Breast augmentation, despite being an extremely popular surgery, still has some ins and outs that are more easily navigated with a little help. As someone who has had breast implant surgery (see my story), here are the 10 things I wish I'd known before my procedure.
1. Be prepared to have the doctor throw you a curveball.
I did my homework and knew exactly what I wanted. When I saw the doctor, he said, "No, you can't go from 34A to 34B because your skin is too elastic, and you need to go full C." I didn’t think I needed a breast lift either, and he pointed out that one breast was way lower than the other, so I ended up trusting him and am really glad I did. Go in with an open mind and be prepared to revise your original plan.
Breast augmentation has a ton of insider words and terms. Study up with our glossary, and you'll be all set for your consultations.
2. Get your home ready.
Buy another bra or two. Do your laundry, clean your house, and put clean sheets on your bed. Get groceries and all medications handy so you don’t strain yourself. Buy larger clothes for work to wear during your recovery.
3. Drugs are your friends.
I went to a doctor that advertises "no Vicodin required, just ibuprofen." Ask for something strong just in case. I did, and on day two I took Vicodin.
Xanax really helped as well. I took that the day I came home because I was freaking out. My breasts looked so huge and felt so hard, and I really thought I made a huge mistake. I was shaking! I was so nervous for about a week after surgery. Xanax helped.
4. It doesn’t hurt to touch your breasts so touch them.
They feel weird, but start slowly. Massage helps the pain go away with fewer meds.
5. It might feel like you have bowling balls on your chest.
That’s what it feels like at first. A week later, it feels like your milk is coming in (if you've ever had babies, you know what I mean). Get your back as strong as possible before surgery. I worked out for two months straight pre-op, and I felt great at two weeks post-op.
Read: Our breast augmentation guide answers many of the most-asked questions on RealSelf.
6. Walk, then walk some more.
I walked the day after surgery and every day after. At first, very slowly and never more than 30 minutes. I think the movement helps get the swelling go down. I always feel better afterward.
7. You don’t have to share if you don’t want to.
I didn't tell anyone about the surgery right away. I pampered myself with eyelash extensions and a new hairstyle to help myself feel great about my recovery, but I didn’t feel the need to tell a soul.
8. Try to avoid driving for as long as possible.
Driving might be painful for a couple weeks. Let someone else take the wheel if you can.
9. Be still.
Take it easy. I know it's hard, but find movies you need to catch up on, books you've been hoping to read, and relax for the first two weeks. I was told not to overexert myself for at least six weeks after breast implant surgery.
10. Call your doctor with every question you have.
You paid them, so make sure you get all your questions answered.