If you are already scheduled to have breast implant surgery, or are considering the procedure, here are some tips for before and after your surgery.

Breast Implant Surgery

Before your surgery, consider taking your own photos. Your plastic surgeon will most likely do this for you, but if you have your own set of photos on hand at home, you can do comparisons once you have recovered.

Another thing you will want to do before your surgery is purchase new, larger bras. Buy them in the cup size you will be after surgery is complete. It’s good to do this before your surgery, because it’s one less thing you’ll have to think about as you recover. In this same vein, run all your errands and clean your house before surgery. Stock up on groceries so you won’t have to shop afterwards for a while. You won’t be able to lift or do any strenuous activities during your immediate recovery, so getting these things done beforehand is a good idea.

Prior to surgery, make sure you are drinking enough water. Staying hydrated will actually help alleviate nausea after your surgery. During this time, the two weeks leading up to your surgery, avoid aspirin, too. Your doctor may tell you to avoid aspirin for a full month before surgery, so make sure to check with him or her and follow their directions. Aspirin is a blood thinner and could make you bruise more from the surgery. This could also slow down your recovery.

Finally, practice sleeping on your back before your procedure. During your recovery, you will only be able to sleep on your back, and side or stomach sleepers often have trouble with this. Practice helps—but you may even want to sleep in a recliner after surgery so you won’t be able to roll over.

After Your Surgery

Follow your doctor’s directions after your procedure and take your prescribed medications as directed. Sleep only on your back for the first few weeks after surgery. You will also want to sleep propped up on pillows for the first nights post-procedure. Do not do any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least the first two weeks after your surgery.

Make sure someone will be there to drive you home. You will not be able to drive.

After your procedure, take new photos and compare to your before photos to see the improvements! If you have other questions, consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Schedule a consultation today and see how great you can look, and feel, after breast implants!