Careful Contemplation before Breast Surgery

No longer just for the rich and famous, more and more everyday people are opting for breast augmentation to improve their looks and hopefully their lives. There’s no doubt that this type of surgery can be used to positively improve your appearance and self confidence; however, it's important to ensure you're as prepared as possible for the operation and the changes it will bring about.

The British Association of Plastic Surgeons recommends women should wait until they’re 18 years-old before receiving breast implants, as their bodies are not fully developed before this age. If your body is still growing when you have breast augmentation then breasts that look natural at first can change and look and feel much less natural in just a few months or years.

Most teenagers also find their breasts look more voluptuous in their early twenties when compared to their teens, without the need for augmentation. The older you get, the more accepting you become of your body and the better you feel about yourself, meaning in a few years down the line you will be in a better position to decide whether or not you want augmentation surgery.

Another good reason to wait until your body has fully developed relates to your ability to recover after the operation. Breast augmentation is surgery after all and your body will need strength and time to recuperate afterwards.

However, if you’ve reached the stage where you have fully made up your mind that you do want to go ahead with breast augmentation then there are a few things you can do to help yourself before the operation. As you will be under a general anaesthetic you should stop smoking at least 2 weeks before the operation, as this minimises the risk of respiratory problems - alcohol should also be avoided 24 hours before the operation.

Some medicines and homeopathic remedies thin the blood and can interfere with blood clotting, so these should be ceased before surgery. Your doctor will be able to advise you on what you should do; alternatively you may find you have a pre-operative meeting with your surgeon or a nurse where these factors are discussed.

It is a good idea to take care of the more practical considerations too. For example, you may want to arrange for a friend or taxi to take you to hospital and pick you up afterwards. In addition, also have some ready prepared meals at home, as it means you won’t have to cook or strain yourself. Another useful tip is to lift any items down from high shelves - you certainly won’t want to stretch after your breast augmentation operation.

When it comes to clothes, comfort is imperative. It can prove wise to invest in a couple of jogging or support bras that don’t have underwiring, as this could be painful or even irritate any stitches and sensitive skin around the site of operation.

Of course, there is much to take into consideration before going ahead with breast surgery, particularly if you are a young woman. However, it is important that you take your time when making the decision to have breast augmentation, regardless of how old you are.