There are lots of things to consider when preparing for your Breast Augmentation surgery, which can be exciting and stressful at the same time! Here are just a few useful tips to help you get ready for your surgery day from myself and from my patients who have experienced it first-hand.
Go Shopping
Before the surgery, consider buying some brassieres in a larger size to accommodate your new size and shape. I would not recommend spending a lot of money, and it would be a good idea to look for bras that are supportive and that have a larger side panel. You may also want to buy some new, larger sized tops, so you’ve got some things to wear once you’re home and up and about. Considering shopping at stores like Target or Nordstrom Rack. There is no reason to spend a lot of money on these items since your size and shape will be changing quite a bit over the first 3 to 4 months. There will be plenty of time after you realize your final look to go shopping for higher end clothing that you may want to purchase to show off your “new bod.”
Prepare Meals
Stock up on easy to prepare meals and snacks and even consider making some dinners in advance that can be frozen and easily reheated in the oven. Make sure to have plenty of fluids on hand (Gatorade, fresh juice, diet 7-up or ginger ale, etc.) to help your body recover from surgery.
Do Laundry Ahead of Time
If possible, catch up on all your laundry before surgery. Also, put clean sheets on your bed prior to surgery, so everything is ready for you when you arrive home. The last thing you’ll want to do is strain yourself wrestling with the sheets in order to change the linens. I highly recommend using sheets that you may not care about if they were to become stained. While there is usually very little bleeding after this type of surgery, there may be some drainage at the incision sites and your skin may still have residual Betadyne (sterilizing solution) or marking pen that could rub off on your linens.
Organize the Items You Use Every Day
Make sure that the things you use every day are within easy reach, so you don’t have to extend your arms to reach for them post-surgery. For example, lay out all of your toiletries on the bathroom counter and keep medications on a night stand by your bed. It is critical to minimize motion of your chest wall and arms during the first week after surgery, so that you don’t disturb the healing tissue.
Arrange for Child and Pet Care
If you have children or pets that depend on you, arrange for some help in advance of your surgery day. It’s important to give yourself ample time to rest and recover, and to know that your children and/or pets are being taken care of. This is the time when you get to rely on those beloved family members and friends that you would do the same for if the situation were reversed.
Choose Your Surgery Day Outfit
Don’t wait until the last minute to decide what to wear on surgery day. We advise patients to wear something comfortable that is easy to take on and off, preferably a loose fitting top with buttons or a zipper. It’s best not to come in wearing an outfit that is form fitting or something that would be considered as “going out” clothes. Items like these are often difficult to put back on after surgery, and most of my patients simply want to go home and get into bed right after surgery anyway.
I hope you find these tips helpful as you plan for your big day. At your pre-op visit we, at MAE Plastic Surgery, will provide you with a similar list of helpful hints along with your pre-op and post-op instructions. I’d be happy to discuss any questions you may have regarding preparing for your breast augmentation surgery.
