Get Ready For Breast Augmentation: Pre-Op Instructions to Follow

Posted on: September 6, 2023

Table of Contents

Prior to your breast augmentation surgery, it is important to arrange transportation for the day of the procedure. You will need a driver who can take you to and from the hospital or surgical center. It is not safe to drive yourself after your surgery as you may be groggy due to anesthesia and other medications. Your driver should be prepared to stay with you at the facility while you are undergoing your procedure, and they should be available to pick you up when it is time for discharge.

If possible, arrange for someone to stay with you at home during the first few days following surgery, as this can help make recovery more comfortable and less stressful. Additionally, if needed, ask your doctor about arranging for a nurse or other medical professional to come to your home after surgery for extra care and monitoring.

Few Days Prior

It is important to prepare for your breast augmentation procedure in the few days prior to the surgery. First, you should arrange for someone to take you home after the procedure and stay with you for at least 24 hours afterwards. Make sure they are available on the day of the procedure. Second, refrain from taking any medications that contain ibuprofen, aspirin or other blood thinning agents for at least 10 days before your surgery as these can increase bleeding during and after your operation. Third, do not eat or drink anything after midnight before your surgery as this may cause complications during the procedure. Finally, make sure all necessary paperwork is completed and ready to be submitted on the day of your operation so that everything runs smoothly.

Prepare for surgery: arrange ride, avoid blood thinners, fast, complete paperwork.

Day of Procedure

On the day of your breast augmentation surgery, you should arrive at the hospital or clinic where your procedure will take place about an hour before it is scheduled to begin. You should wear comfortable clothing that can be easily removed and a button-down shirt or blouse that can be put on without having to raise your arms above your head.

You may be asked to remove all jewelry and metal objects, including piercings, as well as any makeup, nail polish, and contact lenses. Some clinics may also ask you to shower with antiseptic soap prior to the procedure.

Once you have changed into a hospital gown and been given a sedative, your surgeon will make markings on your chest area in order to guide them during the procedure. An IV line will then be inserted in order for you to receive fluids and medications throughout the operation.

Your surgeon will then administer either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation depending on the type of implant being used and what method is best for you. After this has taken effect, they will make incisions in either the inframammary fold or axillary area depending on the type of implant being used.

The implants are then placed into position behind each breast before being secured with sutures. The incisions are then closed with sutures or surgical tape before dressings are applied over them. The entire procedure usually takes between one and two hours but may take longer depending on the individual case.

breast augmentation surgery requires pre-op preparation and involves sedation, incisions, implant placement, and suturing.

Implants Used In Breast Augmentation

breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that increases the size and shape of the breasts. The procedure involves placing implants into the breast tissue to create a fuller, more contoured look. There are two types of implants used in breast augmentation: saline and silicone.

Saline Implants

saline implants are filled with sterile salt water, and they come in different sizes and shapes. They can be inserted either above or below the chest muscle, depending on the patient’s desired result. saline implants are less expensive than silicone implants, but they may not feel as natural or look as natural as silicone implants.

Silicone Implants

silicone implants are filled with a gel-like substance that feels more like natural breast tissue. The gel is similar to human fat, so it has a softer feel than saline implants. silicone implants also come in different sizes and shapes, and they can be placed either above or below the chest muscle, depending on the patient’s desired result. silicone implants tend to be more expensive than saline implants, but they often provide a more natural look and feel.

Both types of breast implant have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important for patients to discuss their options with their plastic surgeon before deciding which type of implant is right for them. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what will give the patient their desired results in terms of both appearance and comfort.

Recovery After Surgery

First Few Days Post-Op

The first few days after breast augmentation surgery are the most important for recovery and should be taken very seriously. During this time, it is essential to rest and take medications as prescribed by your doctor. You will need to wear a compression garment or bandage around your chest to reduce swelling and help with healing. Additionally, you may experience some pain, although this can usually be managed with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Your doctor may also prescribe stronger pain medications if needed. It is important not to lift any heavy objects during the first few days post-op, as this can cause strain on the incision site and disrupt the healing process.

Weeks 1-4 Post-Op

During weeks 1-4 post-op, you should continue to take any medications prescribed by your doctor and wear your compression garment or bandage as directed. You may begin to feel more comfortable during this time, but it is still important to limit physical activity and avoid lifting heavy objects or strenuous exercise. You should also continue to avoid swimming and hot tubs until cleared by your doctor. Your doctor will likely schedule follow up appointments during this time in order to monitor your progress and make sure everything is healing properly.

