Breast augmentation surgery is the most common plastic surgery procedure in the United States, with the popularity in breast enlargement tripling since 1998. While the procedure is extremely common and women typically only need about a week to recover from their “mommy makeover,” breast augmentation surgery is still surgery, and you should plan carefully before you decide to go under the knife.

Choose a Physician you can Trust

As you consider the right cosmetic surgery center, make sure your center is affiliated with a professional organization such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Your physician should have no less than six years of surgical training and be involved in annual patient safety training. Before your breast augmentation, you’ll need to have a consultation with your physician. In addition to discussing your health history and ensuring that you’re a good candidate for the procedure, you should also feel comfortable discussing your goals and potential fears. Plastic surgery is no small commitment, so if you don’t feel comfortable talking to your surgeon, there is no shame in looking elsewhere.

Preparation

Before you undergo your procedure, your physician will want to go over your current health status, your experience with anesthesia, and any questions that you may have. Ideally, you’ll talk to both the anesthesiologist and your surgeon in advance. Before breast augmentation surgery, your physician will likely recommend that you stop taking anti inflammatory medications or recreational drugs, stop smoking, or adjust some of your current medications.

On Surgery Day

The night before your procedure, your anesthesiologist may tell you not to have any foods or liquids after midnight the night before. Plan to wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing that you can easily slip on before leaving the cosmetic surgery center. You won’t be able to drive if you’re taking pain medications, so it’s recommended that you have a friend or family member come along. Having a trusted friend can also provide extra support as you go into and come out of surgery.

Recovery

Always follow your consulting physician’s instructions during your recovery process. It’s common to wear a supportive bandeau for the first few days after surgery, but do not remove any bandages unless instructed to by your physician. Your physician will give you a recovery check list before you leave the cosmetic surgery center, but you should also be able to get a hold of your physician if you are concerned about any complications in your recovery process.

It’s important to think carefully about whether or not breast augmentation or breast enlargement surgery is right for you. However, with the proper planning and guidance from a trusted physician, you can start the process to have the body you’ve always wanted.