Breast surgery is a personal decision that comes with many questions and potential risks. Preparing for breast surgery in Englewood may help you manage your anxiety around your procedure and make your post-operative recovery smoother. Dr. David L. Abramson and highly trained medical staff can explain what to do to ensure you have an easy and seamless recovery.
What Should I Do to Prepare for Breast Surgery?
The time you must take to recover from breast surgery depends on the type of procedure you get, but you should take specific steps to prepare.
Before Your Surgery
In the weeks before breast surgery, you should adopt good fitness habits, such as upper-body stretches and low-weight strength training, which can help improve your posture and build strength.
It is also crucial to stop smoking before your breast surgery because nicotine can impair your ability to heal and increase your risk of complications in general anesthesia. This includes traditional cigarettes, as well as vapes, patches, and gum. You should refrain from these products for six weeks before and after surgery to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of infection.
In the weeks leading up to surgery, practice good hand washing and avoid people who are sick. Contracting a viral or bacterial illness can postpone your surgery. Let the doctor know if you have any changes in your health in the weeks leading up to surgery.
The week leading up to breast surgery is a good time to take proactive steps and organize for the days ahead to ensure you can relax during your recovery. When you are discharged from your procedure, you cannot drive home, so you must arrange for someone to take you home and stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Having someone at your side can make a positive difference in your overall recovery. Since you cannot lift over five pounds or raise your hands above your head during your recovery, you will likely rely on this person for many things.
You should ensure your employer knows how much time you will require off for surgery. If you work a desk job, you can return within five business days after your procedure; however, you could need up to six weeks off if your job requires physical labor.
Consult with Dr. Abramson and his staff in Englewood to ensure that you follow the correct steps in the days leading up to your breast procedure.
Prepare Before Surgery
In the days before your breast surgery, you should pack the necessary items to bring with you, like your ID, a list of prescription medications, your insurance card, and any necessary paperwork.
Dr. Abramson’s post-operative care instructions include information on prescription medications to use before and after surgery. You should fill these medications before your breast surgery.
Go shopping and fully stock up on food or personal items. Consult the doctor to ensure you have the post-operative garments you need.
You should also create a space at home where you can rest comfortably for the first couple of days after surgery. Easy access to a water bottle with straw, telephone, remote control, and garbage can is helpful.
What Can You Do on the Day Before Surgery?
On the day before surgery, you can shower as directed by Dr. Abramson’s staff. They recommend shampooing your hair but refraining from using scented products, including creams or moisturizers. You should also shave or wax your underarms now, as it could be challenging to do so in the week following your surgery.
Do not eat or drink the night before your surgery. You should also remove any jewelry, hair clips, or body piercings and wear comfortable clothing, such as a button-down shirt or a jacket with a zipper.
What You Should Not Do While Preparing for Breast Surgery
The breast surgery experts in Englewood provide you with preoperative and post-operative instructions that you must follow. These are in place for good reason, as they will make your recovery go more smoothly and help reduce the risk of complications during and after the operation.
Dr. Abramson and his medical staff will also review your current medications and advise you to stop taking medications or supplements that thin your blood, such as naproxen, ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oil, vitamin E, or Ginkgo biloba. You should continue taking your prescription medications until we tell you otherwise.
Be sure to get adequate rest before your breast surgery. Rest is crucial to your overall well-being and the success of the procedure. Lack of sleep can increase your stress, contribute to anxiety, and impair your ability to think clearly.
Call the Office in Englewood to Schedule an Appointment When Preparing for Breast Surgery
When considering breast surgery, it is crucial that you understand how to prepare for the operation and what to expect during recovery. Call to schedule your consultation today to learn more about breast surgery in Englewood.
N/a
