Getting Ready for Your Breast Augmentation Surgery

Congratulations! You have officially decided to go ahead with your breast augmentation! If you have already done all your prior steps, including meeting and speaking to a board-certified plastic or cosmetic surgeon, researching to verify his/her has the proper credentials, skills, and experience, and you have scheduled the surgery date, then you are probably wondering what to do next to make sure that you are mentally and physically prepared for your big day.

At the last meeting with your plastic surgeon before your surgery, he/she will most likely provide you with instructions as well as a list of things to do or not do in the days and weeks before your surgery date. According to the ASPS, below are a few of the most common instructions directed by doctors and nurses before cosmetic surgery.

One of the most important instructions patients must follow at least one month before their surgery is to stop smoking completely. Smoking negatively affects the immune system, resulting in complications during or after surgery. Pain medication, herbal supplements, and any blood thinners should also be avoided as they can facilitate extra bleeding. If patients do happen to smoke prior to their procedure, it is very important to inform your plastic surgeon so that certain precautions may be taken.

Your plastic surgeon will also instruct you not to drink fluids, including water, 24 hours before your scheduled surgery time. This is generally a common instruction among all types of surgery due to the fact that an empty stomach reduces the risk of complications as a result of anesthesia.

Patients should get a sufficient amount of sleep the night before and arrive to surgery with a relaxed mindset. Understanding that getting mentally ready is just as crucial as being physically prepared for your breast augmentation. Finally, patients should prepare their home before they leave for surgery. Preparing bed sheets, pillows, and picking up prescribed medications before the procedure will make things much easier and less stressful. Patients should plan transportation to the home or hotel accordingly. For at least four days after surgery, driving should be avoided, as well as any strenuous movements.

Following all doctor orders before your breast augmentation is essential to ensure your safety before, during, and after your procedure. All the given directions are intended to make your experience as safe and smooth as possible. Doctors try to do all that they can to avoid any complications.