The preparations for liposuction are not extensive but there are a few important points.

All individuals should stop smoking at least a month prior to the procedure. This helps for better wound healing. It even helps improve the breathing after surgery.

All individuals who are taking blood thinners need to discuss this with their physician. In general blood thinners should be stopped at least a week prior to the surgery

For those who will receive general anesthesia, one should not eat from midnight onwards.

Liposuction can be done

- At the surgeon's office

- At an outpatient surgery center

- In a hospital as an inpatient

- In a hospital as an outpatient

The type of anesthesia depends on where the fat is going to be removed and how much will be removed. Extensive removal of fat usually requires general anesthesia and a probable overnight stay in the hospital. For small pockets of fat, intravenous sedation may be sufficient.

Once the anesthesia has been administered, the liposuction procedure is performed using a suction device attached to a small, stainless steel instrument called a tube (cannula with holes). Through very small skin incisions, the cannula is inserted into fatty areas between skin and muscle and the suction is turned on. The cannula acts like a vacuum and sucks out the fat. The surgeon determines the amount of fat removal based on his technical experience and surgical judgment.

The final aim is to obtain a smooth and improved body contour. The length of the procedure will vary with the amount of fat needing removed.

The entire procedure may last an hour or less, depending on the areas to be suctioned.

For anyone considering liposuction, one should be careful about the choice of surgeon. It is best to select a plastic surgeon who has been trained to do the procedure. In some places, liposuction is being done by physicians other than plastic surgeons.

Since you are paying for it, ask your plastic surgeon about credentials, training, and how many liposuction procedures he or she has performed.

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