It’s important to plan and prepare for your breast augmentation recovery before you have the procedure. Here, we’ve created a list of the top ten things to do before your breast augmentation so you feel confident and ready to have your surgery.
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How to Prepare for Breast Augmentation
Planning to get a breast augmentation can be exhilarating, especially if you’ve been wanting to get this procedure done for a long while. However, no matter how much you’re excited about your breast augmentation dream coming true, the idea of recovery may seem daunting. While the healing process can be anxiety-inducing for some patients, it can also be the perfect time to rest, recuperate, and start appreciating your new body.
The best way to minimize nerves before your procedure is to plan and prepare yourself and your space so everything is all in order when you come home after your breast augmentation. We’ve compiled a list of helpful tips to help you not only have a successful recovery period—but also enjoy it!
1. Quit Smoking
Smoking increases your risk of complications during and after surgery. Tobacco causes respiratory problems, so smokers often require more anesthesia during surgery, which increases the chance of anesthesia-related issues during the procedure. Additionally, smoking makes you more susceptible to developing a lung infection, which can quickly spread to newly placed breast implants. Many surgeons recommend quitting smoking for at least six weeks before and after surgery to limit these risks.
2. Request Vacation Time
You’ll need to request some time off work and other daily responsibilities for ample recovery time. We recommend taking one to two weeks off right after surgery to allow swelling to go down and your incision sites to heal enough to move comfortably. However, everyone’s body heals differently, so listening to your body and Dr. Andreasen’s aftercare instructions is essential.
3. Find a Helper
After your breast augmentation, you’ll need to rest for at least one week. You’ll likely have some difficulty raising your arms, and you’ll need to refrain from bending over and lifting anything, as these actions can strain your incisions and cause bleeding or an increase in swelling. Since your mobility will be limited, it’s essential to have someone stay with you during your recovery period so they can retrieve things you may need and make sure your body is healing safely.
4. Find Childcare or Pet Care
While recovering from surgery, you’ll need to focus on yourself. Resting and taking it easy is essential to ensure a safe and speedy recovery. With this in mind, arranging for someone to watch and care for your children or pets is a good idea, especially during the first post-surgery week.
5. Set Up Your Space
Before you head over to your breast augmentation appointment, make sure your space at home is arranged so it’s ready to accommodate your needs when you come back. Preparing your space can include adding extra pillows to your bed so you can sleep in an elevated position, getting your media or streaming options set to go, getting extra blankets for comfort, moving your phone charger and remote control near your bed for easy access, and stocking your kitchen with food so you don’t have to go to the grocery store when you’re hungry.
6. Get Loose-fitting Clothing
Your breasts will likely be swollen for several weeks after surgery, and you’ll have to wear a compression bra for as long as Dr. Andreasen instructs. You’ll want loose-fitting, comfortable clothing ready at home to wear while you rest and your body recovers. If you don’t have someone to help you get dressed, you may want to get comfortable button-up shirts or hoodies with a zipper down the front, as you will likely be unable to lift a shirt over your head for at least the first few days.
7. Pre-plan Meals
Before your procedure, it might be easier to prep some meals for the week or have a budget set aside for meal delivery from your favorite restaurants. Having meals that you can easily heat up can allow you to rest more and not strain your body as you recover.
8. Move Household Items
Reorganizing your space so household items are in easier-to-reach locations will help you be able to access the items you need. Resting is one of the main components of breast augmentation recovery; however, getting up and taking brief walks around the house every few hours is important to avoid the risk of blood clots. So, if you have the things you need in easily accessible locations around the house, you can get out of bed and simply walk to them.
9. Prepare Ice Packs
It’s a good idea to have ice packs in your freezer for when you come home after your breast augmentation. Icing the treatment area for short increments can help lessen pain and swelling.
10. Create a Post-operative Shower Kit
Dr. Andreasen will instruct you on when it is safe to take a shower after surgery. Preparing a post-operative shower kit of antibacterial soap, a gentle washcloth, and dry shampoo can help you easily clean your body during the period when you can’t fully shower after the procedure.
Want to Know More About Breast Augmentation in Ontario, CA?
To learn more about breast augmentation and the recovery process, call us at 909-291-4900 or fill out our online contact form today!
