It’s a common desire to be in better shape, and the hourglass look is something that many people dream of. But it can often seem like chasing a mirage; no matter how much you work out or eat right, sometimes progress just seems unattainable. Luckily, at Mac Med Spa in Milford, MA, we offer liposuction as an effective way to sculpt and slim your body to get that perfect figure.
Is Liposuction Permanent?
The results of liposuction are often permanent; however, this depends on how well you maintain your weight after surgery. Therefore, it is critical to follow your doctor’s instructions for diet and exercise so that you can maintain your post-liposuction figure.
Consultation
You can make the consultation experience much smoother by coming prepared. Make notes of any questions or concerns you have beforehand and bring them to the consultation. It is also wise to jot down your medical history and any medications you are currently taking for your doctor’s reference. During the consultation, we will evaluate the areas you want to be treated and give expert advice.
We will discuss risks associated with the procedure and explain how these depend on several factors such as the area of treatment and an individual’s overall health status. We will also provide a realistic expectation of what sort of results you can expect from the operation to ensure that it is right for you.
Preparation
Preparing for liposuction is a critical part of the process, as it can help to ensure a smooth operation and good outcome. It is crucial to follow the steps outlined below as carefully as possible to make sure that you are well-prepared for your procedure.
Stop Eating 8 Hours Before and Stop Drinking 6 Hours Before the Procedure
While it can be tempting to indulge while preparing for this cosmetic procedure, it’s important to remember that you should stop eating eight hours before and stop drinking six hours before your appointment. This is not only for comfort during the procedure but also for safety during the surgery itself. Fasting allows for a more comfortable experience by decreasing pressure on your digestive system.
When it comes to this timeline, it’s all about timing: if the appointment is in the evening, aim to stop eating at 9 a.m. Those with a morning appointment should avoid eating or drinking anything past midnight the night before their lipo appointment.
Do Not Apply Moisturizer or Body Creams the Day Before the Procedure
One thing people often forget during preparation is to not apply moisturizers or body creams the day before the lipo appointment. Doing so can actually cause a number of potential problems. Firstly, they may result in skin irritations and allergic reactions with the topicals being introduced into the surgical site; both of which can lead to unfavorable results.
Applying these substances on the day of your surgical session can cause clogging of pores and sometimes lead to skin inflammation during laser-assisted lipo. Furthermore, these products might contaminate the area undergoing surgery and may interfere with a successful completion.
Wear Comfortable Clothes and Shoes to Our Office
Comfort is key on the day of your lipo appointment, which is why it’s highly recommended that you wear comfortable clothing and shoes to our office. Not only will this make you more relaxed during your visit, but it also provides a few practical benefits as well. Firstly, it allows for a much more extensive physical assessment of the area undergoing surgery so that proper measurements can be taken.
Furthermore, wearing loose-fitting clothing can also help reduce any post-procedural discomfort caused by restricting the movement of the treated area. Additionally, slip-on shoes are best as they are easy to remove if they cause any discomfort while lying down.
Get Plenty of Rest in the Days Leading Up to Your Procedure
Many people don’t realize how important it is to be well-rested, physically and mentally, before going under the knife. For starters, adequate rest can help reduce preoperative anxiety and promote relaxation. Sufficient sleep can also bolster the immune system, providing the body with the extra strength and energy it needs to fight potential infection after surgery.
Finally, proper rest promotes faster healing. When you allow your body time to rest and repair itself, it can decrease your recovery time substantially. So if you have a lipo appointment in the near future, make sure that you get plenty of rest in the days leading up to surgery; it could be the difference between a positive surgical experience and one that causes more turmoil than necessary.
Arrange for Someone To Drive You Home Post-Surgery
Having a good support system in place is essential so that you can focus all your energy into healing and recovering from the procedure. There are three main reasons why you should make plans ahead of time, like arranging for a driver. First, it will help to avoid feeling rushed or overwhelmed when leaving the appointment or clinic.
Second, it will be uncomfortable to sit or drive after having undergone anesthesia, and will likely feel lethargic while behind the wheel. Third, having a driver will reduce stress levels since you won’t have to worry about driving yourself home.
Eat a Healthy Diet and Drink Plenty of Water
Eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water are key components for pre-surgery preparation, as they assist in optimizing the body’s natural healing abilities. Eating foods that are rich in vitamins like A, B12, C, and E can help to fortify the body’s defenses and promote quick recovery. Consuming high quantities of fiber-rich veggies and fruits provide an abundance of nutrients that can boost energy levels and promote better digestion.
Crucial nutrients such as antioxidants and zinc are needed to help with tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity; all critical factors in speeding up the healing process. Drinking lots of water before lipo helps flush toxins out of your system while providing essential fluids that your body needs to heal itself naturally.
Avoid Alcohol for at Least 48 Hours Prior to Your Procedure
Drinking alcohol can have serious health implications for any surgical procedure. Alcohol impairs your body’s ability to heal, increases inflammation and swelling associated with the surgery, and increases bleeding and bruising in the area of the lipo incisions. Alcohol also weakens your body’s immune system.
Avoid Vitamin E Supplements
Vitamin E is widely available and often thought of as a beneficial supplement, but ingesting large quantities of it before a surgical procedure can be extremely dangerous. Vitamin E can act as a blood thinner, which increases the likelihood of excessive bleeding during and after the procedure.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is hazardous for lipo patients due to how cigarettes affect the body. Smoking can compromise blood flow and circulate toxins to your organs, increasing the risk of complications. In addition, smoking can also weaken your body’s natural collagen. Collagen is a protein that is necessary for skin tightness after the procedure.
Procedure
During the procedure, the doctor will administer local anesthesia at the treatment site. An incision is then made and a special tool called a cannula is inserted to loosen and suction out fat cells. The cannula works back and forth to move through fatty deposits and remove them using a gentle suctioning motion.
Once the excess fat cells are removed, the doctor will close any incisions in the skin they’ve made and may apply compression bandages or padding to facilitate healing. The entire process typically takes one to two hours or longer depending on the complexity of each individual case.
How Long Do Lipo Incisions Take To Heal?
Generally, most people can expect to have their lipo incisions completely healed within three to five weeks following the procedure. However, in order to reduce the chance of infection and complications with healing, it’s crucial that you follow our post-operative instructions carefully. This may include wound care techniques such as regularly cleaning and moisturizing your incision, avoiding any strenuous activities, and wearing loose clothing near the area.
Start Living Life Again With Confidence
You don’t have to let your insecurities keep you from enjoying life. You can do something about it and we can help. With liposuction, you’ll not only look but feel better, too. The first step is easy: all you have to do is pick up the phone and give us a call. We offer free consultations so that you can get all the information about our services without any obligation. Don’t wait any longer, contact Mac Med Spa in Milford, MA, today!