Because it’s one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the world, there is a lot of information out there about breast augmentation. I like to help my Chicago patients keep it all straight with simple guidelines so they can put any nerves at ease and feel confident and excited as they move toward surgery day.
Planning and preparing are the best ways to help yourself feel proactive and relaxed. Although the steps to this preparation process are slightly different for every woman, there are some milestones that most breast augmentation patients have in common. Remember that this timeline is only a suggestion and may vary depending on your specific needs.
4 to 6 Months Before Surgery
At this point, you should conduct extensive research about breast implants and the options available to you, such as implant type, size, shape, and profile. You should also research different incision types and implant placement options.
Additionally, you should become familiar with the plastic surgeons in your area by examining their education, qualifications, experience, and results available in their patient photo galleries. To learn more about the importance of qualifications, visit my previous blog post here.
3 Months Before Surgery
Request consultations with doctors who meet your initial standards. Ahead of time, prepare a list of questions and concerns that you have about the procedure, and make sure you go through each one at your consultations until you find a surgeon who gives you answers that make you feel comfortable and excited. Once you feel confident choosing a doctor, book your surgery date.
1 Month Before Surgery
Prepare for your surgery by finding a friend or family member who can take you to and from your surgery location and provide care for you afterward. You’ll experience some soreness and limited movement during the first few days after the procedure, so you’ll be grateful for a helping hand.
Additionally, ensure you have at least 1 or 2 non-underwire bras that have been approved by your surgeon to wear after your augmentation. These bras are important for helping the healing process.
Also, be sure you have secured time off work or other activities. Most breast augmentation patients are ready to return to office work in less than a week, but more physical jobs require more time off. If you have children or pets, consider arranging special care for them.
1 Week Before Surgery
You should be getting very excited — your big day is almost here! Confirm your friends and family that have offered to help you are still available to do so, and contact your surgeon with any last-minute questions or concerns about your breast augmentation.
Pick up any prescriptions your doctor has written for you and prepare your home. It’s best to do basic chores such as tidying up and laundry beforehand, because you should avoid heavy lifting for a few weeks after surgery.
At this point, you may also be asked to stop taking certain medications or supplements.
1 Day Before Surgery
It is very important to follow your doctor’s protocol surrounding your breast augmentation. Follow directions from your surgeon and patient care coordinator very carefully. This likely means showering the day before surgery and stopping eating and drinking at midnight.
The Morning of Surgery
As you head to the surgery center with your loved one, don’t wear any jewelry or makeup, and be sure you wear a shirt that buttons or zips up the front. Once you get checked in, you will meet with nurses, an anesthesiologist, and your surgeon, who may mark your breasts to plan the incisions.
Follow Your Doctor’s Directions
That’s it! Feel free to use this guide as a checklist as you plan your surgery. The most important thing to remember, though, is to simply follow your surgeon’s directions. He or she will have details that are specific to your unique needs. Among my own patients, those who follow their directions most closely tend to be the ones who are most excited about their procedures — and who are most satisfied with their results.
Do you have any other tips for planning a breast augmentation? Leave them in a comment below. And if you are ready to begin planning your own procedure, I invite you to contact my practice for a consultation. I would love to discuss your options and candidacy for breast augmentation and help to answer any questions you have.
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