5 tips for preparing for breast augmentation surgery
January 14, 2014, 8:55 amThere are a number of reasons why a woman might choose to have breast augmentation, and there are also several options to consider when planning an augmentation procedure. Here are five tips to help you make these decisions and to prepare for your breast augmentation surgery.
1. Make the decisions that are best for you
In your consultation with Dr. Hlavacek, you will have several decisions to make regarding breast augmentation. However, the most important factors come down to what is best for you. Your decision to have breast augmentation surgery, and the choices for your surgery need to be based on how you want to look and feel, not how someone else wants you to look and not on trying to capture the appearance of another person. When you make your decisions personal, you will have a better outcome with greater personal satisfaction. With every decision leading up to your procedure, ask yourself, “Is this the best choice for me?”
2. Communicate with your surgeon
Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Dr. Hlavacek wants you to be well informed at every step of your journey. Also, be sure to bring up any concerns you may have for your procedure, preparation, or recovery.
During your consultation, let Dr. Hlavacek know about any pre-existing health conditions you may have or medications you may be taking. By providing a complete list of health problems and medications, you and Dr. Hlavacek will be able to make the best possible decisions for your surgery thus minimizing risks and complications.
3. Consider important decisions before your consultation
During your consultation, you will have several decisions to make. By considering some of your options prior to consultation, you will be able to have a more focused discussion with Dr. Hlavacek regarding your goals and the best way to achieve maximum results.
Key decisions that will need to be made prior to surgery include:
- type of implants (saline or silicone) and size
- incision location — in the armpit, in the crease under the breast, or under the areola
- Implant position — behind or in front of the muscle
- Whether your breast augmentation surgery will include a breast lift
Each of these options has its own set of benefits and considerations. Dr. Hlavacek will take your goals, body size and proportion, and health history into consideration in guiding you towards the best options for you.
4. Understand the risks
Breast augmentation surgery is generally a low-risk procedure. However, it is still surgery and thus has associated risks. While discomfort, bruising, and swelling are common after surgery, there are additional risks to consider. Most women have no complications, but risks such as additional scar tissue, loss of sensation, changes in sensitivity, infection, and asymmetry are possible. Dr. Hlavacek will discuss these possibilities during your consultation.
5. Plan ahead for your recovery
Many normal activities may be resumed within days of your procedure, but others will need to be postponed for several weeks. If you have young children, you may need help in the first few weeks after surgery as you won’t be able to lift them or carry them as you normally would. You also won’t be able to lift heavy items such as bags of groceries right away.
Before surgery, make sure that your family and friends understand that you will need help during your recovery period. This may mean having a family member or friend help with children, trips to the grocery store, or chores around the house.
By planning ahead and having help in place prior to your surgery, you will have a speedier recovery, fewer complications, and an overall better experience.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Kansas City Surgical Arts at 816-286-4126.