Months 1-3 Post-Op

Months 1-3 post-op are when you will likely begin feeling more like yourself again, although it is still important to take care of yourself and follow all of your doctor’s instructions for a successful recovery. At this point, you should be able to resume light physical activities such as walking or stretching if approved by your doctor; however, it is still important not to lift heavy objects or engage in strenuous exercise until cleared by your doctor. Additionally, it is important to continue wearing your compression garment or bandage as directed in order to ensure proper healing. Your doctor will likely schedule follow up appointments during this time in order to monitor your progress and make sure everything is continuing to heal properly.

First Few Days Post-Op

The first few days after breast augmentation surgery are the most crucial to ensure a successful recovery. Immediately following the procedure, patients will need to rest and avoid any strenuous activity or exercise. They may experience some swelling and discomfort in the chest area, which is normal and can be relieved with cold compresses or over-the-counter pain medications. Patients should also wear a supportive bra or bandage for the first week to help reduce swelling.

It is important to keep incisions clean and dry during this time, as infection can occur if not properly cared for. Showering should be avoided until cleared by a doctor, as water can get into the incision sites and cause complications. Additionally, it is important for patients to follow all post-operative instructions provided by their surgeon to ensure optimal healing.

Medication

Patients may be prescribed antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and painkillers following surgery. It is important to take these medications as prescribed by your doctor in order to reduce discomfort and prevent infection. Additionally, patients should avoid taking any supplements or vitamins that could interfere with their body’s healing process without consulting their doctor first.

Follow Up Appointments

Patients should make sure to attend any follow up appointments scheduled with their surgeon after surgery in order to monitor progress and address any concerns that may arise during recovery. During these appointments, the surgeon will examine the incision sites and check for signs of infection or other complications related to the procedure.

Weeks 1-4 Post-Op

During the first four weeks after breast augmentation surgery, it is important to take extra care of yourself and your body. During this time, you will need to limit your physical activity and avoid any strenuous activities. You should also avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds. It is important to wear a supportive bra for the first four weeks post-op in order to provide additional support to your new implants.

Activity Restrictions

During weeks 1-4 post-op, you will need to restrict your physical activity and avoid any type of strenuous activity that may cause discomfort or pain in the chest area. This includes activities such as running, jumping, lifting heavy objects, exercising at the gym, and participating in contact sports.

Pain Management

It is normal to experience some degree of pain or discomfort during weeks 1-4 post-op. To manage this pain, you may be prescribed a mild pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You can also apply cold compresses to the chest area to help reduce swelling and inflammation.

Follow Up Appointments

During weeks 1-4 post-op, you will need to attend follow up appointments with your surgeon in order to monitor your progress and ensure that everything is healing properly. At these appointments, your surgeon will evaluate your incisions and make sure that there are no signs of infection or other complications.

By following these instructions during weeks 1-4 post-op, you can ensure that your recovery from breast augmentation surgery goes smoothly and without any complications.

Months 1-3 Post-Op

Physical Activity

Patients should expect to take it easy during the first few months post-op. Strenuous activities, such as running or lifting heavy weights, should be avoided for at least three months. During this time, patients should focus on gentle exercises and activities that will help them to regain their strength and mobility. These can include walking, swimming, yoga, and Pilates.

Follow Up Appointments

It is important to attend all follow up appointments with your doctor throughout the recovery process. This will ensure that your progress is monitored and any issues can be addressed promptly. In addition to physical examinations, your doctor may also order imaging tests such as an ultrasound or MRI to check on the implants and make sure everything is healing properly.

Scarring

The incisions made during breast augmentation surgery will leave scars that can take several months to heal completely. During this time, it is important to keep the area clean and dry while avoiding direct sunlight exposure which can cause discoloration of the scar tissue. Your doctor may recommend using a topical scar cream or silicone sheets to help minimize the appearance of scarring and speed up healing.

Final Results

The final results of breast augmentation surgery will not be visible until three months after the procedure. At this point, swelling should have subsided significantly and patients will be able to see their new shape and size more clearly. It is important to remember that it may take several months for the implants to settle into their final position before full results are achieved.

Patients should take it easy, focus on gentle exercises, attend follow-up appointments, manage scarring, and wait 3 months for final results.

Conclusion

breast augmentation is a common and popular procedure for women looking to change the size, shape, and overall appearance of their breasts. It is important to take the necessary steps to ensure that you are adequately prepared for surgery. This includes arranging transportation, taking certain medications or supplements, and avoiding smoking before the procedure. Additionally, there are two types of implants used in breast augmentation: saline and silicone. The recovery process can vary depending on the individual but typically involves light activity for the first few days post-op, gradually increasing activity over weeks 1-4 post-op, and continuing to monitor your health in months 1-3 post-op.

Overall, it is important to be aware of all the steps involved in breast augmentation so that you can make an informed decision about whether it is right for you. Be sure to consult with your doctor prior to undergoing any type of surgical procedure. With proper preparation and care during recovery, you can be confident that you will achieve the desired results from your breast augmentation surgery.