Being well-prepared for breast implant surgery can ease your recovery period, helping you to heal faster and feel more relaxed. Getting breast implants is major surgery, and following your cosmetic surgeon’s pre- and post-operative surgery instructions is crucial for a successful outcome. This article will outline what to do before breast implant surgery so you can dedicate your post-operative period to healing and recovery.
What To Do Before Breast Implant Surgery: Important Steps To Follow
Choose An Experienced cosmetic Surgeon For Your Breast Implant Surgery
One of the most important things you can do before breast implants is to invest in an experienced cosmetic surgeon. Discussing your goals and fears with a professional will help to put your mind at ease, safe in the knowledge that your objectives will be met. Your body will undergo significant changes, so your mind also needs to be prepared.
You need to know that you are in safe hands and that your procedure will go smoothly. You can only achieve this if you discuss your needs and wishes at length with a professional. If you aren’t comfortable with the cosmetic surgeon, consider a second opinion and go to see someone else.
It’s common to experience pre-surgical anxiety, so make sure you have someone to talk to. A close friend or family member can offer you invaluable support, but also consider discussing any fears with your surgeon as well.
Preparing Your Body For Breast Implants
Going into the procedure with a healthy body means you can look forward to a faster recovery period. Make sure you follow any pre-surgical instructions given by your surgeon, concerning diet, hydration, medication and exercise. These are provided, so you have the best possible experience.
Your cosmetic surgeon may require you to have blood or diagnostic tests done before the surgery date, so make sure you complete these in good time.
Stop Certain Medications
Your cosmetic surgeon will let you know if you should stop taking specific medications before breast implant surgery. In general, patients are asked to stop taking anti-inflammatories, aspirin and other blood-thinning medicines, but there may be other medications in your schedule that you should stop beforehand.
Quit Smoking And Alcohol
Smoking increases your risk of complications, and you should stop smoking a few weeks before your surgery. It’s also advisable not to drink alcohol for at least a week before getting breast implants, as alcohol is a blood thinner.
Eat A Wholesome Diet
Eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals will get your body into a healthy state before breast implant surgery. Vitamin C can assist with recovery and healing, so you should consider supplementing your diet with fresh fruits and vegetables in the weeks prior to being admitted.
Make sure you are eating lots of fibre, especially in the week before getting breast implants.
Before you are admitted for your breast implants, make sure your kitchen is well-stocked with wholesome ingredients and snacks. Try to prepare and freeze some meals before your date to make it easier for yourself when you get home.
How To Be Prepared At Home?
If possible, arrange for someone to help you around at home after your breast implant surgery. You must have someone else drive you home after the surgery, but it also helps if another adult can assist with meal preparation, at least for the first few days.
Set up a comfortable space where everything you need is in close proximity. Have a few pillows and a side table available where you can store your water, medication, tissues and anything else you might need. It’s handy to have the essentials at arm’s length. Being prepared will make your post-operative recovery period less stressful and more enjoyable.
Make sure you have booked yourself enough time away from work, and someone is taking care of your affairs. You shouldn’t be sending emails or answering phone calls during your recovery. Do everything you can to minimise your stress levels so you can focus on healing.
Consider fulfilling your prescription medication before you go into the theatre. That way, you won’t have to sort it out once you are discharged.
Make sure you have enough comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to wear after your breast implants. Ideally, shirts that button down the front, so you don’t have to put them on and take them off over your head.
What To Do Before Breast Implant Surgery: The Day Of Your Operation
Make sure your stomach is empty on the day of your surgery. You shouldn’t eat anything from midnight, so it’s a good idea to have an early dinner the night before.
Remove any jewellery, make up and contact lenses before you arrive.
Try to stay calm. Remind yourself that you have done everything possible to prepare yourself. Try to go into the surgery in a relaxed state of mind.
Having breast implants is a major decision, and doing the right level of preparation can ensure you get the best possible outcome. For a more personalised approach to ‘what to do before breast implant surgery’, it’s best to speak to a professional. Please contact us for an appointment: (02) 8599 7161.
References
How should I prepare for breast augmentation?
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/preparation
Breast augmentation
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-augmentation/about/pac-20393178
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