| Along with explaining your surgery, your cosmetic | | | | · Have a friend or relative drive you home after |
| surgeon should talk to you about: | | | | surgery and stay with you for the first one to three |
| · Anesthesia | | | | days of your recovery. |
| · Recovery | | | | Your cosmetic surgeon’s pre-surgical instructions |
| · Your patient obligations | | | | may include a mammogram prior to your procedure to |
| · Where your procedure will be performed | | | | verify breast health and act as a baseline |
| · Consent forms | | | | mammogram for future comparison. |
| · Surgical risks and potential complications | | | | More tips to make your surgery and recovery go |
| Breast augmentation can be performed in an office | | | | smoothly |
| facility, freestanding surgery center, or hospital | | | | · Use a pill case with a time chart for remembering to |
| outpatient facility. If your surgery is performed as an | | | | take medications |
| inpatient, plan on staying in the hospital for a few days. | | | | · Before you leave your home for surgery, create a |
| General anesthesia will usually be used, so you’ll be | | | | recovery area that includes lots of comfortable pillows, |
| asleep throughout the procedure. | | | | books and magazines, a journal to keep a diary of |
| After you’ve selected your cosmetic surgeon, | | | | your recovery and progress, T.V. with remote control, |
| chosen the type and shape of implant you want, and | | | | favorite videos and CDs |
| discussed the incision site, you’re ready for the | | | | · Consider blacking out your windows so you can |
| next step. Your cosmetic surgeon will provide you with | | | | rest more comfortably during the day |
| instructions to follow during the days leading up to your | | | | · Think about making temporary use of a whistle, bell, |
| surgery. Take these instructions seriously and follow | | | | walkie-talkies or intercom system so you can ask your |
| them carefully to reduce your risk of post-surgical | | | | caretaker for help without having to get up. Also think |
| complications. | | | | about using a telephone with a speaker function and a |
| Pre-surgery instructions | | | | ringer that can be turned off. |
| · Avoid aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs for 10 days | | | | · Cook and freeze 2 weeks’ worth of meals |
| before your surgery. These medications increase your | | | | · Stock up on quick snacks like soup, applesauce, |
| surgical risk because they thin the blood, interfering with | | | | jell-O, yogurt, cottage cheese, juice (Don’t forget |
| clotting ability. | | | | the straws!) |
| · Stop smoking two months before your surgery. | | | | · Have icepacks ready in the freezer |
| Studies show smokers do not heal as well as | | | | With some preplanning and creativity, you can do |
| non-smokers. | | | | many things to make yourself more comfortable during |
| · Fill all prescriptions you’ll need after your surgery. | | | | recovery and ensure the very best results. Soon |
| · Wear loose-fitting clothes on the surgery day that | | | | you’ll be enjoying the new you and the discomfort |
| can be taken off and put on easily. | | | | of recovery will be a distant memory. |