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How To Prepare for Breast Augmentation

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Guide:

If you want to increase the size of your breasts to boost your confidence and have an added sense of femininity, you may be an excellent candidate for breast augmentation with implants. 

Though breast augmentation is a safe procedure that has been done many times by experienced surgeons like Dr. David Liland in Dallas, it requires lots of planning beforehand and caution during recovery. We’ve outlined key steps to ensure you get your desired result without complications.

Research Plastic Surgeons Near You

Research plastic surgeons near you with the best reviews from breast augmentation patients. Even if you know a friend who went to a fabulous plastic surgeon for a procedure like a facelift and got great results, you need to find a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast augmentation to ensure you have a safe, successful surgery. 

While searching for the right doctor, you should also consider your goals and look at their before and after image gallery and patient reviews to see whether your vision aligns with their abilities. 

Meet With a Plastic Surgeon 

Once you believe you’ve found the best plastic surgeon regarding technique, experience, and past patient reviews, the first step is to schedule a consultation and explain your goals in depth. Meeting them in person or virtually helps you get to know their personality and style of patient care more to see if they’re a good fit. 

During a breast augmentation consultation, surgeons typically:

  • Ask questions about your goals and gauge whether you’re an ideal candidate for breast implants 
  • Give you recommendations for how to achieve the look and feel you desire
  • Work with you to find the right breast implant size, typically using sizers that accurately show how you will look with different implant sizes. Dr. Liland shows patients before and after images of his previous patients during consultations to get a scope for the look patients want and show them what he can achieve.
  • Explain the risks associated with breast augmentation and what you can both do to reduce them.
  • Tell you what you can expect when coming out of surgery, what to do during recovery to heal as safely and quickly as possible, and how long before you will see your final result.

Some helpful questions to ask during your breast augmentation consultation to ensure you’re in good hands and educate yourself on the procedure include:

  • How many breast augmentations have you successfully performed?
  • Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
  • Am I a good candidate?
  • What can I do to get the best results possible and maintain them?
  • What incision site and implant placement site do you recommend for me?
  • What are the risks associated with breast augmentation, and how will you handle complications if they happen?
  • Will I need a breast revision in the future? How will I know if I do?

If you feel that the first plastic surgeon you consult with, no matter the reason, is not the right fit, visit multiple doctors before choosing one you are comfortable with. Cosmetic surgery is a serious decision, and finding the right person to alter your body, is a crucial part of the process.

Choose Your Implant Type, Size, Shape, and Profile

During your consultation, Dr. Liland will use implant sizers and inspiration photos to help you decide the best size implant for you and your natural frame. Most doctors will work with you to find an implant size that matches your goals and is safe and manageable, taking into account your body type. 

Choosing an implant is about more than just the size. Before you decide on the size, research and ask your doctor about the differences between silicone and saline implants and which is best for you. Silicone implants are prefilled with silicone gel, a thick fluid with a natural feel similar to human fat. Saline implants have a silicone shell and are filled with sterile saltwater after they have been inserted into the breasts. 

Implant shape is another aspect you need to consider when choosing implants. Most of Dr. Liland’s patients in Dallas opt for round implants, but some patients are better suited for teardrop-shaped implants. 

You’ll also need to work with your surgeon to decide what placement is best for you. You will choose an implant profile, the extent to which the breasts project outwards.

Follow Pre-op Instructions

Soon after your consultation, if you have decided the surgeon you met with is the right one for you, you will be asked to return for a pre-operative appointment to go over best practices for preparing for your breast augmentation. 

Dr. Liland provides patients with pre-op instructions with all the information they need to undergo a safe, successful surgery, from medications to avoid in the weeks leading up to surgery to how best to prepare for recovery.

You should read your pre-op instructions thoroughly. These contain essential information regarding actions you need to take to ensure a safe procedure that gets you to your goals. 

In preparation for your breast augmentation, you may be asked to:

  • Get a blood test
  • Stop taking certain medications
  • Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Stop smoking at least six weeks before your surgery 
  • Stop taking recreational drugs

Plan for Recovery

Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia, so you should plan to have your significant other, friend, or family member drive you to and from your breast augmentation and help you get into a relaxed position once home. 

Remember to book time off work for your recovery. We recommend taking about two weeks off work, depending on the nature of your job.

Initially, you’ll need to spend most of your time resting. We highly recommend planning to have someone by your side for the first few days to help ensure you are comfortable and taking your medications. Try to have someone stay with you for the first night following your breast augmentation.

Breast augmentation recovery typically lasts about six weeks. If the gym is a big part of your life, prepare yourself mentally to spend at least six weeks avoiding strenuous exercises like weight lifting and intense cardio as your surgery heals.

For more information on breast augmentation recovery, read our blog “Aftercare Tips And Instructions For Breast Augmentation Patients In Dallas.”

Arrive Well-Prepared on Surgery Day

Avoid eating or drinking anything from the morning of your surgery until you fully wake up after your breast augmentation. We recommend removing all makeup, jewelry, nail polish, and contact lenses before arriving at our office on surgery day. 

Wear something comfortable and warm because most patients wake up from anesthesia feeling cold. We recommend wearing slip-on shoes so it’s easy to change before surgery.

Ready to Take the First Step in Preparation for Breast Augmentation Surgery?

If you are in the Dallas area and considering breast augmentation to fulfill confidence in your appearance, contact us to book a consultation with our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Liland.