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By: Jeffrey Wagner, M.D.
Questions about recovery are quite common among women getting breast augmentation at my Indianapolis practice. But just as important — and in many ways related — are the things a patient should do before surgery.
Preparing yourself for surgery by following your surgeon’s preoperative instructions can help improve healing and enhance the recovery process. I provide a detailed list of instructions to my patients of do’s and don’ts, which includes 3 things that it’s important to avoid before your operation:
- Smoking: Studies show that patients who smoke experience more complications following all operations, including plastic surgery. That includes a higher rate of infection. Additionally, smoking impairs the healing process. If you are a smoker and are considering plastic surgery, it’s important to quit as soon as possible.
- Taking certain medications: Prescription and nonprescription medications can complicate surgery. Your surgeon will provide a specific list detailing all of the medications you should avoid. Examples include aspirin, or pain relievers that include aspirin, prescription blood thinners, anti-inflammatory medicines such as Advil® and Aleve®, and herbal supplements.
- Not being rested or in good health: It’s always a good idea to get enough sleep and exercise. But if you are considering plastic surgery, being healthy and rested is vital to reducing the chances of complications following surgery. It’s important to let your surgeon know about any health-related issues you have prior to your operation.
