Plastic surgery can help you overcome stress and insecurities to bring out your most beautiful self. Whether you have been struggling with the effects of breast cancer or you are dealing with another medical condition that is causing your breasts to shrink, you might be the perfect candidate for breast reconstruction in Austin. To make sure that your surgery goes as smoothly as possible, it is important that you take several steps in preparing for your breast procedure. Follow these breast reconstruction surgery prep tips from your trusted breast specialists before your surgery date for best results.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery Prep Tips
Step 1: Take Tests
Your doctor may ask you to get some blood tests done a few weeks before your surgery date. This is to ensure that the levels of electrolytes and hemoglobin are normal. Unusual levels in your blood could indicate that you are at a bigger risk of blood clots, making a procedure such as breast reconstruction more dangerous. Breast exams are also necessary to determine whether or not this procedure will offer you all the benefits without any of the risk. However, your doctor will do everything to ensure that your approved procedures are 100% safe.
Step 2: Stop Your Medications
Depending on the medications you are taking, your doctor could advise that you stop taking them several days to several weeks before your procedure. Certain medications can contain blood thinners or can make it more likely for your blood to clot. Make sure to give your doctor a list of medications you are taking, whether for health or for fun. Recreational drugs (such as cannabis and tobacco) should also be stopped at least two weeks before the surgery date, although your surgeon may ask you to take an even bigger break with substances.
Step 3: Stop Drinking
Again, it is important to stop the recreational use of substances that could cause your body harm. Nicotine and alcohol can severely dehydrate your body, reducing your immune system’s ability to work at its capacity. This will not only delay recovery from your surgery, but it could also cause complications that risk ruining the results of the surgery overall. To ensure a smooth and swift healing period, don’t drink alcohol throughout the process.
Step 4: Prepare Meals
Recovery is a big deal, and it’s important to get as much rest as possible after your surgery. In the days and weeks after your procedure, you may not feel well enough to cook on your own. Give yourself a break by getting some meals ready ahead of time. Stock up on foods that are easy to eat, such as soup broth and applesauce. Enlist a friend or partner to cook some meals for you so you can continue to take it easy while you recover.
Step 5: Wash with Antibacterial Soap
Your surgeon will give you an antibacterial soap to use on your body and hair before your surgery. This is to remove any excess chemicals or irritants that could potentially invade the body during surgery. Don’t wash with any other products during the days leading up to your procedure. If you are wondering what products you can and can’t use, be sure to call your doctor right away.
Step 6: Get Lots of Rest!
Your body will recover quickly and smoothly when it is well-rested. Make sure to get plenty of sleep the night before your surgery, and rest up afterward to allow your body the time to heal. Your doctor will equip you with more aftercare instructions so you know what to expect before, during, and after your breast augmentation procedure. Remember that you aren’t going through this journey alone, and you have a huge team of supporters eager to see you make a full recovery.
Get the Greatest Results in Austin
Breast Health Institute Austin offers the most innovative and popular breast reconstruction opportunities to anyone who is looking to improve their appearance after dealing with the effects of cancer. Knowing what to prepare for can make all the difference in a successful procedure, and our breast cancer surgeon in Austin is here to help you find out exactly what to expect. Learn more about your options by giving us a call today!