk of developing blood clots. Wear the compression stockings provided for a full week after your surgery, particularly important during flights.
Many patients experience minimal pain after liposuction and may not require significant pain medication — however, pain thresholds and experiences differ. Despite feeling good, it’s essential to rest and not overexert yourself immediately after surgery. A general guide for increasing physical activity:
Refrain from heavy lifting or strenuous activities during your recovery period, as these can raise your blood pressure and lead to increased swelling. For your diet, start with clear liquids, gradually progress to your normal diet, and avoid fatty foods. For showering, wait two days after surgery before showering. Remove your compression garment before showering — be cautious as you may feel lightheaded. Do not shower alone during the initial recovery period; have someone assist you.
The small incisions made during liposuction are typically closed with dissolvable sutures, designed to dissolve on their own over time. We recommend evaluating the sutures around two weeks after surgery to see if they have dissolved adequately. If the sutures have not by this time, they can be removed at the clinic or by a local GP or practice nurse.
Begin your scar treatment regimen approximately two to three weeks after your surgery. Protect the areas from being rubbed by clothing — if you feel any friction, place a clean piece of gauze over them. Avoid covering with plasters or any material that could trap moisture. Scars can take up to two years to fully fade — do not apply any creams or treatments on the scars without your surgeon’s approval.
Swelling is common for several months following liposuction, typically peaking around the third day and then gradually subsiding. Around two weeks post-surgery you should notice a significant decrease. Complete normalisation of the body can take four to six months. Report any severe symptoms immediately, such as a high fever, rapidly spreading redness around an incision site, difficulty breathing, or swelling in the calves.
Having a positive outlook is a crucial aspect of your liposuction surgery experience. Modern techniques are to ensure your comfort, and many patients the experience as having had a restful, deep nap. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people and create a calm and environment both before and after your surgery. If you find yourself struggling with anxiety or negative thoughts, don’t hesitate to seek advice from your surgical team or a mental health professional.
At Centre for Surgery, we specialise in state-of-the-art liposuction procedures, tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. Our clinic, nestled in the heart of London, offers a blend of innovative techniques and compassionate care, ensuring an experience that is not just about enhancing but also about nurturing confidence and wellbeing.
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