You've done your liposuction research. You've met with your cosmetic surgeon and had your questions answered. And now you've got a date scheduled for your liposuction procedure. All you have to do now is get your body ready for surgery before liposuction is performed. The following are a few helpful pointers.

Prior to undergoing liposuction surgery, it is very important to have a pre-operative consultation with your cosmetic surgeon or a member of your cosmetic surgeon's staff. In this consultation, several suggestions may be made on how you can prepare your body before liposuction is performed. Common recommendations include:

Avoiding medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for 7-10 days before the procedure. These drugs can increase bleeding during and after liposuction. Some herbs and vitamins can also affect bleeding, so be sure to let your doctor know of any and all vitamins and other supplements you take, in addition to medications.

Discontinuing birth control pills. If you are on the birth control pill, many cosmetic surgeons will instruct you to stop taking it before liposuction is performed, and to use another method of contraception until after the procedure. This is necessary due to the increased risk of blood clots in the legs if you remain on the birth control pill. So be sure to let your doctor know if you are on a contraceptive pill before undergoing liposuction. Do NOT discontinue your contraceptive pill unless instructed by your cosmetic surgeon or your physician.

Quitting or refraining from smoking for a minimum of two weeks before liposuction is performed. Smoking has many health risks, including surgically health related risks. People who smoke risk infections of the lungs after anesthesia. Smoking can also cause circulation problems after surgery as a result of decreased blood flow to the skin and other vital tissues.

Obtaining blood/lab tests. Routine blood tests and other lab work, such as a urinalysis, are required before liposuction can be performed. It is through these tests that your cosmetic surgeon will be able to determine if you are healthy enough to undergo the liposuction procedure.

Losing a certain amount of weight. Many cosmetic surgeons recommend that you be at your ideal weight or close to it before undergoing liposuction. Doing so can help produce better results after liposuction.

Getting both your mind and body ready before liposuction surgery is performed is very important. If you have any type of medical condition, be sure to make your cosmetic surgeon aware of this and inquire on whether or not there are any additional risks involved. Your cosmetic surgeon and/or primary doctor should have the expertise to answer your questions, as well as provide you with advice on how to get your body ready before liposuction is performed.

Remember: always consult with a cosmetic surgeon trained in performing liposuction procedures before deciding if such a cosmetic procedure is right for you. The more you learn before liposuction is performed, the better!