Patient Resources
How to Prepare for Lipedema Surgery
Your week-by-week, day-by-day checklist — from one month out to the morning of your procedure.
Clinical Milestone Schedule
Surgical Preparation Timeline
A step-by-step timeline of what to do in the weeks, days, and hours leading up to your procedure — organized so nothing gets missed along the way.
Your nursing team will walk through each of these milestones with you directly, but this page is here anytime you want to double-check where you stand.
Night-Before Fasting Windows
Solid foods stop8 hrs prior
Clear liquids stop4 hrs prior
1
One Month Out
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Cessation of Nicotine: Stop all nicotine and vaping products to support healing and vascular health.
- Discontinue Weight Loss Meds: Discontinue weight loss medications and appetite suppressants, including phentermine, Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), and Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy/Zepbound).
- Apply Antifungal Powder: If prone to skin fold irritation, apply antifungal powder daily. Active rashes the week before your procedure may require rescheduling.
- Finalize Financial Balance: Finalize your total surgical balance with our accounting department to secure your date.
2
Two Weeks Out
Nursing Consultation
- Nursing Call: Nursing calls for a pre-operative consultation to review medical clearance and answer clinical questions.
- Secure Pharmacy Rx: Post-operative medications are sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy.
- Hibiclens Wash Routine: Begin Hibiclens, an antimicrobial cleanser, focused on surgical sites — avoiding the face. Available at Target, Walmart, and local pharmacies.
- Review Consents & Logistics: Request and review surgical consent papers and confirm your designated arrival hours.
3
One Week Out
Clinical Safety
- Discontinue NSAIDs & Supplements: Discontinue all NSAIDs, hormonal medications (pills and patches), herbal supplements, and recreational substances.
- Mupirocin Intranasal Prep: Begin intranasal Mupirocin as directed by nursing — sent electronically to your pharmacy.
- Travel Iteneraries: Share all travel itineraries and logistical details with our clinical team.
4
Three Days Out
3 Days Prior
- Thorough Surgical Shaving: Shave all anticipated surgical sites before arrival.
- Remove Metals & Polish: Remove nail polish on at least one finger of each hand. Strip all metallic accessories, piercings, and hair extensions.
- Stay hydrated: Prioritize hydration in the days leading up to your procedure.
5
Day Before Surgery
Final Prep
- Pre-Operative Appointment: Attend your pre-op appointment to review medical history and confirm medications.
- Secure Photos & Sign Consents: Pre-operative photography is taken, and all consent forms are finalized.
- Final Review with Dr. Schwartz: Meet with Dr. Schwartz for surgical markings and a final review of your procedure.
6
Night Before Surgery
FInal Prep
- Fasting Boundaries (Solid Food): STOP eating all solid food, fried/fatty items, and meats exactly 8 hours prior to start.
- Fasting Boundaries (Clear Liquids): STOP drinking water, black coffee, or pulp-free juices exactly 4 hours prior to start.
- Anesthesia Call: Your anesthesia provider calls to address questions and review clinical details.
- Klara Review: Review the Klara message sent by nursing after your pre-op visit for full instructions.
7
Day of Surgery
Surgery Center
- Strip Valuables & Cosmetics: No cosmetics, jewelry, or contact lenses. Leave personal valuables at home.
- Sanitary Pad: If menstruating, use a sanitary pad rather than a tampon.
- Standard Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth before arrival.
- Comfortable Dark Clothes: Wear loose, dark, comfortable clothing — ideally with buttons or zippers.
- Bring Required Medications: Bring necessary medications, but confirm any dosing with Dr. Schwartz and anesthesia first.
- Remind Staff of Allergies: Remind our clinical staff of any known allergies during intake.
Locked In Your Surgery Date?
Save this timeline and check back at each milestone — or reach out anytime with questions along the way.