The days and weeks leading up to your breast enhancement surgery can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, but you can make the process as smooth and streamlined as possible by taking some steps to prepare. Make a checklist of these handy breast augmentation preparation tips for an easy, breezy breast procedure.
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Come Prepared to Your Consultation
Before you start preparing for your actual procedure, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with your plastic surgeon to discuss the details of your breast augmentation. You’ll get the most out of this appointment if you do a little research beforehand and come prepared with specific questions like:
- Are breast implants the right solution for me?
- Should I add a lift to my breast augmentation?
- Which implant placement and incision technique do you recommend?
- How do I choose the best breast implant size?
- How much time should I take off work for recovery?
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Stay on Top of Your Health & Fitness
You will need to take it easy on the exercise after breast enhancement, but leading up to your procedure, take steps to keep a stable healthy weight and fuel your body with nutrient-rich foods. The healthier you are going into your surgery, the lower your risk of complications and the smoother your recovery will be.
Before your breast augmentation, stock up on healthy foods that you can easily prepare or pop in the microwave during your recovery.
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Don’t Smoke
This is likely not the first time you’re hearing this, nor will it be the last, but it is so important that you give up smoking several weeks before getting breast implants. Tobacco use slows your body’s healing process down and can also cause complications during surgery.
You never know, getting breast implants just might be the extra push you needed to nix the habit for good.
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Arrange for Some Help
You’ll need a little extra help around the house for the first few days after breast enhancement, so make sure you line up some help ahead of time. If you can, ask a friend or family member to stay with you overnight for the first 48 hours or so after surgery.
If you have young children or pets who also require your care, you may need to arrange for help for a bit longer. For the first 2 to 4 weeks, you’ll need to substantially limit how much weight you lift, so you shouldn’t be lifting kids into car seats and carrying them around the house.
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Check Housework off Your List
No lifting also means no carrying heavy laundry baskets up and down stairs or doing other daily duties that require strenuous activity. So do yourself a favor and take care of housework like cleaning, grocery shopping and laundry before your breast augmentation so you’re not worried about it when you’re supposed to be resting and relaxing.
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Gather Recovery Essentials
It’s not too early to start planning for a comfortable breast augmentation recovery. Start by designating a quiet space where you can come home to and rest and hang out while you’re off work. Gather up essentials like lip balm, tissues, pillows, blankets, books, movies, crosswords and other entertainment you might want to keep you occupied.
For the day of your breast augmentation, make sure you have a comfy outfit with a zip-up or button-up shirt, warm socks or slippers and glasses instead of contact lenses. And don’t worry about stocking up on new bras just yet. Stick to a surgical bra right after your breast enhancement.
Dr. Scot Martin concentrates on breast enhancement and body contouring at his practice in Las Cruces, New Mexico. A nationally recognized plastic surgeon, Dr. Martin is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
He looks forward to meeting you and helping you become the best version of yourself possible.
