1. Consultation

• Carry a note pad with you a few days before the consultation to write down any questions which pop up - take this along with you and write down the answers so you’re fully informed
• Take tight sports bra for trying on implants/sizes- get a feel of the size you want
• Ask about different types and figure out which is best for you
• Overs, unders or partial - understand the difference and decide which is right for your body type.
• Remember size of implant does not determine cup size- everyone starts off a different cup size. Discuss with your surgeon exactly what you want and they will know what you need.
• Ask about and be aware of the possibility of rippling after your implants have settled if you have too bigger implant or don’t have a lot of natural breast tissue to cover the implant
• Discuss finance plans if not paying in full – your PC can advise you. MYA can offer financial packages, a piggy bank scheme or recommended joint loans to suit your needs.
• If trying to choose between two suggested sizes – many girls would advise going with the biggest. Keep this in mind.
• Make sure MYA emails don’t go in your spam as these might contain late space discounts
• You must be in a healthy BMI range to have your procedure. Your healthy BMI range is between 19-32.
• Bring 2 forms of ID and don't forget your NHS Number!

2. Pre op

• Make sure you’ve had something to eat and drink before your appointment as this makes taking blood easier and less painful!
• Good idea to be at your ideal weight before you have your BA as losing / gaining weight after could have an effect of final cup size
• If not already join the MYA Forum and speak to girls on similar journeys to get an idea of what you’ll be going through and how you may feel emotionally before, during and after the procedure
• Buy a ‘v pillow’ for help with sleeping the first few weeks after op - these are available at Argos. This helps with sleeping upright (which you are advised to do), the v pillow helps reduce swelling.
• Get a full leg, underarm and bikini wax so you don’t have to worry about shaving post op!
• Invest in a couple of good post op bras.
• 2 weeks before your procedure make sure you quit drinking and smoking. Drinking will thin the blood and make bleeding more likely. Smoking reduces the oxygen to your cells so delays healing.
• 7 days before – do not wear any fake tan.

3. Day of procedure

• Take a dressing gown and slippers
• Take a laptop or magazines / a book as you will probably be waiting around a fair while before being taken down to theatre
• Take out any piercings or replace with plastic versions
• Take off eye lashes, (metal) hair extensions, nail varnish, fake nails, and don’t put any moisturiser or deodorant on that day.
• Take a sports drink for energy and re-hydration after procedure
• Have your phone charger and camera on you to take before pictures
• If you get nausea after general anaesthetic – tell your nurse, they will give you anti-sickness drugs during your procedure

4. Post op

• You’re not allowed to shower for 7 days post-op so make sure you buy antibacterial baby wipes to stay clean
• After your dressings are removed, take off the pen marks using aqueous cream with water – it’s a non-irritant cleanser and can be used on your scars when closed. You can get this at a local pharmacy.
• Protein is good for wound and muscle healing, so make sure you eat lots of turkey, chicken, fish, tofu, low fat meats or any other protein rich foods.
• You’ll start to have an idea of the final shape and cup size around 6 weeks, but everyone heals different so be aware that it could be another few weeks, even months before you see your end results.
• Fluffing/ Dropping – your body adjusting to your implants through tissue expansion and the upper breast fullness decreases and the lower breast fullness increases. Breasts can drop at a different rate so don’t be worried if one drops before the other. Typically it takes between 6 weeks – 3 months.
• For at least a year make sure you use at least factor 30 sunscreen on your scars but it is best to completely cover them up
• 2 weeks after your procedure make sure you continue not drinking and smoking. Drinking will thin the blood and make bleeding more likely. Smoking reduces the oxygen to your cells so delays healing.

5. Key points

• Be prepared to take 1-2 weeks off work
• Put any essentials (such as cups, tea bags, medication) at home down to waist level so you’re not stretching up to get them
• Buy a ‘v pillow’ to help you sleep sitting up and place a pillow under your lower back and under your knees for extra comfort
• Can start back at the gym (light exercise) / running after 6 weeks with a strong well fitted sports bra
• Do not horse ride for 3 months?
• Driving - take up to 2 weeks off
• Sex – it is advised to wait 6 weeks to let everything settle down. But if absolutely necessary, please make sure it is not vigorous as it can cause problems like capsular contracture.
• Not allowed to take a shower for approx 7days post-op (or until you’ve seen your nurse). You can sit in a bath but absolutely make sure you do not get your dressing or incisions wet.
• If you have small children who need lifting, please make sure you do not lift them for 6 weeks
• Don’t try to take a bath unaided until two weeks post op – might not get out again!
• To get up from a sleeping position place your arms around your knees and rock backwards and forwards
• Only wear a wired bra after your 6 week nurse’s appointment. Have your nurse confirm this as it can aggravate your scars and prolong the healing time

6. Shopping List

• Tight sports bra for trying on implants at consultation
• Magazines / book and sports drink to take to the hospital
• Front fastening tops and pyjamas
• 2x post op bras for comfort and help with healing (the nurse will advise you of MYA Lingerie bras in your pre op)
• ‘V pillow’ for help sleeping after your procedure
• Antibacterial wipes for cleansing in first week after surgery (not over incisions)
• Aqueous cream to take off pen marks after dressing removal

7. Glossary

Overs – implants placed over the muscle

Unders – implants placed over the muscle

Partials – implants between the fascical tissue and muscle

Rippling – you can get if you have very little breast tissue or if your implants are too big. Sometimes you can see it and not feel it, sometimes you can feel it and not see it. Mentor help to protect against rippling. Rippling can normally not be reversed.

Fluffing/ Dropping – your body adjusting to your implants through tissue expansion and the upper breast fullness decreases and the lower breast fullness increases. Breasts can drop at a different rate so don’t be worried if one drops

Capsular Contracture – an excessive amount of scar tissue causes the breast to harden and distort. This is why it is important not to exercise for up to 6 weeks post op. This is primarily caused by exercise but can sometimes just be a risk associated with the surgery. You’ll be given information about your procedure in detail from your nurse in your pre op, so don’t worry!

Emergency line – keep your business card that your nurse gives you as this has the 24/7 nurse-led line on it.