Prior to Breast Augmentation Surgery

Things To Do or Avoid Before Breast Augmentation Surgery

• Tanning - Avoid sunbathing starting 2 weeks prior to surgery.
• Alcohol - Alcohol may thin blood. Therefore, treat alcohol like any other blood thinner and avoid for 10 days prior to surgery. After surgery, avoid for 1 week or until you are through with your surgical medications as alcohol may interfere.
• Blood thinners - Let Joseph T Cruise, MD know of all medications and supplements you are taking on a regular basis. It is recommended to start taking a multivitamin daily. Stop taking all aspirin-containing products, medications which contain blood thinners (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, etc.), vitamin E, and herbal supplements including: St. John's Wort, green tea, Ginkgo, and garlic supplements - 10 days prior to surgery. View full list.
• Caretaker - Make sure a responsible adult is confirmed to drive you to and from surgery and that someone is available to stay with you for the first 24 hours following your procedure. The effects of anesthesia can persist for 24 hours. You must exercise extreme caution before engaging in any activity that could be harmful to yourself or others.If you don't have any available, please call our office to discuss other options.
• Smoking - Quit smoking at least 2 weeks prior to surgery as nicotine may cause wound healing complications.
• Illness - If you get sick or have an active infection, please contact our office prior to surgery.
• Lab work - Make sure all requested labs, specialty tests and medical clearances are delivered to Joseph T Cruise, MD's office on time.
• Transportation - Please arrange to have someone drive you to and from surgery. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home. If you don't have anyone available, please call our office for other options.
• Prescriptions - Fill out all prescriptions prior to surgery. Go over instructions and ask questions if clarification is needed.

The Day of Surgery

• Eating - For general anesthesia, do not eat anything 8 hours prior to surgery and do not drink anything 6 hours before surgery otherwise your surgery will be cancelled. You may brush and rinse your teeth and take medications with a sip of water.
• Jewelry - Do not bring any jewelry or valuables with you the day of surgery.
• Shower - You may shower and shampoo your hair the night before or morning of your surgery. Wash the surgical area with a mild soap.
• Pack your bag - Items to bring to surgery should include:

1. All surgery center paperwork (filled out)
2. Reading glasses
3. Your identification
4. Warm cotton socks
5. All medications
6. Saltine crackers in case of nausea during your ride home

• Makeup and Lotions - Do not wear makeup, deodorant or lotions the day of surgery.
• Clothing - Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, preferably a button up top or hoodie with a zipper. Wear flat, comfortable shoes and warm socks. Remove contact lenses, dentures, and all metal body piercings especially nipple rings before surgery. Plastic rings are OK except for nipples.
• Medications - Take 2 Celebrex pills 1-2 hours before surgery with a sip of water. Bring all medications with you to surgery. The Zofran pill can be taken on the way home should you experience nausea.
• Arrival - Arrive 1 hour before surgery as instructed during your pre-op appointment and/or by the office staff.

CPS Pre-Op Package

• 1 Pack 4 x 4 gauze - Useful for dressing wounds while absorbing small amounts of leakage. It allows moisture to escape without sticking to the wound. Also used for ice cold compresses to minimize swelling. Soak in ice cold water. Squeeze out excess water and apply onto your face Repeat when guaze is no longer needed.
• 2 ABD pads -- Dressing pads designed to cover the surgical area and absorb any excess fluid. Use ABD pads in addition to gauze and chux as instructed.
• 6 Alcohol swabs - Useful for cleaning incisions and removing surgical ink. Do not use peroxide on incisions. Only use when advised by your doctor.
• 2 Chucks (large absorbent pads) - Blue under-pads designed to protect your furniture from leakage as a result of surgery. Place the chuck, blue side down, over your regular bed sheets and over your furniture to prevent soiling.
• 1 Roll surgical tape - Holds incisions together, expedites healing, and minimizes redness and scar elevation. Use as instructed for about three months after surgery. Change every 10 days or as needed.
• 1 Surgical bra - will be provided during your follow up visit
• 4 Packs Cortisone cream - A topical ointment that relieves swelling, itching, and minor skin irritation. Apply as needed. Do not apply to incisions.
• Icy Hot patch - Soothes and relaxes tense muscles after surgery. Apply to your back when needed, especially after breast and abdominal surgery.
• 1 Arnica herbal pill kit -Helps prevent excessive bruising and expedite the healing process. Begin taking 5 tablets 3 times a day. Tablets dissolve under tongue. Start 3 days prior to surgery and continue after surgery until all gone.
• 1 Ice pack - Essential for preventing excessive swelling after surgery. Apply it to the surgical area every hour for at least 15-20 minutes or until thawed for the first few days after surgery. Do not apply directly onto skin. Use a paper towel or thin cloth to cover the ice pack before applying.
• 6 Packs Neosporin - An antibiotic ointment that prevents infection of incisions. Apply twice a day to open wounds and around drain opening if needed.
• Mastisol liquid adhesive - Apply directly to surgical tape before applying to incisions. This will make the tape stick for 2-3 weeks. This helps prevent tension on the scar so it heals skinny and flat.
• ScarLess® - Softens, smoothes and reduces the appearance of scars. The active ingredients in prescription strength ScarLess are Vitamin E and 5% Hydrocortisone. Apply with the brush on incisions, rub it in or blow dry. Use as directed by medical staff. Typically it is used on the incision when you are done wearing the surgical tape.

Optional Items to Purchase Before Surgery

• Cocoa butter/Shea butter cream - helps prevent stretch marks
• Multivitamin - helps the body heal faster
• Arnica cream - used after surgery to help resolve bruising and swelling more quickly
• Vitamin K cream - decreases bruising and aids in overall skin healing
• Vitamin E - helps prevent excessive scar tissue formation; 800ui (take 1) or 400ui (take 2).