Whether you are considering breast augmentation or are scheduled for your procedure, it’s helpful to know how you will need to prepare in the days and weeks leading up to surgery. Following your surgeon’s pre-surgery instructions for breast augmentation will minimize the risks of complications and help to ensure the best possible outcome.
What to Do Before Breast Augmentation
As you approach your surgery date, refer to this checklist for how to prepare.
Things Your Doctor Will Need Prior to Surgery
Blood and Medical Test Results
Schedule and undergo all prescribed tests well in advance. Your surgeon will need these results to determine your health condition before performing the procedure. Possible tests include blood screenings, a mammogram, and in some cases, a stress test.
A Current List of Medications
During your consultation, you should notify your surgeon of any medications you’re taking. This includes prescription antibiotics, blood pressure or diabetes drugs, pain relievers, and herbal supplements. Your doctor will determine whether any medications should be stopped before or after the procedure.
Things to Avoid in the Weeks and Days Leading up to Surgery
Smoking
Smoking decreases the amount of oxygen in your blood and can interfere with healing. It also increases your risk of developing complications after surgery. You should stop smoking at least three weeks before surgery and abstain from smoking during recovery. Some surgeons even recommend that patients stop smoking an entire month before their operation.
Blood Thinning Medications
Avoid medications that contain blood thinners two weeks before and after your procedure. Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, antihistamines, and diet pills are examples of medications that may interfere with your blood’s clotting action. Note that Tylenol is approved by most surgeons.
Germs
You will need to avoid the cold, flu and other common sicknesses before your procedure. Use antibacterial soap to wash your hands frequently, and notify your surgeon’s office if you develop a cold or any other type of infection one week leading up to your procedure. Some illnesses may require rescheduling your surgery.
Shaving Armpits
Don’t shave your armpits for at least three days before surgery, since nicks in your skin can allow bacteria to enter the surgery site and lead to potential infection.
Prepare for a Peaceful and Comfortable Recovery
Fill Your Post-Operative Prescriptions
Your doctor will prescribe pain medication, antibiotics, scar creams, and gauze that you will need after surgery. You should fill them before your procedure so you don’t have to make any stops on the way home. While you’re at the pharmacy, also get Hibiclens soap for showering the night before and morning of your surgery.
Arrange for Childcare
You will need to rest in the days after your procedure. Make arrangements for children and pets to be taken care of, and for someone to help take care of laundry and cleaning chores. This will allow you to focus solely on your recovery and prevent unnecessary stress.
Prepare Several Meals and Have Healthy Foods on Hand
If you have time, make meals ahead of time that you can pop into the microwave while you’re recovering. Also also stock up on easy-to-grab healthy snacks such as granola bars and fruit.
Purchase a Medical Compression Bra
A good medical compression bra will minimize complications post-surgery. Choose a bra with no underwire, wide straps, and preferably a front closure. Ask your surgeon for advice — the best type of bra may depend on the surgical techniques employed.
Set Up a Comfortable Resting Area
Pillows and cushions will allow you to prop yourself up to read books or watch movies in bed. You should also have towels available nearby in case of fluid drainage.
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Breast Augmentation Pre-op for the Day of Surgery
You will be told to stop eating and drinking 12 hours prior to surgery. On the day of your breast augmentation, you will need to:
Take a Shower
Wash your hair and body with your normal shampoo and soap, then rinse. After that, wash your body with Hibiclens soap, which can reduce the amount of normal bacteria on your skin that may be a potential source of infection at the surgical site. Rinse thoroughly.
Avoid Skincare Products
It’s important that you don’t wear makeup, deodorant, perfume, lotion, hair spray, or nail polish on the day of your surgery.
Wear Loose Clothing
Bring a shirt that opens in front to wear home. This will be much more comfortable than pulling a shirt over your head.
Have Someone Ready to Take You Home
You will not be able to drive after surgery, so be sure to have a friend or family member waiting.
Your surgical team should do everything possible to help you understand what to expect before and after breast augmentation. If you are scheduled for your procedure with a doctor who is not at the Breslow Center and you do not feel adequately prepared, it’s a red flag that you should come into Breslow for a second opinion. If you would like to schedule a consultation or have any questions regarding what to do before breast augmentation, feel free to contact our office at 201-444-9522.
