How to prepare for a breast surgery

Are you about to undergo a breast surgery? Whether you are increasing your size, reducing your size, or doing some other type of alteration, you’re probably feeling a combination of excited and nervous. That feeling is completely normal. In fact, most of the New Yorkers that we see in our office who are gearing up for a breast adjustment usually have several questions about the process. While many focus on the factors leading up to a surgery, it’s equally important to plan ahead for the details that will follow a procedure.

Time off

It’s essential that you take it easy in order to fully recover from your surgery. If you work, you should plan to take off at least a week while you heal. This amount of time will vary from person to person and will also be based on the extent of your procedure, so it’s handy if your schedule is more flexible. This break mentality also goes for exercise. You’ll soon be able to get back into your normal workout routine, but taking a timeout as your body heals is key to your well-being.

Home prep

In the days following your procedure, you will likely be sore. Plan ahead by stocking up on groceries, toiletries, and other essentials since you probably won’t be up for a trip to the store. Some patients find it convenient to prep a few meals in advance and keep them in the freezer for easy reheating instead of worrying about cooking or ordering food. If your breast size is changing, particularly if it is increasing, be sure that you have some comfortable shirts at home that will fit your new shape.

Cancel plans

Once you have your surgery date set, consider delaying or canceling plans in the days that follow it. You probably won’t feel up to getting out of the house, so, instead, focus on at-home activities, like binge watching your favorite show, getting into a good book, or trying a new, low-impact hobby,.

Recruit help

When your chest and arms are hurting, even small tasks like washing or brushing your hair can prove challenging. If possible and if you are comfortable with the idea, consider asking a friend or loved one for assistance with these tasks as you heal after your surgery. Let them know in advance what they should expect so there are no surprises. If you aren’t close to someone who can lend a hand, think about hiring some at-home help for a few days and using a car service for transportation.

A breast augmentation is a major surgery and should be treated accordingly. Planning ahead for the days after your procedure can help you feel more at ease going into your augmentation, as well as make the recovery process as convenient as possible. If you have any questions as you prepare for your breast surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. We want to make sure that you are comfortable throughout the whole process.