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Liposuction Do’s and Don’ts
One of the frequently requested procedures at The Oregon Clinic is liposuction. It’s useful for addressing longstanding body issues. But what exactly is liposuction?
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that removes troubling fat from targeted areas. Liposuction is capable of eliminating troubling fat that’s resistant to diet and exercise.
Areas where Dr. Fichadia performs liposuction include, but are not limited to the chin, neck, arms, abdomen, love handles, hips, thighs, and buttocks.
Do’s of Liposuction
There will be several things your doctor will encourage you to do before and following your procedure. They aren’t complicated. But they are important.
Do’s Before Surgery
Do research and ask questions about liposuction. Your doctor wants you to be well-informed about your procedure.
Do inform your doctor of any health issues. Be honest with your physician. Some people are inclined to keep negative health information to themselves out of fear that it will disqualify them from surgery.
If your liposuction has to be postponed due to a health issue, that’s okay. It’s better to clear up lingering illness or injury than to risk aggravating the situation and compromising the success of the liposuction.
Do maintain an acceptable weight for the surgery. Be careful of stress-related eating which could cause sudden weight gain.
But also do stay away from fad diets. An unsupervised loss of weight could also impact your health negatively.
Do’s After Surgery
Do wear your compression garments. They may not be fashionable but compression garments are a necessary part of your recovery. They will help lower the risk of blood clots which are a standard concern following surgeries.
Do follow the doctor’s post-op exercise recommendations. Sticking to your recovery routine will give the doctor a clear understanding of your progress.
Do attend all your post-op office appointments. It’s tempting to skip an appointment if you think you’re doing well. But it’s best to allow the doctor’s to evaluate your recovery.
Don’ts of Liposuction
What thinking and behavior should you avoid? Here are a few.
Don’ts Before Surgery
Don’t believe myths about liposuction. Once you tell your family and friends about your plans for liposuction, everyone will have an opinion they’re eager to share. But it’s wise to avoid uninformed comments. Stick to research backed by scientific proof.
Don’t become pregnant. Pregnancy involves a multitude of changes to the body. If you do become pregnant, the doctor will advise you to wait until after you’ve given birth and stopped breastfeeding.
Don’t neglect your health. Don’t assume that liposuction will solve all your health concerns. It’s important to continue to eat correctly, exercise, and sleep well.
Don’ts After Surgery
Don’t return to work too soon. You may be anxious to return to your job but get your doctor’s clearance. Even the best jobs come with stress that can complicate a recovery from surgery.
Don’t look for overnight results. The expected bruising will remain for some time. It’s better to mentally prepare yourself so that you won’t expect to have flawless skin within 24 hours.
Dr. Fichadia is a double board-certified, comprehensively trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon. She completed general surgical training at St Elizabeth’s Medical Center, an affiliate of Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA, and subsequently completed a highly competitive plastic surgery program at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR. She has presented research from her time in Boston and Portland at national and international surgical meetings such as Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons and annual meeting of American Society of Plastic Surgery.
