When it comes to surgery, there are few things that the patients themselves can do including knowing what to do before and after surgery. With summer just about here, if you have decided to get rid of stubborn unwanted body fat with the help of liposuction, we have a few ways for you to prepare for your surgery. Let’s take a closer look at four easy tips that will make your surgery go a lot smoother.
- Ask Questions
During your initial appointment, we will go over what you can expect during, what to avoid before surgery, and how to recover, but we encourage all of our patients to come to their appointment with a list of questions. Remember that when it comes to surgery, no question is too big or too small
- Avoid Ibuprofen and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory drugs— when taken in moderation— are a safe, easy, and effective over-the-counter way to get rid of pain and inflammation. And although taking a few ibuprofen for a headache isn’t going to do any damage to your body, these types of drugs are a big no-no before surgery. Because ibuprofen and aspirin are blood thinners, they can cause complications both during and after surgery. Stop taking these medications at least one week before surgery.
- Stop Smoking
Have you been waiting for the perfect sign that you need to finally quit smoking cigarettes? Consider liposuction your number one sign. Smoking slows down your body’s ability to fight off infection which puts you at a greater risk when you go through surgery. We encourage our patients to stop smoking at least four weeks before liposuction.
- Schedule a Ride Home
One thing that some patients tend to overlook is scheduling a ride home from our office after liposuction. Because we use general anesthesia to sedate our patients during liposuction, you will need someone else to drive you home.
Whether you already have your liposuction scheduled or if you are still deciding if it’s right for you, knowing these few tips will help ensure that your surgery goes a little smoother. To learn more about liposuction, schedule an appointment with Dr. Benjamin Dunkley at our Salt Lake City office today and call us at (801) 268-2650.