Thank you for scheduling your surgery with Lipedema MD in West Long Branch, New Jersey. The information below outlines general preoperative recommendations and requirements for patients undergoing lipedema surgery. Please read this information carefully. Failure to follow these instructions may result in delay or cancellation of your procedure. This document is intended as general guidance only and does not replace individualized medical evaluation or recommendations provided by your care team.
Dr. Boris Volshteyn or Dr. Rudolf Thompson both bring decades of experience in complex body contouring, advanced liposuction techniques, and lymphatic preservation, making Lipedema MD a trusted destination for specialized care. Whether you’re local to the area or traveling in for treatment, our team ensures you have all of the resources you need leading up to your procedure.
Surgical Facilities and Surgical Team
Lipedema surgery at Lipedema MD is performed by Dr. Boris Volshteyn and other physicians within the Lipedema MD surgical team. All surgeons are appropriately trained, credentialed, and privileged to perform lipedema surgery at the facilities listed below.
Lipedema MD surgeons perform surgery exclusively at properly licensed and accredited facilities. Depending on the individual patient, surgery may be performed at:
- CentraState Medical Center, Freehold, New Jersey
- Raritan Bay Medical Center, Old Bridge, New Jersey
- Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, New Jersey
- Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, New Jersey
- Middletown Specialty Surgery Center, Red Bank, New Jersey
- Northern Monmouth Ambulatory Surgery Center, Englishtown or Marlboro, New Jersey
Selection of the surgical facility is based on the patient’s body mass index (BMI), overall medical complexity, anticipated length of surgery, availability of specialized equipment, supporting clinical staff, and appropriate operating room time. All facilities used by Lipedema MD are fully licensed and accredited not only for surgical procedures, but also for overnight observation when indicated, which is an important safety consideration for patients undergoing lipedema surgery.
The hospital Short Stay Department and/or anesthesia team will contact you the evening before surgery with your arrival time and instructions on where to check in.
Important Medication Guidance and Disclaimer
This page does not represent medical advice. It is provided as general guidance only. Each individual patient will undergo a detailed medication review during the preoperative visit. The final medication list may be significantly modified based on the patient’s medical history, laboratory results, prior surgeries, and current medications.
Patients traveling from outside the area should bring their prescribed medications with them. Medications do not need to be brought into the hospital, as the hospital will provide equivalent medications during your stay.
Medications taken for chronic medical conditions may not be available in the hospital pharmacy. In some cases, the hospital may substitute a similar medication, which may or may not work the same way for every patient. For this reason, patients are strongly advised to bring at least a 10-day supply of all personal medications they take for other medical conditions. These medications will be provided to the hospital pharmacy, and nursing staff will administer them as needed. Patients are not permitted to self-administer medications while hospitalized.
Upon discharge, remaining postoperative medications will be dispensed directly from the pharmacy.
Medications
You will be provided with prescriptions prior to surgery so that they are available after your procedure. Do not begin taking any prescribed medications before surgery unless specifically instructed by our office.
Medications commonly prescribed may include:
- Gabapentin (Lyrica)
- Meloxicam (Mobic) OR Celecoxib (Celebrex)
- Scopolamine patch (typically applied at the facility)
- Cephalexin (Keflex)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Percocet
- Ondansetron (Zofran)
- Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) OR Apixaban (Eliquis)
Certain patients who have undergone specific types of bariatric surgery, or patients with kidney disease or other medical conditions, may not be able to take all of the medications listed above, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as meloxicam or celecoxib. Patients must confirm with Lipedema MD and with their primary care physician or treating specialist that prescribed medications are safe and do not interfere with existing medical conditions or other medications they are taking.
Dietary and Medication Restrictions Prior to Surgery
Beginning 10 days prior to surgery, patients must avoid medications and supplements that increase the risk of bleeding unless otherwise instructed by their physician.
These include:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin A
- Herbal supplements known to increase bleeding risk
- Alcohol, including wine
- Ginger and garlic supplements
Tylenol (acetaminophen) may be used for pain or headaches. Do not use Excedrin.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before surgery unless specifically instructed otherwise by anesthesia.
