What should you do to prepare the night before breast reconstruction surgery?
It’s the night before your breast reconstruction surgery. You are probably feeling a bit anxious and perhaps even a little stressed over your upcoming day. No worries! This is completely normal!
In the midst of all these feelings, we don’t want you to forget any of the important to-do’s! Here are 7 things to remember the night before your surgery:
- Shower with Hibiclens (4% Chlorhexadine) the night before surgery. Give special attention to the breasts, chest, abdomen and underarm.
- Do not use any powder or deodorant in the underarm area after bathing and avoid ALL lotions and perfumes. Do not use any powder or deodorant in the underarm area until given clearance by your nurse or surgeon.
- Do not eat solid foods or drink any fluids after midnight unless you are following our new ERAS protocol.
- Be sure you’ve picked up your prescription medications and have them ready to take with you to the hospital.
- Place a pillow in your car for the ride home from the hospital. This will help cushion the seat belt from digging into your abdomen or chest and will make your ride home more comfortable.
- Make sure you have your hospital bag packed and ready to go. Include loose fitting clothes that don’t need to be put on over your head, your medications, a toothbrush, some comfy socks or slippers, some entertainment (book, crossword puzzles, etc.), and cotton t-shirts to go under your abdominal binder.
- Get plenty of sleep. As hard as it may be with your anticipated big day, it is important for your body to be rested and ready to go for your surgery.
Author: Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo and Courtney Floyd
It’s the night before your breast reconstruction surgery. You are probably feeling a bit anxious and perhaps even a little stressed over your upcoming day. No worries! This is completely normal!
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“As a Lymphatic Therapist who works on cosmetic surgery patients pre and post-op, I know well that the recovery is mentally as well as physically challenging. I suggest that anyone opting for plastic surgery come in before-hand to get their lymphatic system moving *before* surgery ( https://haltmyswelling.com/prepare-yourself-for-plastic-surgery ). This helps clear out the body’s natural drainage system so that it is ready to cope with the inevitable swelling. Having the lymphatic system clear also ensures that the immune system can move about freely (it travels through the lymphatic system) in order to help prevent infection, and that fat-soluble vitamins critical for the repair of damaged tissues can be absorbed by the body and delivered to the surgical site(s).
Following the surgery, lymphatic drainage ( https://haltmyswelling.com/cosmetic-surgery-therapy-faq ) by a qualified Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) is critical. You will not get the same result by going to a big box massage chain place. CLT’s undergo rigorous training that qualifies them to work with complex lymphatic conditions. They are the most qualified people to see.
Post-operative lymphatic work significantly reduces post-operative pain and swelling and can help move fluid that causes lumps and bumps..”
July 20,2020
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Shannon G., Certified Lymphedema Therapist
“As a Lymphatic Therapist who works on cosmetic surgery patients pre and post-op, I know well that the recovery is mentally as well as physically challenging. I suggest that anyone opting for plastic surgery come in before-hand to get their lymphatic system moving *before* surgery ( https://haltmyswelling.com/prepare-yourself-for-plastic-surgery ). This helps clear out the body’s natural drainage system so that it is ready to cope with the inevitable swelling. Having the lymphatic system clear also ensures that the immune system can move about freely (it travels through the lymphatic system) in order to help prevent infection, and that fat-soluble vitamins critical for the repair of damaged tissues can be absorbed by the body and delivered to the surgical site(s).
Following the surgery, lymphatic drainage ( https://haltmyswelling.com/cosmetic-surgery-therapy-faq ) by a qualified Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) is critical. You will not get the same result by going to a big box massage chain place. CLT’s undergo rigorous training that qualifies them to work with complex lymphatic conditions. They are the most qualified people to see.
Post-operative lymphatic work significantly reduces post-operative pain and swelling and can help move fluid that causes lumps and bumps..”