How to Prepare for Breast Augmentation Surgery

One thing that tends to be downplayed by someone who is going to have surgery, including breast augmentation surgery, is how to prepare for it beforehand. They have already had a lengthy consultation with their doctor that covered whether they’re a good candidate and what will happen and how long their recovery period will be. They’ve already had their blood test and EKG. But what should be done in the weeks and days before they even set foot in the hospital or clinic? Here are some things to consider when getting ready for breast augmentation surgery.

 

Have Someone Drive Them To and From the Hospital

 

First, the patient should arrange to have someone take them to and from the hospital. Going to the hospital can be done on their own if they live in a city where there is reliable mass transit, but even if there’s good mass transit, the patient should have someone accompany them when they go home. Their head is not going to be as clear as it should be, they will be in some discomfort, and they will need a companion.

 

Arrange for Someone to Stay for a Couple of Days

 

Along with having someone take them to and from the hospital, a breast augmentation patient who lives alone should arrange for someone to stay with them at least overnight or ideally for a few days. Their companion can make sure that they are recovering well and can call for medical help if complications arise. They can also keep the patient comfortable and perform daily tasks that will be too much for the patient right after surgery. If the patient has young children or pets, they should also arrange for their care.

 

Buy Medications Before the Surgery

 

The doctor will prescribe such medications as painkillers and antibiotics well before the breast augmentation surgery. It’s important that the prescriptions be filled before the operation and not immediately afterward when the patient might be groggy and uncomfortable.

 

What to Do At Least Two Weeks Before Breast Augmentation

 

The patient should stop drinking alcohol and stop smoking two weeks before the surgery. Alcohol is a blood thinner that will interfere with healing and make any bruising worse. This is also true of other anticoagulants such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Smoking is problematic for every bodily system, and the prospect of surgery should make a patient consider giving it up for good. But even stopping smoking for just the two weeks before surgery lowers the risk of complications.

 

The patient should also discontinue herbal supplements such as St. John’s wort or ginkgo biloba, as these herbs can interfere with anesthesia. Instead, the patient should use an emollient made from arnica, which can lower inflammation and contribute to wound healing.

 

What to Do One Week Before the Surgery

 

Now is the time to prepare the house for the patient’s recuperation. They’ll need comfortable loose-fitting clothes, reading material or other entertainment that can be enjoyed from bed, antibacterial soap and a stool softener. They should invest in prepared meals or cook meals to freeze for later, and eat plenty of fruit, soup and other soft foods. These foods should be low-sodium to lower the risk of swelling and water retention after the operation.

 

The Night Before the Operation

 

On the night before the operation, the patient should take a shower using the antibacterial soap and wash their hair. They will also need to maintain a strict fast in the eight hours before the surgery. This includes not drinking water.

 

On the day of the operation, the patient should wear loose, dark clothing that buttons or zips up the front. They should not wear makeup and leave jewelry and contact lenses at home. Then, they can look forward to their surgery with confidence and optimism.