How Do I Prepare for Breast Augmentation Surgery and What Questions Should I Ask My Surgeon?
QUICK ANSWER
Preparing for breast augmentation involves stopping smoking six weeks before surgery, discontinuing blood-thinning medications two weeks prior, getting medical clearance, arranging transportation and home support, and preparing a recovery space. The most important preparation is a thorough consultation where you ask the right questions and understand your plan completely.
Step-by-Step: How to Prepare for Breast Augmentation
Schedule your consultation well in advance
Most surgeons schedule breast augmentation two to four weeks after the initial consultation — allowing time for pre-operative testing, implant ordering, and any necessary medical clearances. Do not wait until the last minute to schedule.
Get medically cleared
Your surgeon will request pre-operative bloodwork. Patients over 40 typically need a mammogram before surgery. Any uncontrolled medical conditions — blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes — should be managed before proceeding.
Stop smoking
Smoking significantly impairs wound healing and increases complication risk. Stop smoking at least four to six weeks before surgery and do not resume until fully healed. This is not optional — Dr. Dorafshar at Evolve Your Life requires smoking cessation before any elective surgery.
Review and adjust your medications
Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, fish oil, vitamin E, and herbal supplements (including St. John’s Wort and ginkgo biloba) at least two weeks before surgery — these increase bleeding risk. Dr. Dorafshar’s team will provide a complete medication review list.
Arrange transportation and home support
You cannot drive after general anesthesia. Arrange a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours. If you have young children, arrange childcare support for at least the first two weeks of recovery.
Prepare your recovery space
Set up a comfortable recovery area before surgery. Have on hand: loose-fitting front-opening tops, prescribed medications (filled before surgery day), ice packs, a wedge pillow for elevation, easy-access snacks and water, and entertainment. You will spend significant time in this space in the first week.
Understand your implant plan
Before surgery day, you should know exactly which implants have been selected — type (silicone or saline), size (in cc), profile (low, moderate, high), and placement (over or under the muscle). If you are uncertain about any of these details, clarify before the day of surgery.
What Questions Should You Ask Your Breast Augmentation Surgeon?
- Are you board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
- How many breast augmentations do you perform per year?
- What implant type, size, and placement do you recommend for my anatomy — and why?
- Do you have before-and-after photos of patients with similar anatomy and goals to mine?
- What are the surgical risks specific to my case?
- What is my full recovery timeline and when can I return to work and exercise?
- What happens if I am unhappy with my results, and what is your revision policy?
- Will I have drains after surgery?
- What follow-up appointments are included, and for how long?
- How should I care for my incisions at home?
On the Day of Surgery: What to Expect
Arrive at the surgical facility having followed your fasting instructions — typically nothing to eat or drink for eight hours before surgery. Wear loose, comfortable clothing, ideally a top that opens in the front. Leave jewelry, contacts, and nail polish at home. Bring a form of photo ID. Your support person should plan to be at the facility throughout your procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see what my results will look like before surgery?
Yes. Many surgeons, including Dr. Dorafshar, use implant sizers during the consultation to help visualize expected outcomes. This helps patients confirm size decisions before the operating room.
How long will my surgery take?
Breast augmentation typically takes one to two hours under general anesthesia. Combined procedures (augmentation plus lift) may take two to four hours.
What should I eat before surgery?
Nothing — you must fast from all food and liquids for the period specified by your surgical team (typically eight hours). Fasting reduces the risk of aspiration during anesthesia.
What if I need to change my mind about implant size after surgery?
Minor size preferences can sometimes be accommodated through revision surgery, but this adds cost, recovery, and surgical risk. Investing time during the consultation — using sizers and photos— to confirm your choice is far preferable to revision.
When can I shower after breast augmentation?
Most patients can shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Avoid submerging the incisions in a bath, pool, or hot tub for at least three to four weeks.
NEXT STEP FOR PATIENTS
Ready to prepare for your procedure? Start with Dr. Amir Dorafshar at any of the Evolve Your Life locations, Chicago, Oak Brook, and Peoria. Call (312) 278-9000, or book here https://www.evolveyourlife.com/contact/book-consultation/.
