Here’s how to prepare for your breast augmentation
It’s almost here. The appointment for your long-awaited breast augmentation has been on your calendar for a while now and is getting closer and closer. Of course you are very much looking forward to it but it is also a bit exciting. If all goes well, you have already discussed a lot with one of our specialists during your initial consultation and know what to expect. You may also know that there are different breast augmentations such as breast augmentation with implants or breast augmentation with your own body fat.
Depending on your body and your expectations, it was decided to use one of the above techniques, possibly combined with a breast elevator or nipple reduction. In order to best prepare you for the procedure and thereby also help your recovery, plastic surgeon Michelle Feijen discusses some tips with you in this article. This way you can already make sure your overall condition is optimal and take care of some things beforehand.
To prepare, read about what recovery from breast augmentation entails.
Start with a healthy lifestyle
Being in good shape, both mentally and physically, before surgery can help with a better recovery. There are always risks of complications but we want to minimize them. In addition, the scar in cosmetic surgery is to be as beautiful as possible. Partly it has to do with the surgical technique, of course, but partly it also has to do with how your body heals. It is very important not to smoke because the risk of complications in the form of infection and wound healing problems is much higher in smokers than in people who do not smoke.
Healthy living and healthy eating also generally help recovery after surgery. So the period before surgery, it’s best to eat healthy because around surgery you often eat less. This is because, among other things, you must be sober on the day of surgery.
Additional nutrients
Around surgery, your body has an extra need for specific nutrients. Make sure you get enough nutrients through a balanced diet. Do you find this difficult? R-support has worked with a team of experts to develop two science-based nutritional supplements. These shakes contain the extra nutrients you need around surgery.
(Temporary) smoking & alcohol cessation
Smoking gets in the way of a good recovery. The nicotine in smoking products has been scientifically proven to increase the risk of infections. Be sure to stop completely at least 2 weeks before surgery. It is also wise not to smoke for 6 weeks after the procedure.
Also temporarily give up wine and other alcoholic beverages prior to and after your procedure. This is because alcohol causes your blood to dilute which in turn can cause complications during and after the procedure.
Arranging: transportation & assistance
Breast augmentation is a major surgery. This involves going under full anesthesia. You cannot drive home on your own after that. Therefore, it is wise to arrange to be picked up and taken home after the procedure. Ask a family member or friend to help you. You may not drive a car independently until 1 week after surgery.
Do you have children? It is advisable to take this into account. After coming home, in fact, you should not lift and bend. Therefore, arrange for help especially for the first week so that you give your body rest and it can recover properly. Don’t have children? Then it is still nice to have help with housework and with your own care.
Arranging time off from work
Keep rest for at least 2 weeks after surgery. You cannot work during this period. After 2 weeks you will come for a check-up and your stitches will be removed. You can start working again after that as long as you don’t have to do heavy work physically: no lifting and you shouldn’t raise your arms above shoulder height. The plastic surgeon can give you good advice about this during the consultation.
Clothing
If you have surgery on your breasts, they are going to feel sensitive and sore for quite some time. Therefore, make sure you wear or bring comfortable clothing to the clinic. Choose loose garments that you feel comfortable in. Also consider shoes or slippers that are easy to get into.
You should also wear a sports bra for up to 6 weeks after your breast augmentation. This ensures that there is no brace that gives friction on your scars. In addition, a sports bra also provides adequate support. It is helpful to bring a sports bra with you to the clinic on the day of surgery and to have a spare at home as well. Advice on the size of this bra will be given during the outpatient visit. You can read more about it in this article.
Getting in the house: nutrition & pain relief
When you think recovery, you also think nutrition. Because in addition to rest, proper nutrition is also conducive to proper recovery. We therefore recommend trying to eat as much healthy food as possible during your recovery. You don’t have to go straight to green smoothies now (you can!) but at least make sure you drink plenty of water and get plenty of fruits and vegetables. It can be nice to get some groceries and meals in advance while preparing for breast augmentation. Then you don’t have to look at this anymore.
After surgery, you may have pain at the site where you had surgery. You may take paracetamol for this purpose. Therefore, make sure you have enough of these in your home before the procedure. In consultation with the plastic surgeon, you will receive other painkillers. Do you have an allergy or are you on medication? Always discuss this with the plastic surgeon.
Entertainment
Since you need to take it easy for at least two weeks, it might be nice to treat yourself to some nice magazines or pick out some series or movies to watch during your rest period.
Stress
Of course, we understand that undergoing breast augmentation can cause some stress and nerves. Try to get some rest before surgery so that you can be sufficiently rested to undergo the procedure. Do you find this difficult? Try to talk about it with family and or friends. You can also try meditation.
Being sober
If you are having surgery in the morning, it is important that you come to MOOI Clinic sober. This means not eating, drinking and smoking in the evening from midnight.
This is what you take with you to MOOI clinic
Breast augmentation takes place in the operating room of MOOI Clinic. What do you all need to pack?
- Your ID or passport
- Loose-fitting and easy clothing
- Shoes or slippers that are easy to get into
- Phone + charger
- Toiletries
- If desired, a book/journal/tablet and/or earbuds
Read more about recovering after breast augmentation here.
Personal consultation & preparation
Our plastic surgeons prefer to see you well prepared for surgery. During the consultation you will get a lot of information and also have the opportunity to ask all your questions. Have questions? Then contact us!
