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Before and After Breast Surgery

Breast surgery has become today a very commonplace cosmetic surgery, which is done in the outpatient ward without any heavy equipment. The surgery does not even need any recuperation or stringent precautions to be taken. The woman on whom the surgery is done is able to resume her work within a few days. Bearing all this in mind, there is not much to be bothered of before and after a breast augmentation surgery.

What to Do Before the Breast Augmentation Surgery

(i) The most important thing to do before a breast augmentation surgery is to seek complete information about the surgical procedure. Have sessions with your doctor and ask whatever questions you may have regarding the procedure as well as the aftercare. Inform yourself about the different kinds of implants possible, learn their pros and cons and then take an informed decision on which implant you’d like to have done. Ask the doctor where the incision will be made.

(ii) If you have a family history of any illness, especially breast cancer, then you must talk about this with your doctor. It is not advisable for women with breast cancer histories to go in for breast augmentations. However, your own doctor will be your best guide on this.

(iii) Reduce fatty foods and high carbohydrate foods a few weeks before the surgery. This is because you would not want your body shape to change because of your diet. Use extra virgin olive oil or canola oil, and low carbohydrate foods. You can include fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, etc. in your daily diet. Consume a good amount of fruits that are rich in vitamin C.

(iv) Abstain completely from smoking and alcoholism a few weeks before the operation.

(v) Your doctor will also want you to refrain from using any other supplements. You will have to stop the use of antibiotics, even aspirin.

(vi) Begin chest improvement exercises a few months prior to your augmentation. The operation would be a better success if your chest muscles are well toned before the implant. That’s why you should never rush in with the decision of breast enhancement surgery. Make good advance planning and exercise.

(vii) Enlist the services of some friend of family member to do the household work (or employ a maid). This is more important if you have children at home.

(ix) Take a few pictures of your breasts before the operation. This will help you in comparing the breasts once the implant is done. You’ll need these before and after pictures later if any complications arise with the operation.

(x) Most important of all, keep a positive outlook. Be cheerful of the prospect of getting a better figure, and don’t be scared of how the surgery will be. The surgery is not at all painful, and there are not many complications if done in the hands of a qualified surgeon. Keeping a cheerful outlook will also boost the concentration of all the needed hormones in your body.

What to Do After the Breast Augmentation Surgery

(i) You’ll need to discuss with the doctor before checking out about the precautions you are supposed to take. Ask the doctor when you will be able to resume your work and other daily activities.

(ii) Heavy duty work that exerts the chest muscles are out for a few days. You should even not drive for the few days as these could harm the breast ligaments. But you must do some walking exercises to avoid putting on weight.

(iii) Abstain from sexual encounters for a few days (you will need to ask your doctor about the period). This is because there may be an over-secretion of hormones during sex, and also muscular exertion. You will need to talk with your partner about these issues.

(iv) Keep abstaining from smoking and alcoholism for a few weeks immediately after the augmentation.

(v) Stick to the diet which is mentioned above.

(vi) After the initial few weeks are passed, and your doctor says that you can resume your activities, you must start exercising your body.

Obesity is the biggest enemy of breast implant operations; it can horribly spoil the shape of your augmented breasts. You must not allow your body to gain weight under any circumstances.

(vii) You will also need to change your wardrobe, especially your bras. Buy bigger size bras that are comfortable over your enhanced bust.

(viii) On the advice of the doctor, stop taking any other breast enhancing supplements. These supplements contain plant estrogens and they can seriously interfere with the shapes of your new breasts.

(ix) Ask your doctor when you should expect a corrective augmentation surgery. Do not be misled here; every breast augmentation needs a corrective surgery after some years. It is better to be forewarned about when to expect the surgery.

(x) Finally, report any complication with the breasts to your doctor immediately. You may suffer from asymmetry of the breasts or changes in the nipples, areolas and the skin covering the breasts. These are very important issues that need medical supervision on an urgent basis.