How to prepare for Lipo? - Muscle Management Services

how to prepare before and After Lipo?

Woman with red pre-surgery markings on her face. — Pre-op markings on beautiful woman.

Lipo pre-op & Post-Op Care

Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Must haves

Most needed items before you undergo liposuction or tummy tuck surgery.

Time and time again my clients come to me surprised by how long recover from liposuction can actually be. I’v had some clients still experiencing soreness, swelling and even numbness six months to a year after their initial surgery. healing time varies from person to person, but one thing remains consistent: recovery is a journey. Considering how long it may take to feel “normal” again, it’s worth. taking extra steps to make sure you are prepared and supported throughout the process.

Better plastic surgeons will tell you that healing from your surgery doesn’t begin in the operating room — it starts before you ever go under the knife. Preparing your body in advance can lead to faster healing, reduced pain, and better results overall.

Hydration, nutrition and muscle palpability are key factors when working on pre-surgery readiness.

Pre-op Preparation

Hydration is always important, but it becomes critical before surgery. Yes, you’ll receive IV fluids during the procedure, but most surgeons will tell you they notice a clear difference when operating on someone who is well-hydrated versus dehydrated. Proper hydration helps keep your tissues healthier and more resilient, which makes surgery and recovery easier. Sometimes water alone isn’t enough to penetrate the muscles, which is why electrolyte balance and good nutrition are equally important.

Another key factor is muscle readiness. Tense, tight muscles and restricted fascia can contribute to discomfort both before and after surgery. Taking time to prepare your body with stretching,

massage or targeted therapies makes a bid difference. Scheduling a massage a few day before your surgery may help in many ways. Book you Pre-op massage with Muscle Management Services in you are in the Philadelphia area.

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✅ Pre-Op Checklist (2-4 weeks before surgery)

Stay Hydrated: Aim for 8-10 glasses of water daily, carry a water bottle with you everywhere to make this easier; add electrolytes if needed.
Focus on Nutrition: Eat whole foods rich in vitamins C,D zinc and protein to support healing.
Limit Alcohol and Nicotine: Both slow healing and increase surgical risks.
Exercise and Stretching: Gentle movements keeps circulation strong.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): Start sessions before surgery to reduce fluid retention, support lymphatic flow, and prep your body for faster healing.
Prepare Your Home: Stock up on loose clothing, compression garments, healthy meals and pillows for proper positioning.

Consult With Your Surgeon: Review medications and supplements (some may need to be paused)

Woman -Post-surgery with bandage across her chest

Post-op Recovery

After liposuction or a tummy tuck, swelling, bruising, and tightness are inevitable parts of the healing process. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) can make a huge different during this time. MLD gently moves excess fluid out of the tissues, reduces swelling, speeds up healing, and helps minimize the risk of fibrosis (hard lumps under the skin). Many clients find that incorporating MLD into the recovery plan not only makes them more comfortable but also helps their final results look smoother and more natural.

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✅Post-Op Checklist (first 6-12 weeks)

Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions: Take medications, wear compression garments, and attend followups.
Schedule Post-Op MLD: Begin as soon as your surgeon clears you- usually within the first week. Regular sessions reduce swelling and support smoother results.
Hydrate Consistently: Water is your best friend for flushing out toxins and reducing swelling.
Gentle Movement: Walking helps circulation and prevents blood clots (avoid strenuous exercise until cleared).
Nutrition for healing: Stick to protein-rich meal, fruits and vegetables, and anti-inflammatory foods. Consider stocking up on healthy low sodium prepared meals ahead of time.
Compression Garments: Wear as instructed to help your body contour properly. Use foam boards and also pay attention to and to a smaller size as swelling is reduced.
Rest and Positioning: Use supportive pillows to sleep in positions that reduce strain and swelling.
Monitor Your Body: Watch for unusual pain, fever, or excessive swelling and contact your surgeon immediately if they occur.

✅Other Items to Consider

Save up Cash in your FSA and HSA account. Many items needed are eligible and can save you some money.

◾️Arnica Cream –Amazon Product – T Relief Arnica +12

Helps with pain, symptom free, topical.

◾️Magnesium- Magnesium Spray

Helps with muscle pain and discomfort, helps with sleep, symptom low.

◾️Probiotics – Probiotics

Pain medications and surgery medications can kill your gut biome, Use probiotics to help build back and keep bowel movements consistent.

◾️Wedge Pillow- Lux Wedge Pillow

◾️Large Bolster – Large Bolster

Sitting/laying may cause stress/tension on your lower abdominal area, the bolster helps lift legs for more comfort while sleeping. I would also add a few regular pillows under your ankles for circulation support.

◾️Small Neck Pillow – Small Neck Pillow

Sleeping on your back may not feel comfortable this neck support pillow helps keep your head from swinging to the side. It’s already gonna be difficult to sleep.

◾️Bedside Stool- Bed Step Stool

If your bed is high off the ground, getting into bed will be the hardest thing you”ll have to do for a few weeks. It’ll be a great investment!

◾️Mattress Pads – Mattress Pads or Chucks

Your wounds will seep for the first few days and you’ll need this to keep your bed and chairs clean.

◾️Adult Diapers – Diapers

So you’ll probably be so sore that you might not be able to get to the toilet in time. Trust me these will save you the pain of having to bend to change your clothing.

◾️Scar Tape – Scar Tape for post-op healing

Helps scars heal smoother, faster and lower the risk of keloid scars.

◾️Foam Boards & Pads- Front, Back and Lateral Foam Boards

Helps keep pressure on your torso to promote drainage and also fills up the space your Faja may not be as tight. Tip: wear a thin cotton shirt between your skin and boards and Faja to protect your skin.

◾️Electrolytes Tablets – Nuun Hydration Tablets

I cannot over state how important Hydration is, use these tablets to you water to boost your body’s water absorbing powers.

◾️Water Bottle – Yeti 64oz Water Bottle

Use this large water bottle to help you track your water intake, it holds 8 cups of water which is the minimum recommend daily volume. Challenge yourself to drink at least one of these in a day.

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