Optional Supplements
The following supplements are optional and not required: Arnica montana 30C may be started two days prior to surgery and continued after surgery to help reduce bruising and stiffness. A common regimen is five pellets, five times daily.
Bromelain (pineapple enzyme) may be started approximately two days after surgery to help reduce swelling.
Papaya or pineapple enzyme supplements may also be used postoperatively to assist with inflammation and swelling.
Hygiene and Skin Preparation
Shower the night before surgery and again on the morning of surgery using regular soap. Use Hibiclens (chlorhexidine antibacterial cleanser) on the areas where surgery will be performed.
For leg surgery: wash from the waist down to the feet. For arm surgery: wash from the armpits to the fingertips. Do not use Hibiclens on the face, neck, or chest.
Do not apply lotions, creams, oils, deodorants, or moisturizers after showering. For feminine hygiene, patients may use a gentle, pH-balanced feminine cleansing product the evening before and the morning of surgery as needed.
Preoperative Testing and Medical Clearance
Your preoperative appointment will be coordinated through the hospital, and required testing can typically be completed there. If preoperative testing must be completed locally, the following tests are required:
Blood tests:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
- Prothrombin Time (PT)
- Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT)
- International Normalized Ratio (INR)
- Hemoglobin A1C
- Iron panel
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
- Pregnancy test (when applicable)
Additional testing:
- Chest X-ray
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Medical clearance from a primary care physician is required if you have one. Patients with significant medical conditions must obtain written clearance from the appropriate specialist. Failure to complete required testing or obtain medical clearance may result in cancellation of surgery.
Specific Laboratory Requirements and Target Values
Particular attention is paid to hemoglobin levels. For most lipedema surgeries, patients are required to have a hemoglobin level of at least 12.5 g/dL. If hemoglobin is below this level and high-volume liposuction is anticipated, patients should discuss iron levels with their primary care physician well in advance of surgery and review treatment options to improve hemoglobin and hematocrit if needed.
A platelet count of at least 200 is required.
Additional laboratory targets include:
- TSH within the normal range and ideally below 1.5
- Negative pregnancy test
- INR below 1.0
- Appropriate iron panel
- Acceptable kidney function
Nutritional and protein status is also carefully evaluated. Particular attention is paid to:
- Albumin
- Prealbumin
- Transferrin
These values should be in the mid-range of normal whenever possible. Patients are strongly encouraged to review these requirements with their primary care physician well in advance of surgery.
Day-of-Surgery Planning
A responsible adult must be available to drive the patient home after surgery.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and remove. Do not bring valuables to the hospital.
Compression Garments
Patients must bring new compression garments on the day of surgery. Garments will be applied by operating room staff after the procedure. Bring garments in the same size you currently wear unless instructed otherwise.
Commonly used brands include SZSalus, Marena, and Flexi.
Postoperative Supplies
Postoperative supplies such as absorbent pads, disposable underpads, and ACE wraps do not need to be brought to the hospital, as these items will be provided at no additional cost during your hospital stay.
Patients should ensure that these supplies are available at their home, hotel, or rehabilitation facility where they will be staying after discharge.
Commonly needed supplies after surgery include:
- Absorbent pads
- Disposable underpads
- Six-inch ACE wraps with Velcro
- Open-finger compression gloves if applicable
- Female urinal device if helpful
- Hypericum perforatum homeopathic remedy
- Symphytum officinale homeopathic remedy
These items may be obtained from any supplier prior to surgery to ensure they are readily available after discharge.
Why Choose Lipedema MD for Lipedema Surgery?
Your procedure is performed by highly experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in advanced liposuction for lipedema. Dr. Boris Volshteyn and Dr. Rudolf Thompson bring decades of expertise in high-volume fat removal, lymphatic preservation, and complex body contouring. Every surgery is performed in a fully accredited facility using proven techniques designed to maximize safety, reduce complications, and support long-term results. Our team is dedicated to providing individualized care that reflects the complexity of lipedema and the unique needs of each patient.
Know What to Expect Before Surgery
Proper preparation can make a major difference in your lipedema surgery experience. We’re here to guide you through every step, before, during, and after your procedure. If you have questions or need help reviewing any part of your preoperative checklist, contact our team at (732) 641-3350 for support.
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