With almost 250,000 people getting breast implants in 2023, according to the most recent Aesthetic Society stats, that’s a whole lot of individuals prepping for the augmentation surgery every single day. Besides making sure you go to a qualified and skilled plastic surgeon who takes your individual needs into account, as with any surgery, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s pre- and post-op precautions. Here are some of the top “know before you go” items (and some off-the-radar ones) when it comes to breast implants—straight from the surgeons:
Featured Experts
- George Sanders, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Encino, CA
- Mark Jewell, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Eugene, OR
- Robert Singer, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in La Jolla, CA
Do Not Get Burned
SPF is always essential, but Encino, CA plastic surgeon George Sanders, MD says this is an absolute must before implants. “Please do not come in for surgery with a sunburn over your chest,” he stresses. “Not only will it be uncomfortable after surgery, but when combined with the skin stretch that an implant produces, the skin prep in the operating room, and the postoperative dressing, may lead to blistering, scarring and/or infection.”
Prep for Pet Care
Eugene, OR plastic surgeon Mark Jewell, MD lists a few pet-specific notes he recommends when getting a breast augmentation. “Find someone to care for your pets, do not sleep with pets and no pet-walking after the surgery,” he says. “You want to avoid anything that comes with the risk of falling or strain.”
Halt the GLP-1
Dr. Jewell says you’ll want to stop GLP-1 drugs one-to-two weeks before surgery. “And advise the anesthesiologist that you are taking them, but stopped.”
Stop Taking Certain Drugs + Supplements
The Aesthetic Society is pretty clear on this one: Avoid taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs and some herbal medications that can cause increased bleeding prior to surgery. “You want to stop taking any drugs and supplements that make you bleed,” stresses Dr. Jewell. “That includes Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Ginkgo and vitamin E, to name a few.”
Stay Out of the Gym
Dr. Jewell says to stay out of the gym to avoid MRSA and offers some spots you may have in your own home that you’ll want to steer clear of. “You also want to stay out of a jacuzzi spa or pool until cleared.”
Pair Up
While post-surgery instructions are a whole separate list, La Jolla, CA plastic surgeon Robert Singer, MD says the bottom line is this: Follow all of your surgeon’s instructions and make sure all your questions are answered prior the day of surgery. “And plan to have someone to take care of you the first two nights.”
