Is Breast Augmentation Right For You? What to Expect on Surgery Day

As patients prepare for their upcoming breast augmentation surgery, the following are the answers to some of their most frequently asked questions.  

How should I prepare for breast augmentation surgery?

It’s important to stop taking aspirin or ibuprofen products for at least two weeks prior to the surgery. These include Excedrin, Bufferin, Anacin, or Advil. These drugs can change how your blood clots, so they need to be eliminated. You won’t be able to eat or drink anything after midnight the day of the surgery, so please make sure to drink plenty of water prior to the cut-off time, as this will help your body recover from the anesthesia. Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the surgery, as well as for someone to stay with you post-op, as you will need some assistance once you are home – at least for the first 24 hours.

How is the surgery performed?

Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure performed at our facility, Northbrook Plastic Surgery.  Determined by the type of implant, the degree of enlargement, your anatomy, and our discussions prior to surgery, an incision will be placed either near the crease of the breast, around the edge of the areola, or in the underarm area. Once the incision is made, a pocket is created behind the breast tissue or beneath the pectoral muscle and on top of the chest wall. The implant is then securely positioned in the pocket and small sutures are used to close the incision.  The procedure takes approximately 1 hour.

Once the surgery is completed, how long will I stay at MAE Plastic Surgery?

Patients are allowed to go home after the anesthesia has worn off, which is usually about 2 hours. Before leaving our facility, patients must be able to walk, drink water, go to the bathroom, and fully understand the post-surgical instructions that have been provided to them by me and my nurses.

The answers to these questions may not be specific enough to qualify as an accurate answer for every patient. That is why it’s best to come visit us at MAE Plastic Surgery in Chicago for a personalized consultation. I look forward to meeting you!