Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery that is designed to remove stubborn pockets of fat from different parts of the body. This procedure is often the go-to treatment for people who haven’t gotten much relief from exercise and diet. One of the best things about liposuction is that it can target nearly any part of the body, including the thighs, waist, upper arms, and neck. This treatment effectively reshapes and recontours the body in line with your aesthetic goals. The liposuction surgery itself is a straightforward procedure that entails tiny incisions through which a thin tube is inserted to remove layers of excess adipose tissue. 

Choosing the right plastic surgeon is important in order to ensure a satisfactory liposuction procedure. You must also take the right steps to pave the way for a pleasing procedure outcome. This article shares a few steps that you can take within a week of the surgery in order to ensure a successful procedure and recovery. 

A Week Before Surgery

A week before your surgery, you would need to make a few adjustments:

• Start using antibacterial soaps (Lever 2000 or Dial) to prevent infections. 
• Avoid consumption of high sodium foods so as not to increase your body’s capacity to retain fluids (which can lead to more swelling post-surgery). 
• Avoid shaving the areas to be treated as this can increase the risk for infections. 
• Shop for comfortable clothes such as robes/pajamas, entertainment items like movies to keep you occupied after the surgery, and a pick-up tool to avoid bending. 
• Get a stool softener that you’ll use to reduce constipation (a common post-surgery symptom) during recovery. 
• Arrange with a loved one or friend to drive you to and from the surgery. 
• Avoid any alcohol consumption during this time as it can prolong the healing process and increase the risk of bruising.
• Make sure to avoid cigarettes as you were instructed when planning the procedure. Nicotine increases the chances of post-surgical complications and will prolong your recovery
• Avoid taking any herbal supplements because they can negatively interact with anesthesia. 
• It may be okay to use herbal ointments that help reduce inflammation, heal wounds, and soothe muscle aches, but only after deliberations with your plastic surgeon.
• Focus on a healthy diet to equip your body with the nutrients it will need to heal and recover from the surgery. This can also help you shed off some weight, which can enhance skin elasticity and improve your recovery prospects. The right pre-surgery diet should include foods rich in antioxidants such as berries, celery, cucumber, and squash. Healthy oils such as walnut and olive are also advised. 
• Make sure to drink a lot of water to keep your body hydrated and nourished.

The Night Before the Surgery 

The night before the surgery is a particularly important time for your liposuction preparation.

• Surgeons ask that you avoid eating or drinking anything within 8 hours of a surgical procedure to minimize the chances of regurgitation (the process whereby food and water enter your lungs) when under general anesthesia.  This is so important that surgeons refuse to perform the procedure on safety grounds if you ate or drank anything recently. 
• You also need to have a good night’s sleep so that your body is well-rested and relaxed before the procedure.  

The Day of Surgery

On the day of the surgery, there are a few final touches that are needed to make sure that everything goes according to plan. 

• Start by taking a very nice shower because it’s going to be a while before you shower again. 
• You could brush your teeth but do not swallow any water while at it. 
• Avoid putting on any makeup, jewelry, body creams and lotions, nail polish, hair clips, moisturizers and/or contact lenses. 
• Make sure you put on comfortable clothes and most importantly, give the staff the phone contact of the person who would pick you up after you’ve been discharged.  

Conclusion 

Liposuction is often a highly effective procedure – whether you are looking to contour your waistline, tone your upper arms, or more. Just make sure to follow the above steps in order for your procedure adequate and uneventful, and let your surgeon know if you have any concerns. While the treatment may be painful, the outcome will bring your joy and confidence back to your life. You’ll only need to wait a few hours after the procedure is completed before you can go home to continue with recovery. Recovery takes between 2-3 weeks but it may be a few months before you can see the full outcome of your treatment.