Breast Augmentation: Preparing For Your Surgery

Breast augmentation is one of the most common types of procedures that a plastic surgeon might do. It is specifically focused on women but there are cases where men who want to change their gender or might have already changed it, might also want it. Despite being a common operation, there are requirements and standard operating procedures that need to be followed and done before the go signal is given.

Assessment and Examination:
During the initial consultation between the patient and the doctor, there should be an in depth discussion regarding breast augmentation. It is important that direct family members and the significant other of the woman be present during these discussions in order for them to fully understand the implications of such a procedure. Among the many different topics, the more important are the viability of the patient as a candidate for it and the safety measures that the doctor will do. If all goes well in this first meeting, tests and examinations will be scheduled in order to check how good a candidate the person is for the surgery. This entails blood work and the perusal of the medical history. Other tests may be a urinalysis and a cardio assessment. Further discussions will take place after the results of the test and examinations come out. If the results are favorable, the discussion will likely turn to the schedule of the operation and choices that are pertinent to the breast augmentation. If they are not favorable, the plastic surgeon might give several recommendations and suggestions regarding how to manage and control whatever conditions have come up during the testing. The individual's age may also affect the viability of the person.

Preparation:
In preparing for the operation, the patient needs to follow the recommendations of the plastic surgeon. If there are underlying conditions that need to be controlled or managed, such as diabetes and heart problems, medication may be necessary. Smoking needs to be stopped for at least several weeks before the actual breast augmentation takes place. The same goes for alcohol consumption and the consumption of some conflicting food supplements, vitamins, minerals and medications.

The kind of implants that will be used will be under the recommendation of the doctor but entirely the decision of the patient. Many doctors favor silicone but there are also some who might recommend saline. The pros and cons of both types of implants should be discussed in order to make the woman understand the advantages and disadvantages of each one. The method that will be used in placing the implants into the chest should also be discussed as well as the safety measures that might be taken in case of emergencies. Breast augmentation may be a common procedure but there are risks every time a person undergoes a major operation.

These risks should not be taken for granted:
The recovery period is also something that needs to be outlined. The patient needs to prepare the necessary materials, supplies and paraphernalia to take care of herself after the operation. These should be ready before she even goes in for the operation.