FAQs: Getting Ready for Breast Augmentation & Breast Implants

Getting Ready for Breast Augmentation Surgery -  Pre-Op Checklist

Nicole's Pre-Op Checklist

"Getting ready for surgery"  has been completely revamped and is now available as a one page printable PDF document.

Click here to open, view and print the Pre-Op Checklist. If you can't open a PDF document, get Acrobat Reader for free and then you will be able to. Click here.

When you go to your first breast augmentation consultation, please bring this document with you and discuss it with your doctor and your nurse. They will help you customize it for your particular procedure and recovery. Please also be sure to bring a Consultation Form with you to each of your plastic surgery visits. Get one by clicking here.

For those of you who are unable to open a PDF and cannot get Acrobat Reader, you can find a text version of the checklist below.

A Week or More Before Breast Implant Surgery

• Keep your doctor in the loop about medications, vitamins, supplements, colds, other issues that may affect your ability to keep your date.

A Few Days Before Breast Augmentation Surgery

• Wash hands religiously. Avoid sick people.
• Arrange a ride to and from surgery and someone to care for you (at least 48 hrs).
• Arrange for child care for two days (minimum). If you have to lift young children, get help for several days.
• Arrange for pet care. Food litter box, etc. Better yet, have someone care for them.
• Head off would-be callers and visitors during your recovery. Do this in advance.
• Fill prescriptions. Buy Neosporin, gauze for changes, vitamins and anything approved or requested by plastic surgeon.
• Shop for / cook some foods in advance (like soup). Have simple foods ready to eat (crackers, soup, Jell-O, canned health drinks) in case you can't eat.
• Buy 1 or 2 large jogging or sports bras that open in front (no wires) and stretchy comfortable pajamas.
• Get a bell to call your helper during your recovery.
• Pay bills and do your banking
• Recharge / replace batteries in remote, cell phone, cordless phone.
• Set up a table close to you with things you’ll need when you get home: medications, T.V. remote control, phone, vitamins, tissue, books, magazines, water bottle, etc. Keep a plastic waste can nearby (anesthesia and medications can make you nauseous).

The Day Before Surgery

• Do the laundry. Clean the house and do the dishes.
• Gas up your car. Rent 3-day movies. Put favorite one in DVD player.
• Locate button down shirts and stretchy pull-on pants. Set out for easy access
• Consider sleeping on the couch / recliner for the first night or two. Make up couch or chair with sheets, blankets and pillows plus a U-shaped pillow. It feels good to be somewhat upright.
• Make up your bed with fresh sheets and pillows.
• Put dry foods on the counter and refrigerated foods at lower levels to avoid reaching. Loosen jar lids, etc.
• Get a bag of frozen peas, ice bags or frozen gel packs ready for swelling and a heating pad for a sore back.
• Put all of your garbage out. Get a good night’s sleep! If your doctor told you not to eat or drink, DON’T!

 

The Big Day - Before You Head Off to Surgery

• Take a nice long hot shower and wash your hair. Shave everything before going. No makeup, hairspray, deodorant, powder (nothing!).
• Wear warm socks or slippers for surgery. Have comfortable shoes and baggy clothes and top that buttons in front for dressing after surgery. A men’s dress shirt will do the trick.
• Put post-op checklist near your bedside table with your bell.
• Arrange bathroom - Put toilet paper in reach. Organize items so they are ready to go and to avoid bending and reaching (mouthwash, toothpaste & brush, hair brush, contact lens stuff, makeup, etc.)
• Take a coffee can or something with a lid for the ride home in case you get sick. : (
• Bring cold ginger ale or water to sip on the way back home.
• Bring Chapstick for your lips.
• Have pain medication available (as directed by doctor) for the ride home.
• Remove your contact lenses and switch to glasses if you need to.
• Bring your list of any last minute questions. Tell your plastic surgeon that Nicole says “Hello!”