Just like with any other procedure, planning ahead for a breast augmentation can go a long way to make sure the procedure goes as smoothly as possible. Learning more about what the surgery entails, what supplies you will need, and what you can expect of recovery helps patients alleviate some of the anxiety associated with this procedure. In this post, we explore distinct steps you can take to get yourself physically and mentally ready for your breast augmentation cosmetic procedure.
1. What to do
There are certain things you can do not just to stop feeling jittery but also to lay the way for a successful procedure outcome:
- Prep your space – clean your house at least a week before the surgery. Nobody wants to go back home to a cluttered space after a surgical procedure. Make sure your bedding is neat and in order, the drawers are organized, and that the laundry is done. What’s more, keep all your key necessities in one place so that it will be easier to get a hold of them after surgery.
- Get your outfits in one place – immediately after breast augmentation surgery, you will be unable to wear your regular outfits. Plastic surgeons recommend that you wear loose-fitting tops or comfy t-shirts over the first few weeks following the procedure.
- Order the requisite supplies – it goes without saying that you will need to eat nutritious foods and drink healthy beverages. Well, you do not want to be rushing to the grocery store when you are just back from the surgery. So make sure to buy and stock up everything in advance. Your list should include lots of fruits and vegetables, cereals, fiber-rich foods, water, and healthy beverages.
- Make plans for child and pet care – if you have little kids or a pet in your apartment, make sure to plan for their care well before the surgery. Ask a close friend, spouse, or family member whether they can drive you home after the surgery and take care of kids and pets for a couple of days while you regain your strength.
2. What to avoid
Various things can increase the risk of complications or even impair the healing process after breast. Keep in mind to avoid:
- Smoking – cigarettes contain nicotine – a harmful substance that can increase your risk of complications and prolong your recovery. Avoid smoking at least 2-3 weeks before and after the procedure.
- Alcohol – Alcohol is a blood thinner, which means it increases your risk of unexpected bleeding during the procedure and bruising thereafter. Cease from taking alcohol and instead drink plenty of water to nourish your body as you prepare for the boob job.
- Certain foods – food items that contain salicylates (natural blood thinners) should be avoided as part of your preparation for breast augmentation. These may include blackberries, apples, cherries, almonds, apricots, garlic, currants, raspberries, cucumbers, ginger, strawberries, tomatoes, grapes, wine, and pickles.
- Various medications & supplements – medication such as aspirin and ibuprofen interfere with the body’s blood clotting ability and should thus be avoided. Let your surgeon know what medication you are taking so they can advise accordingly. The same goes for supplements such as green tea extract, ginkgo Biloba, and garlic – which may negatively interact with anesthesia. A good policy is to stop taking all herbal supplements (and some medication as advised by your surgeon) at least 2 weeks prior to surgery.
3. What to buy
Make sure to purchase the following things ahead of the procedure:
- Required medication and supplements – ask your surgeon what medication and supplements you will need after the boob augmentation. Make plans to purchase these right now. This way, you can free your peace of mind and feel better prepared as you get ready for the procedure.
- Digital thermometer – it is a good idea to keep track of your temperature after the procedure. Fever during the first few days after breast augmentation can be a sign of infection. Let your surgeon know if you feel any discomfort outside of what is normal or get worried about other signs.
- Pass-time items – are you into books? Order a few of your favorite ones so you can read and pass time during the recovery. The last thing you want to experience as you recover is intense boredom.
- Ice packs – ice packs can help alleviate some of the swelling, pain, and discomfort you experience over the first few days after breast augmentation surgery. So make sure you have a few ice packs of different sizes in your freezer.
- Post-surgery bras – you will not be allowed to wear under-wire bras during the recovery stretch. These can negatively impact healing. Your doctor will advise you on what bras are the best to purchase for breast augmentation recovery. Usually, though, loose front-fastening bras tend to work great.
- Drinking straws – your surgeon will ask you to rest a lot and lie low over the first few days following this procedure. While it may sound like an obvious pick, drinking straws can make it easier for you to drink water and healthy beverages without putting a strain on yourself.
- Cleansing wipes – since you will be unable to shower immediately after breast augmentation surgery, cleaning wipes are a must-have necessity. Make sure to get enough of these so you can keep clean while you recover.
Conclusion
Getting ready for your boob job – by following the above steps and tips – can make everything seem much easier throughout the procedure and recovery phase. Another piece of the puzzle is to work with a highly qualified plastic surgeon. Dr. LaBarbera has immense experience helping Gilbert (AZ) women improve their quality of life with breast augmentation surgery. He is also certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
