Chances are you’ve chosen breast augmentation surgery because you are looking for a better quality of life. You hope to feel better about your appearance, to fit into your clothes nicely, and to add a little extra bounce to your step (and elsewhere.)

But breast augmentation isn’t like having your appendix removed or a torn ligament repaired. You don’t need breast augmentation to stay healthy. In fact, it’s the other way around – you need to stay healthy to have the most successful plastic surgery possible.

It’s important to make changes in preparation for surgery. Healthy choices in the weeks leading up to surgery can help in a number of ways.

First, the healthier you are when you go into surgery the lower your risk of complications during and immediately following surgery.

Second, you may be back to normal activities in only a few weeks after surgery, but the healing goes on for over a year. Going into surgery in good health helps your body to do its best work healing your incisions so their appearance is minimal.

Finally, having good habits established prior to surgery and continuing them after will allow you to maintain the results of your breast augmentation for the longest time possible.   

What are some of the changes you may need to make prior to breast augmentation or any other cosmetic surgery?

  • It is critical that you quit smoking prior to surgery. Cutting down isn’t enough. Once you decide to have breast augmentation surgery, you must become a former smoker.
  • Eat well: Consume a diet rich in brightly colored fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains. Minimize processed foods in your diet. This will provide your cells the nutrients they need to fight infection and to repair and heal themselves after surgery.
  • Drink plenty of water and keep sodas and alcohol to a minimum. A well-hydrated body is best equipped to carry out the healing process.
  • Exercise regularly. There are many benefits to regular exercise. It decreases recovery time and may yield better surgical results. It also helps you achieve a healthy weight and improves the immune system.
  • Your doctor may have specific instruction he wishes you to follow as well, such as adding vitamins to your daily routine, or taking certain medications. Always follow your surgeon’s advice to the letter prior to surgery.

Make these changes to your habits as soon as you schedule your surgery. If you find the required changes are more than simple tweaks in your routine, it may be a better idea to get things in order before you even schedule your breast augmentation.

It isn’t necessary to make sweeping changes all at once. BJ Fogg, PhD studies habits and recommends developing “tiny habits” and building from there. Stephen Guise, likewise, recommends starting small in his book, Mini Habits: Smaller Habits, Big Results. Even if it takes a little longer to get where you want, your will enjoy improved and longer-lasting results by building the habits of a healthy lifestyle.

As you plan for your breast augmentation surgery, remember this isn’t just a procedure you have done and then forget about. Your active involvement in the process before surgery, during recovery, and on into the future can have a big impact on attaining the results you hope for.