What Can I Expect Before, During and After Liposuction?
Liposuction ranges from minor to major surgery depending on what area of your body is involved and how much fat is being removed. However, even a minor liposuction surgery requires preparation to ensure the procedure goes smoothly.
We are committed to helping all our patients have as positive and comfortable experience as possible.
This comprehensive guide outlines the three main liposuction procedure steps. It will help walk you through what to expect from pre-surgical preparation through the liposuction procedure and recovery.
BEFORE Your Liposuction Procedure
To verify your good health and ensure you are a suitable candidate for liposuction, you must have your personal physician complete a history and physical examination before your surgery.
It is important for you to discuss any medical conditions that you have and to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking including any non-prescription ones.
Three weeks prior to surgery
At this time, you MUST STOP:
- Smoking
- Any alcohol intake
- Sunbathing or using any self-tanning products/tanning booths
- Unhealthy lifestyle habits. Eat well, get sufficient sleep and avoid anyone who is sick
- Women MUST BE CERTAIN they are not pregnant
7-10 days prior to surgery
The day before your surgery you should:
- Pick up any medications or prescriptions for after the liposuction procedure
- Have a light, late night snack that is high in protein (chicken or fish are good options)
- If you are having morning surgery, don’t eat or drink anything after midnight the day before.
- If you are having afternoon surgery, make sure you don’t eat anything 6 hours before your surgery
If you have any last minute questions, don’t hesitate to contact us, we want to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.
DURING Your Liposuction Procedure
Before the liposuction procedure begins, you will be given anesthesia. Once this has taken effect, the surgery is performed using a suction device attached to a small, stainless steel instrument called a cannula.
Through small incisions, the cannula is inserted into the fatty areas between skin and muscle where it removes excess fat using a large syringe or suction pump. This results in a smoother, improved body contour.
Once the fat is removed, the incision is stitched up and a compression bandage is applied to the treated area.
| Length of Procedure: Approximately 2-3 hours |
AFTER Your Liposuction Procedure
Under most circumstances, when liposuction is an outpatient procedure, recovery is usually quick. Most patients can return to work within a few days and to normal activities within two weeks.
It’s important to remember that every patient’s outcome will vary based on factors such as:
- Volume of fat cells removed
- Area of removal
Your surgeon will discuss what results you can expect to achieve and how best to maintain your new body shape.
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SPECIAL GARMENTS A compression garment should be worn for at least the first 2 weeks to promote healing and speed the recovery time. This garment will allow your new body shape to heal evenly and smoothly. |
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PAIN Any discomfort associated with liposuction is usually minor and can be relieved with pain medication. In less than a week, most patients are able to walk normally. |
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SWELLING/BRUISING Any swelling, bruising and numbness associated with the surgery will begin to dissipate within 7-10 days |
To find out more information on liposuction procedure and recovery, contact Dr. Ladak at 780-407-6691 or book a consultation today.
Dr. Adil Ladak is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Edmonton, Alberta and specializes in a variety of cosmetic surgical procedures.
