Before Surgery

Initial Consultation

At the initial consultation the doctor and the patient will have many decisions to make based on the patients health, expectations, and condition of breast tissue. The doctor will discuss the patients medical history and examine her breasts.

The patient and the doctor will need to discuss the following:

Implant size/volume

Implant shape

Implant texture

Implant placement

Incision site

It is imperative that the patient is very specific and candid with her doctor about her expectations. These important decisions should not be left to the doctor once in the operating room. Preparation Surgeons will outline for their patients what behaviors are appropriate and necessary before surgery.

Here are some preoperative tips for them to follow:

Get a mammogram before surgery to help establish a baseline for postoperative mammograms.

Stop taking any aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamins and herbs at least two weeks before surgery.Some surgeons even recommend not taking these substances 30 days before surgery. These medications may cause the blood to thin.

Disclose all medication, herbs, and vitamins the patient is taking to the physician.

Do not drink any alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to surgery.

Smokers need to quit smoking 4- 6 weeks before surgery because smoking reduces the oxygen levels in the blood which impedes healing. In patients having breast lift this is particularly necessary because smoking could cause necrosis.

Fill prescriptions before surgery if possible.

Have plenty of lotion available because the breast skin may be dry from the stretching.

Arrange for a responsible adult to drive the patient home and monitor recovery for at least 24 hours.

Prepare a few meals ahead or have snacks handy.

Prepare icepacks. Frozen vegetables or fruit work well.

Get house in order from everything to taking out the trash, to grocery shopping, to paying bills, to filling the car with gas.

Move essentials lower in the house because one will not be able to move ones arms.

Take a shower, wash hair, and shave before surgery.

Gather books, magazines, snacks, remote control, etc. and place them right by the bed or recliner.

Wear loose-fitting clothing to surgery.

Do not wear make-up to surgery.

Wear cotton underwear.