What Are Things I Should Be Doing to Prepare for Breast Implant Surgery?

Thank you for the question.

Some common advice patients are given prior to surgery include  avoidance of aspirin/anti-inflammatories or other medications that may increase the risk of bleeding,  avoid nicotine products, and avoid piercings/jewelry/antiperspirants the day of surgery.  We ask patients  to bring loosefitting, zip up clothing  to the surgery center  the morning  of surgery.

A few other general words of advice may be helpful:

1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself)  and that you have realistic expectations.  Be aware that an improvement in the “problem area” may not translate to an overall improvement in your life   situation.  You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven.

2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be  more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation.

3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful.

4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary.

5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina  of your caretakers.

6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery.

7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies.

8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change).

9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the   emotional swings that you may experience.

10. Resume all medications that you were using preoperatively when cleared by your plastic surgeon and stop the use of narcotics and sedatives as soon as feasible after surgery.

11. Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery.

I hope this helps.
 

Thank you for your question. Before meeting with your surgeon, you may want to take the opportunity to discuss your concerns and expectations with one of our specialist plastic surgery nurses. She will give you information about this procedure and discuss what is involved in detail, including post-operative care and recovery. She will show you before and after photographs of patients who have had this surgery to help you understand what can be achieved.

As well as discussing the question of what is achievable aesthetically, your surgeon will also ask you about your medical history, examine your breasts, and photograph and measure you. Depending on your age and family history, your surgeon may recommend that you have a mammogram prior to your operation.

There are a number of factors that you and your surgeon need to take into account. What is the overall quality of your breast tissue and will a breast lift (mastopexy) also be necessary. Where should the incisions be hidden? Should the implant be positioned under or above the chest muscles? These all have an important bearing on the desired result. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Hoffman Estates Barrington Oakbrook Chicago 

It’s
important that patients who are undergoing breast augmentation surgery prepare
for surgery in every possible way. This
will not only improve their result, but also the quality of their experience,
as well. It’s important to prepare
physically, medically, and mentally for this procedure.It’s important to be in good
physical condition before proceeding with this procedure. Ideally, results are best when patients are
within 10 percent of their ideal body weight.In some cases, patients are unable to reach this goal.This group of patients still benefits from
this procedure.In addition, it’s
important to maintain good nutrition, exercise regularly, and maintain a
healthy lifestyle.It’s also important to be medically
ready for breast augmentation surgery.Patients should be extensively evaluated to rule out other medical
conditions.Areas of particular concern
include cigarette smoking, blood pressure management, and the patient’s
baseline hemoglobin.Mental preparation for breast
augmentation is also extremely important.It helps lower anxiety levels before surgery.It’s important that you have a comfort level
with your anesthesiologist, surgeon, and surgical facility.It’s essential that all your questions be
answered so there are no surprises.Arrangements for postoperative care
also need to be in order.It’s important
to have a care-giver not only for yourself, but your children, as well.Addressing as many of these issues as
possible before surgery will significantly improve results and the quality of
your experience.