Before & After Liposuction

Before Liposuction
The board certified plastic surgeon determines if the potential patient is an ideal candidate for liposuction during the initial consultation. It is very important for open and honest communication between the patient and the plastic surgeon for the safety and outcome desirability of the liposuction procedure. The plastic surgeon will ask the candidate detailed questions, which will entail why they wish to get the procedure, how the patient wants the surgery to turn out, and what feelings you expect to have following the liposuction.

A complete health evaluation will be made along with a physical exam, preoperative pictures, and then an explanation on what the surgeon feels are the best liposuction techniques for the goals and body type of that individual. It is extremely important to express the outcome hoped for through liposuction surgery so that the surgeon can tell the patient if the results are attainable, as well as to avoid not reaching full satisfaction from the procedure simply because of poor communication prior to the liposuction. The liposuction surgeon will discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used, the facility the procedure will take place at, and go over the risks involved with liposuction.

The patient’s age, skin types, overall health, and genetic background to name a few often affect the liposuction outcome. Patients who smoke have been found to be at higher risk for pulmonary complications and have a delayed healing time verses non-smokers. Individuals with damaged skin conditions may also find the results of their liposuction a little lesser than those patients that do not have damaged skin conditions. Regardless, there are many factors that will determine the outcome of liposuction, but there is no sure proof way to predict the exact results.

Directly prior to liposuction, patients should avoid any type of anti-inflammatory medicine because they increase bleeding, and alcohol and smoking should be stopped until the plastic surgeon indicates to the patient that it can resume. Based on individual health and risk factors, the liposuction surgeon will properly instruct pre-operative directions that must be followed. If a patient fails to adhere to the guidelines set forth by the surgeon the liposuction may be cancelled in order to better guarantee the safety of the patient. A ride to and from the liposuction procedure should be arranged ahead of time.

After Liposuction
Individual liposuction patients will experience a different recovery time and lifestyle modifications. Any discomfort or pain can vary on the location of liposuction as well as individual factors. Some individuals may possess a higher threshold for pain and can better withstand the postoperative conditions liposuction causes. The liposuction patient will sometimes be given a prescription to help reduce the feeling of discomfort.

The adjustment period to the liposuction depends on how dramatic of a change was made and the individual’s own emotional and mental tendencies. Some liposuction procedures may have greatly altered a previous image of one’s self and the change in image may take awhile to adjust to. Discoloration and swelling is normal right after liposuction, so a patient should not jump to any conclusions until it has settled down. By having someone to help with the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of the liposuction can greatly support the patient.