Before Liposuction

A cosmetic surgeon will evaluate you to determine if you are a good candidate for liposuction. Liposuction is not intended as a weight loss means, but to remove areas of localized, excess fat. The patient should be realistic of what liposuction can achieve for their particular body type. Your consultation prior to the liposuction procedure will involve the patient communicating the result they wish to achieve and the surgeon determining if that is achievable.

The surgeon will want to know how you normally gain or lose weight and the effects it has on the areas you wish to have liposuction performed at. This will help the surgeon determine what will achieve the best results for the individual. Ideally, the patient will be in a good health and exercises regularly but wishes to remove fat that was unable to be reduced through exercise.

Your medical history will be discussed to determine if you are at risk for any complications that may interfere with the liposuction procedure or to determine if certain precautionary measure should be taken. Smokers will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of the liposuction surgery, and anti-inflammatory medicine should be avoided as it can cause increased bleeding and will need to be avoided for a period after the surgery. Your surgeon will be sure to review any pre-operative instructions that will need to be followed before the liposuction takes place. Patients should be very honest and forthcoming with their surgeons. Failure to disclose certain information could be putting you at serious health risks.

Liposuction involves an anesthesia that will be administered to make the surgery as comfortable as possible. Your physical condition will be closely monitored as to avoid any potential complications or to monitor any existing conditions. For some patients, a pre-existing health condition may prevent qualifying for liposuction.

After Liposuction

Following liposuction, a recovery area where you are monitored will be provided. Initial discomfort should be expected. The surgeon will provide medication to help manage the discomfort and pain. There will be dressings put over the area you got liposuction at and will be instructed by your surgeon when it is okay to remove them. Generally liposuction is an out patient procedure, but some patients may stay in the facility longer.

Recovery times will vary with liposuction depending on the patient. You will be advised to keep blood circulation with easy activity. Swelling and fluid retention is normal and should not discourage the patient following the liposuction. Gradually the results will appear, though some patients may wish for a touch up liposuction to be performed.