• Ask someone to spend a day or two after the surgery at home with you—especially if you live alone. 
• Prepare to take it easy for at least a week—compile reading material or a list of movies or television shows you’d like to watch. You’ll be instructed to avoid straining, bending, or lifting.
• Prepare to be asked to wait for at least 36 hours to shower. 
• Shop for groceries before your procedure and have lots of hydrating liquids and healthy foods, full of fiber and protein, on hand. 
• Have dark towels and clothing available. They’ll absorb any leaking fluid.
• Prepare to wear a surgical support bra day and night for several days. 
• Know you will probably have one or two small drains at your surgical site. We’ll tell you exactly how to care for them and how long they’ll be in. 
• Expect your breasts to be swollen and bruised for about two weeks. Numbness in your nipples and areola might last for a few weeks.
• Prepare to sleep on your back or side.
• Avoid sexual activity for one to two weeks.