Once you’ve made the decision to go through breast augmentation surgery, it’s time to prepare yourself for the procedure. Your consultant will be on hand to discuss exactly what it entails and the steps you need to take to make sure you’re ready when the big day comes around.
There are both physical and mental preparations you can make before the procedure. A boob job can lead to a drastic change in your appearance, so gearing yourself up for what’s about to happen is a great way to get ready for a new you.
Medical preparations you may need to make
According to the American Association of Plastic Surgeons, you might be asked to have a blood test before surgery. This can check for underlying health conditions, such as anaemia, that may need to be treated before the procedure, or any infections that needed to be cleared.
In some cases, your doctor may change the type of medication you are taking. This is often a precautionary measure just in case some of the post-surgery drugs you are prescribed are not compatible. Your surgeon is likely to recommend certain types of medication to ease swelling and pain in the weeks immediately after your boob job.
Aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs are generally advised against in the weeks leading up to your operation. The US National Library of Medicine stresses that these types of medication can make it more difficult for the blood to clot, potentially putting you at greater risk during surgery.
It’s also possible you will be asked to stop smoking. Figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show that people aged 18 to 49 are less likely to smoke every day than they were 12 years ago. However, there’s still a proportion of the population who do smoke, with the prevalence right highest among 40 to 49 year olds.
The reason you might be asked to stop smoking before breast augmentation surgery is because it leads to an increased risk of infection. You may also find that your scars take longer to heal.
Other considerations
It’s likely you will be allowed to return home on the same day as your surgery but it won’t be possible for you to drive due to the effects of the anaesthetic. The Victorian government recommends leaving it at least 24 hours before you attempt to get back behind the wheel.
Arranging time off work is also a good idea. In the days – and possibly weeks – after your breast augmentation surgery, you may experience some discomfort that makes it difficult to do your job. Giving yourself enough time to recover at home will help the healing process along much more quickly.
It will take a while before your new breasts settle, so don’t expect to see the results overnight. It may take you some time to get used to your new bust, but hopefully you will be happy with the results.
Once your scars have started to heal and any swelling goes down, you should aim to get your new bust measures and invest in some comfortable bras. A surgical bra will usually be supplied in the weeks immediately after your cosmetic procedure to encourage the healing process.
It’s essential that you don’t engage in any rigorous exercise until your new breasts have finally healed. This can hold back the recovery process and potentially create lasting damage, so it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
Cosmetic surgery is just like any surgery so be prepared for your procedure as this ensures a safe and successful outcome. For more questions, book a consult today! Remember, it pays to be prepared.