Be Prepared for Breast Surgery

Breast augmentation surgery can bring about many physical changes. But to make the whole process as easy as possible, there are a few things that you can do to prepare for the operation itself, as well as your recovery afterwards.

Some medicines and homeopathic remedies can interfere with blood clotting, so to limit the risk of bleeding you should avoid these before your surgery. Aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, should not be used in the week before surgery. In addition, Vitamin E should be stopped for at least three to four weeks before your operation because it inhibits a clotting protein that is produced by the liver.

In order to limit the risk of infection you should not shave for 10-14 days before surgery as this prevents shaving ingrown hairs that could harbour germs. But don’t worry too much about this because you can shave just before going to the hospital, for example in the morning before your operation.

It is a good idea to take care of the more practical considerations too. Arrange for a friend or taxi to take you to hospital and pick you up afterwards. It helps if someone can care for you in the few days after the operation, even if it’s just to make you cups of tea and help with cooking your meals. If you have pets you might want to consider placing them in kennels or asking a friend or family member to look after them for a few days. Child care is another consideration for parents, especially those with babies or infants, as you must avoid heavy lifting and carrying after surgery.

Ensure you have an effective and speedy recovery process by taking care of household arrangements before you go to hospital. Therefore, organise any prescriptions you will need, sort out household bills and shop for food in advance. In fact, even things like filling you car with fuel, charging your mobile phone and changing your bed sheets will help in the long run; a little preparatory work will save you any hassles after the operation when you need to rest the most.

When it comes to clothes, comfort is key. Invest in a couple of jogging or sports bras that open at the front and don’t have underwiring. What's more, button down shirts and stretchy pull-on trousers will stand you in good stead, as will some stretchy comfortable pyjamas.

Regardless of whether you’re having breast enlargement, enhancement or reduction surgery you should avoid any sort of straining after the operation; therefore, it can prove beneficial to put dry foods on low counters and refrigerated foods at lower levels in your fridge to ensure you are not stretching or reaching for anything. Indeed, taking such simple precautions can help you go a long way after you have completed the necessary surgery.