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

Question

What do most surgeons advise patients to do say a week or two before an augmentation? Ex: Don't eat this don't wear that. I've always just been curious. Thank you!

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

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.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

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

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Get the following:1. Comfortable clothing and a good supportive sports bra that closes in front.2. It’s a good idea to make extra food and have plenty of snacks and fluids on hand, all healthy of course!3.  Arranging for child care, if necessary. 4. Fill all necessary prescriptions and put them in a convenient location (such as a bedside table). 5. don't take blood thinners at least two weeks before surgery.6 don't eat or drink anything at least 8 hours before surgery.You'll get instructions from your surgeon that you should follow.

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

Unexpected pregnancy is very common in my practice after augmentation mammaplasty, so consider and prepare, or prevent as you wish.  Not much else.... If you smoke, you should have stopped completely by three weeks before.

Michael Law, MD · Answer

The best thing you can do to prepare for your breast augmentation is to communicate with your plastic surgeon and follow all instructions. You and your caretaker should be provided with instructions at your pre-operative appointment. You should also have post-operative and follow up appointments scheduled before surgery takes place. The recovery from breast augmentation surgery is typically very easy and patients are comfortable. But, it is important to follow all instructions.

William Rahal, MD · Answer

Disclaimer: Every surgeon has different pre-operative instructions, or preferences. You should listen to your own surgeon.
These are my pre-op instructions:
1. DO NOT have anything to drink or eat after midnight on the night before surgery.
2. Be sure to wear loose fitting clothes on the day of surgery. Do not wear a shirt that has to be pulled over your head. Instead wear a shirt that has buttons or a zipper along the front.
3. Leave all jewelry at home.
4. Leave contact lenses at home.
5. Do not wear make-up or nail polish on the day of surgery.
6. Do not have alcoholic beverages for at least one week before surgery. Drinking alcohol may cause you to bleed more than usual during and after surgery.
7. If you develop acne, a rash or other skin lesions on your chest prior to surgery, please notify the officeimmediately.
8. If you develop a cold, fever or other symptoms prior to surgery, please notify the office immediately.
9. If you have children, we recommend that you arrange for help because bending, lifting and playing will be prohibited after surgery for at least one week.
10. Avoid sunbathing and tanning salons for at least two weeks prior to surgery. Avoid it also for at least six weeks after surgery.
11. Arrangements must be made for someone to drive you home after surgery and for the first week aftersurgery. We will notify you when you will be able to drive yourself.
I hope that answers your question on preparing for surgery. It’s great that you’re doing this research. I always say that the best patients are informed patients. 
You might also want to research your options for breast implants. Choosing the right implant is the number one concern among women considering breast augmentation. Did you know, there’s actually a way to select a implant shape, size, and profile that is perfect for you?
A term that I use with my patients for the perfect implant is the “Pony Implant”.
So what do I mean by “perfect”? Well, a Pony Implant has three qualities to it. First, the implant meets your beauty goals. For example, you want to your breasts to look fuller while still appearing natural. 
Second, when you chose your Pony Implant, you walk out of your consultation 100% confident that you’ve chosen the right shape and size for you. In other words, you won’t be second guessing your decision, and you won’t be afraid of having gone too big or too small. 
And third, after your procedure, you are thrilled with your results, and say, "I’m so happy. This is exactly what I wanted!"
That’s the Pony Implant. And the great news is that there is a simple process to go about finding yours.
This issue of selecting the right implant is so important when it comes to patient satisfaction or dissatisfaction that, again, I really encourage you to learn more about it. 
Thank you for reading and best of luck on your journey!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

In my private practice at 2 weeks prior to surgery we have an in person visit to sign and give detailed pre operative and postoperative instructions - IN WRITTEN FORMS. Also I meet with these patients to answer ALL questions and concerns, sign consent, review labs, etc. Best of luck

Donna Rich, MD · Answer

Before any surgery, there are a lot of over-the-counter, prescription and herbal medications to avoid, especially aspirin products. One should refrain from alcohol within 24 hours of surgery and limit nicotine use. Make sure you are well informed about what to expect before and after your surgery from your physician.

David Finkle, MD · Answer

A well prepared patient before surgery will make the recovery much quicker, easier and safer.  I like to use the old boy scout motto ALWAYS BE PREPARED.  Here are some tips to ready yourself for implant surgery:

	
		Stay off of all medications that thin your blood for 2 weeks prior to surgery (i.e., aspirin, Motrin, Advil, Alleve, ibuprofen, naprosyn, Anacin, Bufferin, etc.) and 2 days after surgery.
	
		Arrange for transportation to and from the surgical facility.
	
		Arrange for a responsible adult to be with you the day of surgery.
	
		Fill all your prescriptions in advance and bring your pain pills with you to the surgery center.
	
		Take an oral antibiotic the day before surgery, if recommended by your doctor.
	
		Review and confirm with your doctor the choices you have made for your procedure regarding size of implants, type of implant, incision choice and location of implant.
	
		Ice bags to breasts for 48 hours after surgery helps to reduce swelling and pain--arrange to have ice bags, gel packs or frozen vegetables ready for immediate placement after the procedure.
	
		Review protocol with your doctor on how to prevent thrombophlebitiis (DVT) in the post op period
	
		Most doctors provide post op bras, if not, you may need to purchase a post op bra.
	
		Report any sign of a cold or an infection immediately to the doctor
	
		Take a shower the night before surgery and the day of surgery and use a special surgical soap called Hibiclens, this can be provided by your doctor or purchased at a pharmacy.
	
		Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes that do not have to be put on over your head the day of surgery.
	
		Remove all earrings and body piercings the day of surgery, remove all make up.
	
		Do not eat or drink any food or water after midnight on the night before surgery.
	
		Leave all your valuables and jewelry at home the day of surgery.
	
		If there is any chance of pregnancy, perform a home pregnancy test and bring the results into the surgery center the day of surgery.
	
		If you are experiencing your period, use an external sanitary napkin, tampons can cause toxic shock syndrome and need to be removed before surgery


	I hope these tips help you through your procedure, good luck!

Marialyn Sardo, MD · Answer

It is very important to be off any blood thinners for 2 weeks prior to surgery. These include aspirin, motrin, ibuprofen, aleve, and many other medications. Also to avoid supplements that may thin the blood such as fish oil, vitamin E and a number of herbal medications such as garlic and ginsent. Our office gives our patients a list at the pre-op visit. A regular multivitamin and Vitamin C are encouraged. You want to be in optimal health before any elective surgery. If you smoke, it is optimal to quit as soon as possible or 6 weeks prior to surgery, to decrease the risk of healing problems or infection.

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