As the day of your breast augmentation surgery approaches, you need to be ready. Elective plastic surgery gives you the opportunity to prepare yourself and your home for an optimal healing process. Below, we’ve listed 13 things you can do before your breast augmentation surgery at our state-of-the-art facility.
- Create a peaceful environment at home: When your surroundings are quiet and peaceful, your body has an easier time healing. Prior to your breast augmentation surgery, make sure your house is clean and your necessary chores, like laundry, are already finished. If there are any hard-to-reach items in your cupboards or pantry (like cereal), move them to where you can easily get them without having to lift your arms above your head.
- Prepare a recovery space: You’ll be spending some time in bed while you recover, so make sure you have some essentials waiting for you on your bedside table. You’ll want to include items such as tissues, bottled water and lip balm. You’ll want some baby wipes nearby to freshen up with until you are allowed to shower. Keep your cell phone (and charger) and television remote (with fresh batteries) within reach. You may also want to keep a small bell handy to call for help when you need it.
- Stock up on pillows: You’ll want plenty of plump pillows nearby to keep yourself upright at a 45-degree angle. Consider including a few “wedge” pillows in the mix to help you achieve the necessary angle. In addition to keeping you upright and comfortable, you’ll also want plenty of pillows on both sides of you to prevent you from rolling over and injuring yourself.
- Discuss supplements with your surgeon: For best results, it is often recommended to take the supplements two weeks before and after your breast augmentation surgery. It’s always important to discuss supplement use first with your surgeon to make sure it’s safe for your specific situation.
- Get Cocoa Butter: Once you are allowed to shower again, use antibacterial soap and a non-abrasive washcloth. You may also want to consider using a cocoa-butter or shea-based lotion after your shower. After surgery, your skin may be swollen, dry and flaky; gentle lotions moisturize your skin and just make you feel better.
- Secure daycare for your children and pets: You won’t be able to drive or walk your dog right after surgery, so make sure you arrange for someone to fulfill all of these important duties while you’re on the mend.
- Preplan your meals: When recovering from surgery, you probably won’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking meals, so prepare your food in advance. You can stock up on easy-to-make meals or make and freeze meals in advance. Many times, friends offer to help in any way they can, but aren’t sure how best to lend a hand; bringing over a meal or two is a perfect option to keep you nourished and supplied with friendly company.
- Speaking of food – think canned peaches: Constipation is a simple fact of post-op recovery. The combination of medications and long periods in bed can inhibit your body’s natural functions. While plenty of water should always be at the top of your list to help combat constipation, canned peaches, prune juice and grape juice are delicious options. Avoid foods like rice and bananas.
- Familiarize yourself with your new bras: Your surgeon will provide you with a special post-op bra to wear after surgery. After a few weeks, you’ll graduate to a sports bra. It can help to familiarize yourself with the bras you’ll need and wear before you have to actually start using them.
- Keep ice packs in the freezer: In order to effectively manage pain and swelling, you’ll need to snuggle up with an ice pack or two immediately after surgery. Typically, you’ll want to follow a “20-minutes-on, 20-minutes-off” routine. It’s easier to keep up with this demanding pace if you have at least four flexible gel packs at the ready.
- Assemble a comfortable wardrobe: After breast augmentation surgery, you don’t want to pull a t-shirt over your head. You need clothes that are easy to put on and take off. Think about comfy clothes that button or zip up in the front..
- Keep a pail in your car: Post-operative nausea is very real, so it’s best to prepare for any unpleasant accidents in advance.
- Have plenty of bendy straws on hand: Bendy straws make it easier to relax and heal with a tall glass of ice water while you’re propped up at a proper 45-degree angle.
If you are considering breast augmentation or any other breast surgery, please call North Texas Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation. We proudly serve clients in the Dallas and Fort Worth areas of Texas.