How to Prepare for Breast Surgery

Preparing for breast surgery involves several steps before the day of the procedure. Depending on the operation and your health, you may need a pre-operative assessment, medication review or specific tests, as well as instructions on fasting and hospital admission.

The exact preparation varies between patients, procedures and hospitals. Your surgeon and healthcare team will provide instructions based on the surgery planned and the type of anaesthesia involved, so these should take priority over general advice about preparing for an operation.

Your pre-operative consultation allows the surgical team to review your health and identify any factors that may affect the planned procedure or require additional preparation.

Review Your Medical History and Medications

Your surgeon will usually ask about existing medical conditions, previous operations, allergies and any past reactions to anaesthesia. You should also provide a complete list of prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins and supplements, as some may need to be reviewed before surgery.

Complete Required Health Checks

Depending on your health and the procedure planned, pre-operative tests may be required. These can help identify whether any additional medical assessment or preparation is needed before surgery.

Clarify the Surgical Plan

Use the consultation to understand what the procedure involves, where incisions may be made and what type of anaesthesia is planned. Depending on the operation, your surgeon may also discuss the expected hospital stay and whether drains or other postoperative care may be required. This is also the time to clarify any preparation instructions specific to your procedure.

In the days before breast surgery, follow the instructions provided by your surgical team and make any practical arrangements needed for the procedure and your return home.

Follow Your Medication Instructions

Your surgical team will advise whether any medications or supplements need to be continued, stopped or adjusted before surgery. Follow the instructions provided rather than changing your usual medications on your own.

Follow Fasting Instructions Carefully

If fasting is required before your procedure, you will be told when to stop eating and drinking. Follow the specific instructions provided by your surgical or anaesthetic team, as the requirements may depend on the procedure and anaesthesia planned.

You should also:

• Confirm your admission details: Check your surgery date, reporting time, admission location and any registration requirements.
• Arrange transport home: Depending on the procedure and anaesthesia used, you may need someone to take you home after discharge. Confirm any accompaniment requirements with your surgical team or hospital beforehand.
• Tell your surgical team if you become unwell: Contact the clinic if you develop a fever, respiratory symptoms or another significant change in your health shortly before surgery.

Your hospital or surgical centre will provide specific admission instructions before the procedure. Check these beforehand, as requirements may differ depending on where your surgery is being performed.

Items you may need include:

• Identification and admission documents: Bring the identification, registration forms or appointment information requested by the hospital.
• Medication information: Have an updated list of your current prescription medicines, over-the-counter products and supplements, including the dosages where possible.
• Relevant medical records: Bring scans, test results, referral letters or other records if your surgical team has specifically asked for them.
• Comfortable clothing: Choose loose clothing that is easy to put on and remove. Depending on the breast procedure, clothing that opens at the front may be easier to manage after surgery.
• Essential personal items: Bring only what you are likely to need during admission and leave jewellery and other valuables at home where possible.

Follow any instructions about whether you should take your usual morning medications before leaving home. If you are unsure, contact your surgical team rather than making assumptions on the day of the procedure.

Some preparation before surgery can make the first few days at home easier to manage. What you need will depend on the type of breast surgery performed and the discharge instructions provided by your surgical team.

Before the procedure, consider:

• Arrange help if needed: Depending on the extent of surgery, you may need assistance with household tasks or other daily activities during the early recovery period.
• Keep everyday items within easy reach: Moving frequently used items to an accessible height can reduce unnecessary reaching or lifting while you recover.
• Prepare medications and wound-care items: Have any prescribed medications or dressings ready if your surgical team has instructed you to obtain them before surgery.
• Check whether a specific bra or garment is required: Some breast procedures may require a supportive or postoperative garment. Follow your surgeon's recommendations rather than purchasing one without guidance.
• Know who to contact after discharge: Keep the clinic or hospital contact details accessible in case you have questions about your wound, symptoms or postoperative instructions.

You should also confirm any procedure-specific restrictions before surgery, including when you can return to work, drive, exercise or resume other usual activities. This can help you make the necessary arrangements before the recovery period begins.

Preparing for breast surgery depends on the procedure being performed, your health and the type of anaesthesia involved. A pre-operative consultation allows your surgeon to explain what preparation is required for your operation and address any concerns before surgery.

At Bertha Woon Breast & General Surgery , patients undergoing breast surgery can receive pre-operative assessment, surgical care and postoperative follow-up according to their diagnosis and planned procedure.

Dr Bertha Woon is a breast surgeon who assesses the condition requiring surgery and discusses the proposed procedure, preparation requirements and expected recovery with each patient.

If breast surgery has been recommended or you would like to discuss your surgical options, book an appointment with Dr Woon for an assessment.