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• Make certain to listen to the instructions from your doctor before you undergo your procedure. If you’re uncertain about something, don’t hesitate to ask about it. By paying attention to and following your doctor’s instructions you can help minimize any possible risks and side effects from your surgery.

• If you’re taking blood-thinning medications, at least two weeks before your surgery, stop taking them. If you’re taking drugs that contain aspirin, in addition to anti-inflammatories and Vitamin E, they can thin your blood. As an alternative, take Tylenol. 

• Refrain from smoking no less than 2 weeks before your liposuction procedure, and don’t smoke for a month after the procedure. There are risks involved with surgical procedures that can affect the functions of the body while undergoing the surgery and during recovery, such as the way nicotine can inhibit the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the surgery site.

• Make sure that you clearly understand all of the instructions that will accompany the prescriptions your surgeon prescribes. Also make sure that you have all of your regular prescriptions filled before you undergo your surgery so that they will be ready and waiting for you after you return home.

• Be realistic about your efforts to lose weight before your surgery. A drastic loss of weight prior to your liposuction followed by a quick re-gain of it during your post-surgery recovery could affect the outcome of your results negatively.

• You’ll want to have a stock of foods that go easy on your stomach along with foods that promote regular bowel movements. As you recover, have foods like crackers, soup, applesauce, and jello on hand. High-fiber foods such as prune juice along with mild laxatives should be on your shelves because pain medications are often the cause of constipation.

• Have a cozy retreat for sleeping set up before you leave to have your procedure. Make it inviting with lots of soft, fluffy pillows around. And remember to have your phone close by the bed.

• Pick up lotions for reducing scars such as Mederma to have on hand while you recover. And benadryl or oatmeal soap will also come in handy should you experience post-op itching.

• Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from your surgery, and to stay overnight for the first night following your liposuction. The first few days and nights it’s good to have someone you can count on to help you with meal preparation and get anything you might need for the immediate time following your procedure.

• On the day of your surgery, be sure to wear loose-fitting clothes that you’ll be able to comfortably put on to return home.