If you’ve made the decision to go ahead with breast augmentation surgery, congratulations! You have taken the first step to a more confident you. Once your surgeon has determined that you are indeed a good candidate for the procedure and you have settled on the type, size and placement of the implants, you will need to prepare for the surgery.

The more prepared you are, the less stress you will face on the day of your surgery and during your recovery.The following are some steps to make sure that you are ready.

In the days leading up to the surgery:

1. Arrange with your employer or clients to have at least one week off of work. If your job involves strenuous activity, either arrange a longer time off or the ability to have reduced duties when you return to work.
2. If you have young children, arrange for childcare.
3. During the two weeks prior to the surgery avoid any medications that are blood thinners. This includes Aspirin, Advil, Motrin and many other popular over the counter pain relievers (Tylenol is OK). You should also stop taking any herbal or natural supplements, including ginseng, St. John’s wort etc (we will give you a list of what not to take).
4. Make sure that you have someone to drive you to and from your surgery.
5. Arrange for someone to stay with you on your first day home after the surgery.
6. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe medication for pain and to help prevent infections. Fill these prescriptions prior to your surgery so that you have them when you need them. A family member or friend can also fill the prescription while they wait for you on the day of surgery –  there is a pharmacy in the Humber River Hospital, and also one block away from our private surgical facility.
7. Have ice bags – or even frozen vegetables – in your freezer. These will help you to control swelling once you get back home.
8. Make extra food and have lots of snacks and fluids ready so you don’t have to do this after the surgery.
9. You will be given a post op surgical bra. If you wish, you can purchase a second bra to wear while the first bra is being washed.
10. If there is any indication that you may be getting a cold or other infection prior to the surgery, let your doctor know right away.
11. On the day before the surgery, wash with disinfectant soap (a good one is called Hibiclens, which can be purchased at the pharmacy).
12. You should not eat or drink anything after midnight, although drinking water is allowed up to 4 hours before the surgery.

On the day of the surgery:

13. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Make sure you wear a top that can be buttoned up so that you do not have to pull anything over your head.
14. Take out any earrings or body piercings.
15. Remove make-up and nail polish.
16. If you are menstruating, use a sanitary pad rather than a tampon. Tampons should not be worn during surgery as they can cause toxic shock.
17. If you think you might be pregnant, do a home pregnancy test and show the results to your surgeon prior to having the procedure.

Your breast augmentation surgery and the final results are something you can look forward to, but there is a bit of work that you’ll need to do in order to be ready. Follow these steps and you will be well prepared.