Preparing for Liposuction Surgery

Preparing for Liposuction Surgery: Weight stability before liposuction

• Your weight must be stable for at least 3 months before liposuction. This is not an aesthetic preference, it is a clinical requirement
• Liposuction removes fat cells permanently from treated areas. If you gain weight after surgery, remaining fat cells in untreated areas expand — altering the result
• If you are actively losing weight, continue until you reach your stable weight — then wait 3 months before having the procedure
• Obesity significantly increases anaesthetic risk and complication rates. Your surgeon may decline to operate above a certain BMI.

• Blood thinners, aspirin, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen): stop 7–14 days before, the tissue treated during liposuction bleeds significantly with anticoagulation
• Vitamin E, fish oil, garlic, ginkgo supplements: stop 7–10 days before
• Smoking: stop at least 4–6 weeks before, dramatically impairs wound healing and increases infection and fat necrosis risk
• Alcohol: stop 48 hours before surgery
• Fasting: nothing to eat for 6 hours. Clear fluids until 2 hours before your procedure time.

• Your surgeon will specify the type and size of compression garment required, confirm exactly what to purchase at your pre-operative consultation
• Most surgeons recommend having the garment ready before surgery so it can be applied immediately after the procedure
• Measure yourself accurately: the garment must fit correctly to provide even compression. Too tight causes skin breakdown; too loose is ineffective
• Wash the garment before use. Have at least two garments if possible, you will be wearing it continuously for 4–6 weeks