Once you have decided that breast augmentation is right for you, the next step is to properly prepare for the surgery.
Most patients find this task quite daunting as there are mountains of information out there and it can be difficult to sift through it all.
One of the most common questions we get asked during consultation is ‘what should I do before breast augmentation?’
The following list will help guide you and get you well on your way to being prepared for the big day.
Pick the Right Surgeon
Is Your Surgeon Board Certified?
There are many surgeons that can perform a breast augmentation surgery. However, the relationship between you and your surgeon is very important, and you should pick someone that you feel you can trust.
A good place to start is by ensuring that your surgeon is board-certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgery.
This means that your surgeon has undergone extensive training specifically dedicated to plastic surgery and has passed rigorous testing and examination.
Check out the American Board of Plastic Surgery website’s is your surgeon certified feature to search your surgeon and find out if they are board-certified.
What is Your Surgeon’s Experience?
Take note of how many years of experience and how many similar procedures has your surgeon performed.
While some board-certified surgeons have been out in practice for only a few years, some have been around for a long time.
It is important that you are comfortable with your surgeon’s experience.
This information is often listed on the surgeon’s website, but it’s also something that could be asked at the time of consultation as well.
Does Your Surgeon Have an Extensive Portfolio?
Make sure to look through your surgeon’s website and see their ‘before and after’ pictures of their procedures.
Some surgeons post only great results while other surgeons post both great and average results.
It is important that you understand that every patient and every situation is different, and results cannot be guaranteed by any means.
However, after looking through many pictures, you should have a good idea of what is possible and the results that your surgeon could achieve.
How Did You Feel During Your Consultation?
Finding the right surgeon might mean booking consultations with more than one surgeon.
After the meeting, you should feel comfortable, and the surgeon is someone you can trust completely.
Also, a good surgeon would want to discuss not only the pros of breast augmentation, but also the cons and potential complications. Make sure your surgeon takes the time to answer all your questions.
Learn All You Can About the Surgery
Location
Will your surgery take place at the hospital or in a surgery center?
Surgery Centers are typically more affordable if accredited, they are very safe.
Most breast procedures are done on an outpatient basis, you have the surgery and go home the same day, but this can happen either in the hospital or a surgery center.
If it is in a surgery center, ask your surgeon if this is an accredited facility by a nationally or state-recognized accrediting agency. This will ensure that the facility meets minimum safety standards.
Anesthesia
What kind of anesthesia (general anesthesia vs sedation) will be used?
Some surgeons prefer for the patient to be completely asleep while others perform surgery while under sedation.
This choice might be influenced by several things, so be sure to ask at the time of consultation.
You will also have an opportunity to meet with the anesthesia provider on the day of surgery.
The Surgery
The surgeon should cover most details at the time of consultation, however, there are many other resources you can use to further your knowledge.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has a great website dedicated to patient information. You can also watch videos online.
During a consultation, the surgeon should cover all the details related to surgery including:
- The type of implant, placement (over or under the chest muscle)
- Where the scar will be (lower portion of the breast, around the nipple, armpit, or belly button)
- How long will the surgery take, possible risks and complications, and expected outcomes
- The details of the aftercare following surgery
Make Sure Your Health is Up to Speed
Medications
You may be asked to take certain medications or adjust your current medications prior to surgery.
It is generally recommended to avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs in order to reduce the chance of bleeding.
Testing
Depending on your current health, you may be asked to get a blood test prior to surgery.
Also, it’s always a good idea to be up to date on your screening mammogram if you are a certain age or have personal or family history of breast cancer.
Check with your primary care doctor to see if you qualify or are due for a screening mammogram.
Smoking, Alcohol & Drugs
Smoking has many detrimental effects on your health including your body’s ability to heal wounds.
Most surgeons require patients to stop smoking or consuming anything with nicotine for at least 2-4 weeks prior to elective procedures such as breast augmentation.
You should not drink alcohol for at least a week prior to surgery.
Some recreational drugs like cocaine also have detrimental effects that could affect your surgery.
It is generally advised to stop taking recreational drugs for a period of time prior to surgery.
Ask your surgeon for specific requirements.
Logistics
How Much Will the Surgery Cost?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2020 the average cost for breast augmentation surgery was $4,516.
This does not include anesthesia fees, operating room facility fees, and other expenses.
The cost also depends on the geographic location and experience of the surgeon.
Be sure to ask for the total cost at the time of your consultation. Some surgeons also provide financing options.
Post Surgery Arrangements
Many patients focus only on the surgical part, however, preparing for the aftermath adequately can go a long way.
Make sure you have enough time that you can take off from work.
Have a comfortable place at home to rest already set up and have all your necessities nearby such as medications, water, phone, charger, and other electronics.
Plan on having someone drive you to and from surgery.
If needed, food prepping for a week or so can save you a lot of unnecessary strain.
Patients with young children often have childcare arranged prior to surgery. Dog or pet walkers are also a good idea, especially if you have a large dog.
Having a family member or friend that can help you for a few days after surgery is always recommended.
The Day Before Surgery
This is the time to take care of any last little things that are pending that you will not be able to do immediately after surgery such as laundry and taking the garbage out.
Do not do any tasks that involve working with your arms, especially lifting them as you might be too sore after surgery to do these.
Being in the proper mindset, staying well hydrated, and having a good night’s sleep is very important.
Some surgeons ask that patients take a shower with special antibacterial (chlorhexidine-containing) soaps, ask your surgeon about this.
For surgery, most anesthesia providers require that your stomach must be empty for at least 8 hours. Most surgeons ask for patients not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery.
The Day of Surgery
Remember not to eat or drink anything until surgery.
After showering and brushing your teeth, do not apply any makeup, lotions, or creams, and avoid wearing any jewelry.
If you wear contact lenses, it is a good idea to wear glasses that day as you will be asked to take them off prior to surgery.
If you have contact lenses but don’t have glasses, just bring the case for your contact lenses.
Make sure to arrive at the hospital or surgery center with enough time to check in and prepare.
Typically, the surgeon will ask that you arrive 2-3 hours prior to surgery.
After you check in and before surgery, the surgeon will come to speak with you and do the surgical markings.
This is a good time to ask any last-minute questions, so write them down!
The Recovery Process
Your particular recovery protocol will be discussed with you prior to surgery, however, there are many things you can do to ensure your recovery is optimal.
After surgery, you will experience some level of discomfort. Most surgeons will prescribe a short course of oral pain medications that contain narcotics.
Follow the prescribers’ instructions closely and don’t forget, narcotics will make you constipated so stay well hydrated and take over the counter stool softeners or laxatives if you need them.
Make sure you get plenty of rest and don’t overdo it even if your pain is not that bad.
Follow your surgeon’s advice and directions in regard to activity restrictions, dressings, garments, any other medications, and whether it is ok to shower or not.
Be sure to know when your follow up appointment is and have arrangements for someone to drive you to and from the office.
Finally, keep the contact information for the surgeon nearby, and don’t hesitate to call with any questions or concerns.
You now know all you need to know prior to a breast augmentation surgery!
If you are interested or you have further questions, feel free to call the Williams Center at 1-800-742-2797 or schedule a consultation today.