Preparing for Breast Lift Surgery in Miami & Fort Lauderdale

Making the decision to have Breast Lift surgery - whether in conjunction with another surgery like Breast Reduction or Augmentation or on its own - can be an exciting choice to make. However, you will quickly learn that "surgery" is more than just one day in a surgical center. In fact, "surgery" is more like a process with steps that build upon themselves - pre-operative days where the patient takes care of her body so that it is in optimal condition before going into surgery; the surgery itself; and recovery.

Following your surgeon's pre-surgery rules and guidelines will help you be the best prepared for your appointment. From eliminating certain over-the-counter drugs or supplements to knowing what kind of soap to wash with beforehand to quitting smoking, you can help set up your physical body for success in the operating room as well as in the recovery weeks that follow. There are preparations you should take in order to minimize risks and complications - simple steps that can make a very big difference when it comes to successful surgery and easier recovery.

What kind of steps are we talking about? Something difficult? Well, that all depends on your current state of health. For some of you the list of things to do before surgery will simply be a check list of things to add or eliminate before your appointment as well as a couple of errands to complete before the big day. For others it may include quitting smoking or making sure your health is in top form.

Steps to Take Right Now

Stop Smoking. Smoking reduces circulation to the skin and impedes healing. Smokers can take twice as long or longer to heal than non-smokers. It is best to avoid smoking, second-hand smoke and cigarette replacements, such as nicotine patches or gum, in the days leading up to your surgery.

Take multivitamins. Start taking mulitvitamins twice a day to improve your general health.

Vitamin C. Begin taking 500 mg of Vitamin C twice daily to promote healing.

Do Not Take Aspirin or Ibuprofen. Stop taking medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen. Review the list of drugs containing aspirin and ibuprofen carefully. Such drugs can cause bleeding problems during and after surgery. Instead, use medications containing acetaminophen (such as Tylenol).

Limit Vitamin E. Limit your intake of Vitamin E to less than 400 mg per day.

Fill Your Prescriptions. You will be given prescriptions for medications. Fill them BEFORE the day of surgery and bring them with you to your surgical appointment. You will not be cognizant enough to get them after your surgery.

Steps to Take the Day Before Surgery

Confirm Your Surgery Time. We will call you to confirm the time of your surgery. If you are not going to be at home or at your office, please call us to confirm at (954) 565-7575 or (800) 274-LIPO.

Prescriptions. Make sure that you have filled the prescriptions you were given and set the medications out to bring with you to your surgery appointment.

Bathing. The night before surgery, shower and wash the surgical areas with Dial soap. Dial soap is an antibacterial soap, perfect for pre-op showers.

Eating and Drinking. Do not eat or drink anything 8-10 hours prior to your surgery. This includes water.

Steps to Take the Morning of Surgery

Special Information. Do not eat or drink anything 8-10 hours prior to your surgery! If you take a daily medication, you may take it with a sip of water in the early morning.

Oral Hygiene. You may brush your teeth but do not swallow the water.

Bathing. Shower and wash the surgical areas with Dial soap.

Make-Up. Do not wear moisturizers, creams, lotions, or make-up. Your skin must be free of all of these things.

Clothing. Wear only comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Make sure the shirt, sweater or dress you choose does not need to go over your head. Remove hairpins, wigs, and jewelry. Please do not bring valuables with you.

Smoking

For those of you who may smoke or have a disease such as diabetes, preparing for surgery can be a great opportunity to take some positive steps to improve your health all around.

Not only can smoking cause complications in surgery, it really inhibits the body's ability to heal after surgery. Smoking limits the amount of oxygen that can travel through the body, specifically through the blood. By increasing blood pressure and restricting blood vessels, oxygen has a more difficult time traveling in the blood and getting to incisions sites or wounds. Your body needs oxygen to heal. Smoking limits your body's ability to recover normally. Plain and simple. So, from complications with anesthesia to slowing down the healing process to the possibility of having a major complication like blood clots or heart attack, smoking is not compatible with surgery. If you are a smoker, stop smoking now.

Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and Auto-Immune Disorder

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or suffer from an auto-immune disorder, you're your surgeon about it. Your health will contribute to the quality of your recovery response. Diabetes also slows down the body's ability to heal itself. High blood pressure can complicate surgery and anesthesia. Auto-Immune disorders can affect your body's ability to fight off infection. If you suffer from any of these problems, make sure that you have them controlled before going into surgery.

Taking the correct steps before your surgery will help make your procedure and recovery a better experience. Following the pre-operation guidelines gives you body the needed support to heal faster and have fewer complications and get you back to your normal life more quickly, looking great.