There are so many misconceptions about liposuction that it’s not surprising people wonder so often if the liposuction procedure is right for them, or not. It takes some research to figure out what is needed to really benefit from the procedure.

Here are five of the most important things to consider:

1. Make sure you’re in shape. We don’t mean tip top physical shape – you don’t have to be an athlete. But you can’t be obese either – any very large amount of extra weight does need to come off first. It is essential, for example, if you have a lap band fitted, that the weight you want to lose is gone before you go for the liposuction to ‘tidy up’ afterward. Remember – liposuction is not a way to lose weight – it is simply a body contouring procedure!

2. Make sure you have your health examined first. Any cosmetic surgery is just that – surgery. It is very unwise to go into any type of surgery without being cleared first by a doctor. It’s much better to know just how your body may react to medications, anesthetics and other things related to the operation. Make sure you mention any allergies or sensitivities to your surgical team before you embark on your cosmetic surgery journey.

3. Make sure you know what you want. While a surgical consultation can help, it is very beneficial to know what type of results you are trying to achieve before you go in. Also, keep your expectations realistic, knowing that liposuction is only a means to an end. Liposuction results are not going to completely change you as a person – you have to work with the body you have, and that includes bone structure! Too much fat taken out at once can produce a very strange effect.

4. Do some research in advance on the different types of liposuction available. That’s right – there are various types depending on what you want to have done! From traditional methods, to Vaser liposuction which uses a super-wet solution to numb the areas being worked on as the surgeon goes along – liposuction alternatives are everywhere. The good thing about more modern methods like Vaser are that the scarring is so minimal, it usually disappears almost completely within a couple of years.

5. Make sure you know about after care. Liposuction, while a pretty un-invasive procedure in terms of surgery as a whole, is still a surgery. Aftercare is important – good aftercare essential! So make sure your chosen clinic has facilities available to take care of you once the surgery is over. Also, make sure your clinic offers extensive advice about recovery once you’re actually at home.

With the right advice and the right level of care, your liposuction procedure might not only be life changing, but also easier than you ever expected.