How do you prepare for liposuction surgery?

Despite the advancements, liposuction remains a major plastic surgery procedure which necessitates detailed preparation to accomplish safe and beautiful results. At the time of the pre-operative consultation, the surgeon will provide the patient with instructions on preparing for their liposuction procedure. 

A patient who is well-prepared will usually have a higher level of confidence and can make more informed decisions regarding their liposuction surgery. These patients usually have a lesser risk of complications and enjoy a faster recovery.

Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, led by board certified plastic surgeons Dr. Burton M. Sundin and Dr. Reps B. Sundin, provides liposuction body contouring to patients in Richmond, Fredericksburg, Tysons Corner, Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and surrounding communities.

Suggestions for Preparation

The patient can undertake the following simple steps to be well-prepared for their liposuction surgery:

Arrange for previous medical records from the physician, specialists, and hospital to be sent directly to the surgeon’s office. Enlist all prescription and non-prescription drugs, including supplements, vitamins, and herbal medicines which the patient currently takes.   In case the surgeon recommends changes in the schedule of certain prescription meds, arrange for them to talk to the prescribing doctor. Discontinue smoking for a specified duration as instructed by the surgeon.  Perform any urgent work or household related tasks beforehand to enjoy a relaxed and stress-free recovery period.  Arrange for aftercare, if necessary, to help the patient during the initial two or three days of the recovery phase. Enlist someone responsible to drive them back home after their liposuction plastic surgery. 

If the patient follows the preparation instructions by the surgeon in a dedicated manner, it can have a significant effect on reducing the risks related to the surgery and expediting the recovery process.

Common Guidelines

The surgeon’s team may provide the patient with a printed set of common instructions to prepare for the liposuction surgery. These guidelines may include:

Stop the use of blood thinners, NSAIDs, and other such drugs two weeks prior to liposuction surgery. Discontinue the use of vitamin E, vitamin C, herbal supplements, and dietary pills for nearly four weeks before the procedure. Minimize the consumption of alcohol and entirely stop drinking at least 48 hours prior to the procedure.  Do not eat or drink anything for eight hours before the scheduled time of the procedure. Take plenty of rest and get a good night’s sleep on the night before the liposuction procedure.  Do not wear makeup, contact lenses, body piercings, jewelry, or nail paint to the surgical facility.  Wear loose, comfortable clothing to the surgical venue on the day of the surgery.  Patients who are diabetic should have their vital parameters assessed on the morning of the procedure. 

Certain patients may feel anxious a day before their surgery. For such patients, the surgeon may prescribe a mild sedative to be taken the night prior to the procedure. 

Applying for Leave at the Workplace

Working professionals should apply for at least one week of leave to recover from their liposuction surgery. They should only perform sedentary work in the second week of the liposuction procedure, and not undertake any task that puts pressure on the incisions. 

Plastic surgeons at VIPS receive patients from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Tysons Corner, Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and nearby areas for liposuction body sculpting.

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin please visit

Serving Richmond, VA, Fredricksburg, Williamsburg, Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington and surrounding communities.