What You Do Before Liposuction Really Matters
In addition to selecting a plastic surgeon with excellent qualifications, one of the most important predictors of your procedure’s success is whether or not you properly prepare for it. Of course, being well-informed is vital, but following through on improving the likelihood of optimal results will often make a world of difference.
The results of liposuction, a procedure that involves removing excess fat from the body, are particularly dependent on what you do beforehand. This means that your actions in the days, weeks, and even months leading up to liposuction can have a significant impact on your results.
One of the most common questions about this widely popular plastic surgery procedure is: “How do I prepare my body for liposuction?” Ultimately, the answer involves balancing physical areas of the body and mental preparation, with each element just as important as the last.
What You Do Before Liposuction Really Matters
If you are considering liposuction to achieve your ideal body shape, there is good news. When performed by a knowledgeable and experienced surgeon, liposuction can deliver exceptional results. But before you proceed with your plans, and long before you arrive on the day of the procedure, there is a series of steps that should be completed first.
Select the Right Cosmetic Surgeon
You may have started to think about liposuction after seeing a local advertisement or even after hearing a friend or family member talk about their results. And while it is common to assume that all plastic surgeons are equally qualified, that is not always the case. Unfortunately, many plastic surgeons in Houston and beyond are all too willing to perform subpar work in exchange for profits.
For this reason, the process of selecting a surgeon is perhaps the most important thing you can do to ensure outstanding liposuction results. Here are a few quick tips for how to find the best plastic surgeon for your procedure:
- Review the surgeon’s education, experience, and qualifications to learn more about their professional history
- Ask to see a portfolio of liposuction before and afters, which will give you a good sense of the quality of their work (any doctor that refuses to share examples of their work should be avoided)
- Schedule a consultation to meet the doctor in-person.
Do not hesitate to trust your gut when you are considering potential surgeons. If something feels off, it probably is. A genuinely high-quality surgeon will be all too happy to answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide unbiased information about your potential results from liposuction.
Achieve your Goal Weight
Some people think of liposuction as a weight-loss tool, but that could not be further from the truth. The goal of liposuction is to remove fat that will not respond to diet and exercise, which means that you should ideally be reasonably close to your target weight before proceeding with surgery.
The common question is, “what BMI do you need for liposuction?” Ultimately, the goal is to be healthy, happy, with just some extra fat to remove.
Build up Muscle
Trimming fat is undoubtedly an effective way to move closer to the lean, slim, and toned body of your dreams. However, liposuction cannot be the only way you are working towards your goal body. You must tone the underlying muscles in your target areas so that they are well-prepared for the big reveal that comes with stubborn fat removal.
Aim to begin toning your muscles several months before liposuction. Not only will it boost the quality of your results, but it can also help improve healing.
Establish Healthy Eating Habits
It is always good to eat healthfully, but especially when you are getting ready for liposuction. The purpose of this is two-fold: first, it supports overall health and better healing. Second, healthy foods can increase skin elasticity for optimal results.
Aim for a diet rich in water and antioxidants, including foods such as:
- Berries
- Cucumbers
- Celery
- Healthy oils, including olive, walnut, and avocado
- Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, nuts, and other foods
- Squashes
Kick Your Nicotine Habit For Good
The negative effect of nicotine on plastic surgery results is well-documented. Because nicotine restricts the blood vessels, decreasing blood flow, your results can easily be compromised, and healing can be slowed.
Make it a priority to quit smoking (or your preferred form of nicotine) as soon as you schedule your procedure, if not sooner.
Make your Home Liposuction Recovery Friendly
Although liposuction does not typically require a long recovery period, it is still a good idea to prepare for some downtime. Prep your home for your recovery with a few simple steps:
- Stock up on healthy foods that are easy to prepare
- Have comfortable, loose-fitting clothing easily accessible
- Arrange for assistance with children or pets
- Make sure your essentials are within easy reach of your bed
- Take advantage of the resources provided by your surgeon
A good surgeon will ensure that you have the information needed to prepare for your liposuction surgery, but it is important that you actually read and review it. Pay close attention to aftercare instructions, and request a copy to have at home for your liposuction recovery.
If you have a friend or family member that is planning to help while you recover, share the details with them as well. Do not be afraid to ask plenty of questions leading up to the procedure because your best resource is always your doctor.
Dr. Michael J. Streitmann, M.D.: A Leading Provider of Liposuction in Houston, TX
Even with a strict dedication to healthy eating and fitness, stubborn fat can still stand between you and your goal body. But whether it is genetics, hormonal changes, or gender, you do not have to give up on achieving your aesthetic goals. Liposuction surgery provides the opportunity to shape and sculpt your body, eliminating frustrating fat deposits and resulting in a body that is trim and toned.
At our plastic surgery practice in Houston, patients receive the personalized care and consideration that puts their goals, health, and safety at the forefront. Dr. Michael J. Streitmann is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with extensive experience and skill and is committed to serving the unique needs of every single patient that comes through our doors.
Liposuction surgery is among the most common procedures performed at our plastic surgery office in Houston, ranging from full-body procedures to options that target small areas such as the chin.
Liposuction can be a life-changing decision, one that you want to be completely confident is the right choice for you. Although there are many plastic surgeons in Houston, Dr. Michael J. Streitmann is distinguished by his expertise and commitment to his patients. Not only will he work closely with you to understand your desired outcome, but Dr. Streitmann will also be happy to address any questions and concerns along the way.
Learn more about how liposuction can be the answer you have been searching for to get rid of stubborn fat once and for all. Contact the Houston cosmetic surgery office of Dr. Michael J. Streitmann, M.D. to schedule your consultation today.
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