Planning ahead is important when preparing for your breast reconstruction surgery, especially when it comes to work and personal life. From requesting time off from work, prepping meals, and preparing your home for a comfortable recovery – there are many things to check off your list before heading to the OR.
Your healthcare team will help you prepare and ensure you have all your questions answered, because the more details you have taken care of, the less stress you’ll experience during your recovery.
Take a look as Dr. Whipple shares five common questions and answers she gets from beauty lovers before their breast reconstruction surgery at PRMA:
Can I Get A Gel Manicure or Dip Manicure On My Nails Before Surgery?
It’s best to leave the manicure to celebrate post-op when you’re feeling better after your reconstruction. The anesthesiologists put a special oxygen saturation monitor on your finger during surgery and the nail polish (yes, gel and dip) can interfere with their device. Clear or light nail-colored polish is best; however, our anesthesiologists are fabulous and usually able to get an oxygen read even if you forget and show up with nail polish.
Pedicure?
Enjoy! There’s no issue with having toenail polish on in surgery.
Can I Have False Eyelashes?
As someone who has done eyelash extensions in the past, I know how expensive and delicate they can be. I would recommend waiting until after surgery as the anesthesiologist will sometimes put an eye mask on you while you’re asleep. I wouldn’t want those beautiful lashes to get messed up!
Should All Of My Piercings Be Removed?
Yes. Any jewelry, including piercings, should be removed for your safety.
Are There Specific Things I Should/ Shouldn’t Do With My Hair On The Morning Of Surgery?
You want your hair to be in a comfortable hairstyle, as we will have your wear a surgical hat throughout the procedure. We recommend wearing your hair in a loose, high bun. I also recommend investing in some dry shampoo pre-op for a couple of reasons… Number one, you won’t feel like showering after a big surgery. Number two, for some surgeries (especially implant based) we ask that you don’t shower for a few days while you heal.
Learn More About Breast Reconstruction Surgery Today!
To learn more about breast reconstruction surgery and how it can help you, contact one of our breast reconstruction specialists today. You can schedule a consultation here or contact our office at (210) 692-1181.
“Set realistic, attainable goals after your surgery. Your body is going to feel different now than it did before surgery. If you are doing it simply to lose weight or get back into a certain dress or pant size you may be setting yourself up for failure. Reset your compass.”
Leave Comment
Sign Up for Our Monthly Newsletter
Continue Reading
Understanding DIEP Flap Reconstruction: FAQs, Recovery, and Best Practices
Understanding DIEP Flap Reconstruction: FAQs, Recovery, and Best Practices April 18, 2023 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin What is DIEP flap reconstruction surgery? DIEP flap reconstruction surgery, or Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap surgery, is a type of breast reconstruction surgery that uses tissue from the lower abdomen to create a new breast after a […]
Unhappy with Your Implant Reconstruction Results? Here’s What You Can Do
Unhappy with Your Implants? April 05, 2023 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Breast Reconstruction is a transformative surgery that helps many women feel whole again after battling breast cancer. While the procedure can be a significant step in your healing journey, it’s crucial to know what to do if you’re unhappy with your results.Be Honest […]
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS): The Future of Perioperative Care at PRMA Plastic Surgery
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS): The Future of Perioperative Care at PRMA Plastic Surgery March 31, 2023 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin At PRMA Plastic Surgery, we are committed to providing the best possible care for our patients. That’s why we have adopted the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) approach to perioperative care. ERAS is […]
Preventative Breast Mastectomy: Taking Control of Your Breast Cancer Risk
Preventative Breast Mastectomy: Taking Control of Your Breast Cancer Risk March 23, 2023 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Considering a Preventative Mastectomy?Whether you have a BRCA gene mutation or a family history of breast cancer, your doctor might have suggested a prophylactic mastectomy to lower your risk.This procedure, also known as a preventative mastectomy, removes […]
No ICU Stay Needed: PRMA’s Advanced Surgical Techniques and Recovery Protocols
No ICU Stay Needed: PRMA’s Advanced Surgical Techniques and Recovery Protocols March 22, 2023 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap surgery is a popular breast reconstruction surgery that uses a patient’s own abdominal tissue to reconstruct the breast after a mastectomy. This procedure is becoming increasingly popular due to its […]
TruSense®
TruSense® March 15, 2023 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Breast cancer is a devastating diagnosis that affects millions of women every year. For many women, a mastectomy is the recommended course of action to remove the cancerous tissue. While a mastectomy can be lifesaving, it often comes with the undesired side effect of lost sensation […]
What to Know if You Start Your Period Before a Surgery: Expert Advice for Women
What to Know if You Start Your Period Before a Surgery: Expert Advice for Women March 10, 2023 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin What Happens if You Start Your Period Before Surgery? Starting your period before a surgery can be a cause of concern for many women. It is important to understand that surgery puts […]
Too Thin For DIEP Flap? You May Have Other Flap Options!
Too Thin For DIEP Flap? You May Still Be A Flap Candidate! March 03, 2023 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin What happens if you are too thin for DIEP flap surgery? At PRMA we have successfully performed DIEP flap reconstructions on women with BMI’s of 20 and even less. For those who are deemed “Too […]
How Long Will I Be Out Of Work After DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
How Long Will I Be Out Of Work After DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction? January 31, 2023 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction is a major surgery that requires planning, support, and 4-6 weeks of recovery time. The exact length of time off work after a DIEP flap will depend on several factors, […]
This Simple Coding Change Could Kill Access to DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction for Thousands of Americans
This Simple Coding Change Could Kill Access to DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction for Thousands of Americans January 25, 2023 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Changes in medical coding by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will severely limit the breast reconstruction options women have available through insurance, potentially making procedures like the DIEP […]
No Comments