Best Tips Before and After Plastic Surgery

Is Plastic Surgery Traumatic?

Liposuction and tummy tucks are popular plastic surgery procedures. Liposuction aims to remove excess fat from specific parts of the body where fat tend to accumulate such as the abdomen, arms and thighs. While the procedure is relatively safe, it is still surgery, and involves risk. Many individuals are not mentally prepared for the pain and swelling after the surgery, believing this is a simple procedure given the small incisions. However, the cannula inerted to remove the fat is passed over a large area and in that process there is trauma to other cells and tissues, not just fat cells.

One way to be better prepared is to ask a lot of questions during the consultation. Unrealistic expectations lead to disappointment, be sure t0 explore what you can expect to look like after the procedure. One way to do this is to ask to see before and after photos of clients that are similar to you.

Some of the Most Frustrating, but Minor Side Effects include: 

Bruising 

Swelling

Minor Superficial Irregularities

Temporary Lumpiness

There are some things that can be done to minimize the risk and insure not only a smoother recovery but a smoother appearance of the treated area.

Steps to Prepare for Surgery:

1. Identify where you will be doing lymphatic massage and do at least 3 sessions before the procedure to prime your lymphatic system. This priming will help with the post-operative swelling and help flush out the anesthetic faster.
2. Hydrate: Drink at least half your weight in ounces per day. For example, if you are 120 pounds drink 60 ounces of water.
3. Eat well with lots of clean food, leafy greens and protein: Protein helps with healing, and eating lots of fiber will insure that you do not become constipated the first few days after surgery when you are going to want to move less.
4. Cut down on sodium: Sodium leads to fluid retention, which leads to swelling. Swelling places pressure on the tissues and can be part of the pain process.
5. Stop drinking and smoking: Both vises can hinder healing.
6. Increase physical activity as this helps all systems of the body- including the lymph system.

Best Tips Post Procedure:

1. Hydrate: A dehydrated body will hold on to fluids and toxins, whereas a hydrated body will release both. Swelling is a source of pain, so the sooner you get the swelling down, the better you will feel.
2. Do your first session of lymphatic massage within 24-48 hours, or as directed by your surgeon.
3. Wear compression garments.
4. Get plenty of rest: Your body has been probed and a few pounds of fat removed. You likley had incisions in multiple spots, and anesthesia. You need time to recover from all of it. Recovery time will be individual. Most clients underestimate how they tired will be and how much post operative pain they will experience.
5. Take medications are instructed.
6. Keep moving, as lack of movement will lead to stagnation and a buildup of fluids and toxins.
7. Eat well with fresh fruits, vegetables, proteing- low sodium and limited to no processed foods.
8. Consider Body Contouring and Skin tightening post procedure.

The bottom line if you want a smaller bottom, there are things you can do before and after liposuction to help set expecations, prepare your body before the procedure and to recover smoothly. At Scottsdale Lymphatics & IVs, we offer comprehensive pre & post surgery services. Call today to discuss the best package to achieve your best body goals.