WebAdmin

Breast augmentation, commonly referred to as a “boob job”, is a cosmetic procedure that is performed to give a person a greater size, contour and shape to the breasts. The breast augmentation process is performed when a surgeon places silicone breast implants or saline breast implants in the targeted area of the breasts. Patients that do not want to have breast implants placed in the body can have breast augmentation performed by transferring fat from other areas of the body such as the buttock or abdomen. While you might be interested in having a breast enhancement procedure, you might not be aware of the various steps you need to perform to prepare for the surgery. If you are not sure what is involved in breast augmentation surgery, here is a look at the steps you need to take when preparing to have breast augmentation surgery (including how to plan for the recovery period).

Preparing for Breast Augmentation Surgery

Once you decide that you want to have breast augmentation surgery, the preparation process begins and it includes a list of items you need to take care of before the day of the procedure. Here are the items you need to take care of, in advance, before your breast augmentation surgery:

• Before the surgery is scheduled, talk to your surgeon about the results you want to see after the surgery and recovery process are over. The doctor will help you determine the final results that are ideal for your body size and frame. It is important to choose a desired final result that is natural in appearance.
• Plans need to be made in advance to take the necessary amount of days off work to recover at home after the surgery. Most patients take an average of 3-5-7 days off work after undergoing the procedure. If they do not want their coworkers to know they are having a breast augmentation procedure, some patients simply tell their coworkers they are going out of town on a vacation so they can avoid having to be seen or having to interact with others during their recovery.
• Patients of a certain age, which is age 35 or older, might need to have a mammogram performed before they undergo breast augmentation surgery. A mammogram will give a patient “peace of mind” by making sure there are no abnormalities to be found in the breasts that would need to be addressed by an ultrasound or biopsy.
• Before the surgery, be sure and get any prescriptions filled that are given to you by the doctor. This will save you the trouble of having to leave home to make a visit to the pharmacy after the surgery.

Planning for Breast Augmentation Recovery at Home

Here are some important steps you need to know to enjoy a successful breast augmentation recovery period at home.

• It is vital that you follow any post-op instructions given to you by the surgeon. Plus, you need to take any prescribed medications to help reduce the swelling, bruising and pain that will be present after the surgery.
• After the surgery, you will need to have a family member or a friend stay at home with you during the first night after the procedure. Your movements and ability to lift your arms will be limited so someone needs to be with you to help take care of any tasks you need at home. In addition, do not sleep on your stomach after breast augmentation surgery. You will need to sleep in a recliner or prop yourself up in a bed on a series of pillows immediately after the surgery.
• Your doctor will likely limit your movements and not allow you to lift your arms above the head for the first few weeks after surgery. Once you are allowed to start lifting your arms again, you need to be careful because the arm motion restrictions can cause you to feel stiff as well as slow down the recovery process. Be sure to lift your arms gently, in a slow manner, and do not lift any heavy items. Be careful not to overdo any of your approved exercises as a slow start when working on your range of motion helps you to avoid injuring yourself.
• Make plans in advance with family members or friends to take your kids to school or any activities they need to attend during your recovery period.

It is important to remember that each patient is different. The post-op routine you will need to follow is specific to your surgery. Making plans in advance to take care of cooking, cleaning the house and caring for your kids will make the recovery process an easier experience.

Breast Augmentation Consultation Appointment

While this might seem like a lot of steps and information to handle before breast augmentation surgery, please remember that these steps are designed with your successful and smooth recovery in mind. Your surgeon can answer any question you have before, or after, the surgery. If you are unsure about the proper way to take care of the steps listed above during the breast augmentation preparation and recovery process, contact your surgeon to get the answers to your questions.

MA