Preparing for Your Breast Augmentation Surgery

There are many things you can do in the days and weeks leading up to your breast implants surgery to help your big day go more smoothly.

For starters, you will probably need a preoperative visit in advance of your breast augmentation surgery. This visit will likely include a blood work test known as a complete blood count (CBC). The complete blood count is a broad screening test that measures red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. A CBC can determine if you are anemic (low iron levels in your blood), have an elevated number of white blood cells (a sign of infection or other health problem) or have problems with blood clotting. If your platelets are "sticky," this could mean you are at risk for developing a blood clot. Your blood sugar levels may also be evaluated, in which case your surgeon may ask you not to eat before the blood test. The results of these tests will help determine if you are healthy enough to undergo surgery.

During your preoperative appointment you will also decide how big you want to go. Don't panic: you can change your mind at any time before your surgery. You should also discuss what medications you can and can't take before breast augmentation. In general, you should avoid aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs because they can increase your risk of excessive bleeding. For an A to Z list of medications and supplements to avoid before surgery, visit our comprehensive article on the subject.

If you smoke, now is the time to kick the habit. In addition to all its other negative health effects, smoking also interferes with the healing process. Talk to your surgeon about the treatments available to help you quit.

Your surgeon may ask you to get a mammogram before your surgery. A mammogram or breast X-ray will make sure that your breasts are healthy, and can also provide a baseline picture of your breasts. Please read our special section on mammograms for more information.

In addition, you may be given a list of supplies that you will need before, and after, your breast augmentation. This list may include antibacterial soap to kill the bacteria that are normally found on the surface of your skin before your operation and ice packs to ease the swelling and bruising after the surgery. You may be asked to buy gauze and other types of bandages to use on your incisions following your surgery. Print our helpful breast augmentation shopping list for some ideas of what you may need in the days leading up to and following your breast augmentation.

Preparing your home for recovery in advance is also useful. Our section on getting your home ready can help.

Remember to carve out some "you-time" to relax in the days leading up to your surgery. Good Luck!