Breast Enlargement / Augmentation

before surgery

You should buy your own sports bra (back opening) in the size advised. These bras should be well supporting, with adjustable shoulder straps & not under wired. Crop tops are not recommended.

Avoiding drugs & foods that cause bleeding or do not mix with other drugs:

• Aspirin, Ibuprofen (or other similar drugs called NSAIDs) or medication containing such drugs should not be taken within a minimum of seven days prior to surgery.
• Vitamin E tablets or moisturisers should not be used a minimum of seven days before surgery.
• Alcohol, particularly red wine, should be avoided for 2 days prior to surgery.
• Dietary Supplements such as garlic tablets & powder, ginkgo biloba, willow bark extracts, feverfew (Chrysanthemum/Tanacetum parthenium) and St Johns Wort should be avoided for at least 4-5 days before surgery.

Arnica Tablets (a homeopathic remedy that will help to minimise bruising and swelling) should be taken. Two tablets three times per day sucked or chewed (not swallowed) for seven days prior to surgery and seven days after surgery. Please purchase 84 tablets (6X 14 days) from your chemist.

do not's

• Sunbathe for one week prior to surgery.
• Smoking. If you smoke we recommend that you stop before your surgery. Nicotine reduces the healing process by encouraging infection and poor circulation.
• Have anything to eat or drink for at least 6 hours before surgery. Anything by mouth could cancel or postpone your surgery.

do's

• Tell us of any medications you are taking.
• The morning or evening prior to surgery you are requested to wash your hair and take a shower.
• Arrange for transport to and from the hospital. Perhaps include a pillow and blanket in the car for your comfort postoperatively.
• Arrange for someone to stay with you at home for 24 hours after your surgery.
• Prepare for your return to your own home
• Remove any potential obstacles from bed to bathroom.
• Choose your favourite magazines or book for your bedside table.
• Gather extra pillows for comfort and / or elevation.
• Remove nail polish, contact lenses, jewellery and all makeup whilst at home.
• Bring loose fitting, front opening, and comfortable clothing to wear home.

day of surgery

• Please arrive at your specified admission time and make allowances for traffic delays.
• You will be admitted by our nurse who will assist you with your pre operative forms.
• Mr. Yelland will meet with you to review your surgery. He will be able to address any of your concerns. Our anaesthetist will meet with you prior to surgery.
• You will be given the anaesthesia that is the most appropriate for you.

after surgery

• Driving: Do not drive during the first week to ten days after surgery.
• Keep your wound dry for at least 2 days after your operation. Wounds are waterproof after this time but do not soak in a bath or use bubble bath or soap on the wounds. A shower is best after which the wounds can be dabbed dry with a towel.
• You are advised to limit your activities to avoid unnecessary bleeding. Avoid strenuous exercise. Do not lift anything over 2 lbs. for the first 2 weeks after surgery. Stretching will also alter your scarring.
• Your sports bra MUST be worn for two weeks. During this time you must wear it 24 hours a day. No under wired bra may be worn for six weeks.
• Discomfort & Tiredness. Moderate discomfort is to be expected. You can expect your most discomfort the second night and third day after surgery. Listen to your body. You have experienced a major surgical procedure. Rest when it tells you to rest.
• Contact us if you notice any sudden pain or hardening in your breasts or if you have any bleeding or leakage at incision sites.
• After two weeks women who are in physically undemanding occupations can normally return to work. You should gradually be returning to a normal routine, with the exception of lifting, stretching and athletic activity (including tennis, jogging etc). At the end of approximately a sixweek period you can usually resume a normal life. Returning to a physically demanding job should be discussed with your surgeon.
• You will be given a course of antibiotics to combat infection. Do complete the course.
• No alcohol should be taken for 48 hours after surgery.
• We discourage smoking for 48 hours at least.
• Do not use any electrically operated machinery or appliances for first 48 hours after surgery because of the effects of anaesthesia.
• Do not take on any serious decision making for 48 hours.
• Continue taking Arnica as instructed.
• Do not sunbathe for 6 weeks postoperatively.
• Aspirin, Ibuprofen (or other similar drugs called NSAIDs) or medication containing such drugs should not be taken for seven days after surgery.
• Vitamin E tablets or moisturisers should not be used a minimum of seven days after surgery.
• Dietary Supplements such as garlic tablets & powder, ginkgo biloba, willow bark extracts, feverfew (Chrysanthemum/Tanacetum parthenium) and St Johns Wort should be avoided for at least 4-5 days after surgery.

learning more

If you'd like to know more about before and after breast surgery instructions, we invite you to download our pre and post operative instructions brochure or call our office at 01273 62 11 44.