Liposuction is generally thought of as the procedure that removes unwanted fat from the belly, thighs, and buttocks. While these are common areas to have liposuction, the treatment can also be utilized on the face—specifically, the neck, cheeks, and jowls. The procedure is completed under general anesthesia with light sedation. It typically involves the use of a thin tube known as a cannula, which is connected to a vacuum that precisely removes unwanted fat.
It’s essential to understand how the technique works. And it’s also crucial that you know how to properly prepare for your procedure and understand what is involved in your recovery.
Preparing For Your Liposuction Procedure
As soon as you’ve decided to proceed with a liposuction procedure, you’ll need to take several steps to prepare yourself mentally and physically.
Naturally, you will need to discuss surgery preparation with your facial plastic surgeon. There are some situations that will be specific to you, depending on your goals and needs. However, the following tips are generally appropriate for all liposuction patients.
1. Make Sure You’re at Or Near Your Goal Weight
Before you’ve even made a consultation appointment with your facial plastic surgeon, it’s important to try to lose as much weight as you can on your own. You should do this in a healthy way through physician-recommended methods of diet and exercise.
Liposuction patients should be at a healthy BMI before undergoing the procedure, as liposuction isn’t meant to assist in weight loss but instead provide you with those finishing touches on all of your hard work. Genetics can play a significant part in our inability to shape our neck and jaw the way we want them, which is where liposuction typically comes in handy. Liposuction can remove subcutaneous fat from beneath the chin to enhance a more youthful facial structure.
2. Stop Smoking
Smoking constricts your blood cells, which can cause complications during your procedure and after your procedure. It is unsafe to continue to smoke in the few months before your procedure, and you’ll need to stay smoke-free for several months after your liposuction treatment as well.
3. Recruit Your Support Team
In the days following your surgery, you’ll be limited on what you can and cannot do. It’s important that you ask someone close to you, a friend, family member, or your significant other to help get you to and from the surgical center and back home. They will also be responsible for assisting you during your recovery. In the first few days, you’ll feel sore and tired, and you must be able to rest. The person you ask to help you will be responsible for bringing you food and water, helping you to the bathroom, monitoring your medication, and helping out anywhere around the house. Be prepared for all of this by having someone your trust nearby who can help you.
4. Schedule Time Off Work and School
Another step you’ll need to take prior to your surgery is scheduling time off from work or school. Any responsibilities that you may have will need to be put on hold as you will want to put all of your focus into a healthy and safe recovery. Many people who schedule your liposuction procedures schedule it during the summer months during their vacation time when their obligations and responsibilities are limited.
Schedule Your Facial Liposuction Consultation Appointment Today
While diet and exercise are undoubtedly important for shedding fat, you can’t always fight against genetics that predisposes you to a fuller face. If you’ve been struggling to achieve a more youthful, slimmer facial appearance, liposuction may be the procedure to help.
Dr. Guy is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in The Woodlands, TX. He is committed to fostering a close relationship with each and every one of his patients and will take his time speaking with you about your individual goals and expectations. For more information, don’t hesitate to call (832) 956-1040 or contact us through our website.