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Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures worldwide, but success starts long before the operating room. Preparation is key to ensuring safe surgery, smooth recovery, and the best possible results. Here’s a comprehensive pre-op checklist to help patients feel ready and confident ahead of breast implant surgery. Board-certified plastic surgeon  Dr. Bryson Richards  provides breast augmentation to patients in Las Vegas, NV, and surrounding locations.

Medical Preparation

• Consultation & medical history: Be honest with your surgeon about past surgeries, medications, supplements, and health conditions.

• Pre-op testing: You may need blood work, a medical clearance exam, or imaging depending on your age and health.

• Medication adjustments: Stop taking blood-thinning medications and supplements (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or fish oil) as directed to reduce bleeding risks.

• Smoking & alcohol: Stop smoking at least 4–6 weeks before surgery and limit alcohol intake, as both impair healing.

Home Preparation

• Arrange a recovery space at home with comfortable pillows, blankets, and entertainment.

• Stock up on easy-to-prepare meals or meal-prep in advance.

• Fill prescriptions before surgery so medications are ready when you return home.

• Have loose, front-closing tops available to avoid raising your arms after surgery.

Support System

You’ll need someone to drive you home after surgery and ideally stay with you for the first 24–48 hours. If you have children or pets, arrange extra help for the first week to give yourself time to rest.

Lifestyle Preparations

• Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated leading up to surgery.

• Focus on getting good sleep to support your immune system.

• Avoid strenuous workouts in the week before surgery, but light activity like walking is encouraged.

The Night Before Surgery

• Follow fasting instructions (typically no food or drink after midnight).

• Take a shower using antibacterial soap if directed.

• Remove nail polish, jewelry, and piercings to reduce infection risks.

• Pack a small bag with essentials: ID, insurance card, phone charger, and lip balm.

The Morning of Surgery

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing, preferably something that zips or buttons in front.

• Do not wear makeup, lotions, or deodorant.

• Arrive on time and bring your support person with you.

Mindset & Expectations

It’s normal to feel nervous before surgery, but remember you’ve taken all the steps to prepare. Your surgeon and care team are there to ensure your safety and comfort. Focus on your goals and the excitement of your upcoming results.

Proper preparation makes a major difference in both recovery and outcomes. By following your surgeon’s pre-op checklist and making thoughtful arrangements ahead of time, you’ll be setting yourself up for a smoother surgery day and a more comfortable recovery.

Contact Las Vegas Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Richards to Schedule a Consultation

If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070

Taking new patients from Las Vegas, Bullhead City,  Laughlin, Pahrump, Mesquite NV and surrounding areas.

When most people think about breast augmentation, they imagine implants adding volume and reshaping the breasts. But for many patients, achieving the most natural, balanced results also involves paying attention to the nipples and areolas. Adjustments in this area can help create symmetry, proportion, and overall aesthetic harmony. Here’s what to know about nipple and areola adjustments during augmentation. Board-certified plastic surgeon  Dr. Bryson Richards  provides breast augmentation to patients in Las Vegas, NV, and surrounding locations.

Why Nipple & Areola Adjustments Are Considered

The nipple and areola are central to the appearance of the breast. Even with perfectly placed implants, disproportionate areolas or nipple asymmetry can affect the final outcome. Reasons patients or surgeons may recommend adjustments include: overly large areolas that look stretched compared to new breast volume, asymmetry between the left and right nipple-areola complex, nipples that point downward due to sagging, or tuberous breast deformities that affect nipple placement.

Types of Adjustments Performed During Augmentation

Surgeons can perform several refinements to enhance aesthetics at the time of augmentation:

• Areola reduction: If the areola appears too wide for the new breast size, tissue can be removed from the border to create a more balanced look.

• Areola reshaping: For oval or irregular areolas, reshaping creates a more circular, symmetric appearance.

• Nipple repositioning: When breast tissue sags or nipples point downward, the nipples can be adjusted upward slightly to better match implant projection.

• Correction of asymmetry: Size or position differences between the two sides can be adjusted for a more balanced look.

Surgical Techniques

Areola adjustments are often performed through a periareolar incision, which follows the natural border of the areola. This incision is commonly used for augmentation already, making it convenient for subtle refinements without adding new scars. In some cases, additional suturing or tightening is used to reshape and stabilize the areola after tissue removal.

Benefits of Areola & Nipple Adjustments

• More proportional appearance after implants are placed

• Correction of congenital asymmetry or deformities

• Better balance between the breast mound and central features

• Improved patient satisfaction and confidence

What Patients Should Know

Not every augmentation requires nipple or areola adjustment. The decision is highly individualized and based on anatomy, implant size, and patient goals. It’s important to understand that adding these refinements may slightly extend surgery and recovery, but most patients consider the results well worth it.

Recovery After Adjustments

Recovery is similar to standard augmentation, though there may be extra sensitivity in the nipple-areola area. Some patients experience temporary changes in sensation, which usually resolve over time. Following surgeon instructions on wound care and activity restrictions helps ensure proper healing.

Nipple and areola adjustments can be a small but powerful part of breast augmentation, elevating results from good to outstanding. If you’re considering breast implants, discussing symmetry, nipple orientation, and areola size with your surgeon can help you achieve a result that feels beautifully natural.

Contact Las Vegas Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Richards to Schedule a Consultation

If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070

Taking new patients from Las Vegas, Bullhead City,  Laughlin, Pahrump, Mesquite NV and surrounding areas.