So, you’re scheduled for double chin liposuction surgery, and you’re wondering how to prepare. Let’s go over some of the most important steps you should take before undergoing double chin liposuction.

8 Ways to Prepare for Double Chin Liposuction

Double Chin Liposuction

Houston chin liposuction (also known as submental liposuction) is generally an outpatient procedure. Either general anesthesia or local anesthesia may be used. Chin liposuction recovery time usually takes one to two weeks.

Patients can return to their regular daily activities after about two to three weeks, though they should wait to exercise for approximately six weeks. Check with Dr. Ashley Steinberg for exact dates.

How to prepare for double chin liposuction:

1. Schedule a consultation appointment.

All plastic surgery patients need to schedule a consultation appointment before undergoing surgery. This appointment is necessary so that you can meet with your surgeon and discuss your options.

You must also be medically cleared for surgery. This means your surgeon will want to perform some routine medical tests and may have you get some lab work done as well. They’ll give you a short physical examination and ask you questions about your goals. Be ready with a brief rundown of your medical history and a general idea of what you’d like to achieve through surgery.

2. If you’re a smoker, stop smoking.

Smoking can complicate any type of surgery, including chin liposuction. This is because smoking disturbs normal heart rhythms and can promote high blood pressure and inflammation — both of which may increase your heart rate during your surgical procedure and could lead to a heart attack or even heart failure.

Furthermore, blood flow is reduced in individuals who smoke regularly, which means it’s harder to keep someone who smokes breathing while they are under anesthesia during surgery.

Lastly, liposuction requires small incisions to be made. If you smoke prior to your procedure or after your procedure, it may take longer for these wounds to heal.

3. Speak with your surgeon about any medications or supplements you are taking.

Some patients will need to quit taking certain medications or dietary supplements before their surgery. When prescription medications are necessary for the health of the patient, your surgeon may work with your prescribing doctor to figure out an alternative or varied dose so that you can go can undergo surgery safely.

You’ll specifically need to stop taking blood thinners before surgery. Examples of blood thinners include vitamin E, aspirin, ginkgo biloba, ibuprofen, and turmeric. Stop these before surgery because they can increase severe bleeding.

4. Line up a friend or family member to take you home after surgery.

It’s important that you have someone ready to take you home after your surgery. This is true whether you go under general anesthesia or have local anesthesia. Make sure the individual you choose is someone you can trust and rely on. Most patients choose a family member or a close friend.

If you are solo, ask your surgeon what you can do as an alternative. Some facilities will help you contact at-home care professionals who will be able to take you home and help you settle in.

It may also be a good idea to have this individual — or someone else — help you for the first few days after surgery. You should feel generally well, but it can be helpful to have someone nearby in case you need assistance with making meals, running errands, etc.

5. Schedule time off from work.

Most patients will need to take between one and two weeks off from work or school. This is less because you will have some discomfort after surgery and more because you’ll probably want to stay home while you have to wear your chin compression strap. A compression strap must be worn by all chin liposuction patients 24/7 for at least one week after surgery.

6. Prepare your home and stock up on supplies.

You can never be too prepared. After having your surgery, you will probably feel fairly fine and not too uncomfortable. However, some patients need more time to get adjusted. Moreover, your body needs to rest and recover, so you don’t want to tax yourself too much during this immediate period after surgery.

As a result, it’s a good idea to run most of your errands, clean up your house, and buy groceries before going into surgery. That way, when you get home from your procedure, you can focus fully on rest and relaxation.

7. Create a “recovery area” at home.

Part of preparing your home for recovery from surgery means creating a “recovery area” where you can spend a lot of your time. Most people make this area in their living room or bedroom.

Put things nearby that you want to have on-hand such as a phone charger, magazines and books, your remote control, your computer or tablet, a table for writing and eating, snacks, and other things like tissues and pen and paper. Have everything close by, and make the space comfortable and cozy.

8. Stay healthy ahead of surgery.

As you head into surgery, keep your body and mind healthy and well-adjusted. Focusing on eating a nutritious diet full of lean protein, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats and oils is a good start. You should also exercise daily. Even going for a 15-minute walk a few times a week can do great things for your mental clarity and physical health.

It’s also important to drink a lot of water before your surgery. Dehydration exacerbates physical problems and can make your recovery difficult. Aim to drink half your weight in ounces of water every day.

Finally, mentally prepare yourself for surgery. You may find that going through surgery and recovery is taxing on your emotions. Preparing yourself mentally can help you adjust more easily.

Schedule a Consultation for Double Chin Liposuction

Dr. Ashley Steinberg

The first step to getting double chin liposuction near me is scheduling your consultation appointment with Dr. Ashley Steinberg of Houston. Schedule your consultation today and start looking forward to your new chin and the new you!