INSTRUCTIONS
- Have someone drive you home after surgery and help you at home for 1-2 days. Get plenty of rest.
- Take pain medication as prescribed even if no pain;these help to reduce swelling as well. Do not take aspirin or any products containing aspirin.
- Wear the surgical Bra 24×7 except for showering. You may remove the bra at night after 2 weeks.
- Do not drink alcohol when taking pain medications.
- Do not smoke, as smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications.
ACTIVITIES
- Start walking as soon as possible, this helps to reduce swelling and lowers the chance of blood clots.
- Do not drive until you are no longer taking any pain medications (narcotics). Do not drive until you have full range of motion with your arms.
- Refrain from vigorous activity for 4 weeks.
- Restrict excessive use of arms for at least 5-7 days.
- No lifting above the head for 2 weeks.
- Refrain from physical contact with breasts for 3-4 weeks.
- Body contact sports should be avoided for 6-8 weeks.
- Social and employment activities can be resumed in 3-10 days.
INCISION CARE
- You may shower after 48 hours.
- Keep steri-strips on;replace if they come off.
- Keep incisions clean and inspect daily for signs of infection using a mirror.
- No tub soaking or swimming for 2 weeks
- You may pad the incisions with gauze for comfort.
- Wear garments (bra, ace wrap, taping) as directed by surgeon.
- Do not wear underwire bra.
- Refrain from sleeping on your stomach for 3 weeks.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Expect some drainage onto the steri-strips covering the incisions.
- You are likely to feel tired for a few days, but you should be up and around in 4-5 days.
- Maximum discomfort will occur in the first few days after surgery.
- You may experience some numbness of nipples and operative areas.
- You may experience a burning sensation in your nipples for about 2 weeks.
- You may experience temporary soreness, tightness, swelling and bruising as well as some discomfort in the incision area.
- Your breasts may be sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks.
APPEARANCE
- Most of the discoloration and swelling will subside in 4-6 weeks.
- Scars may be red and angry looking for 6 months. In time, these usually soften and fade.
FOLLOW-UP CARE
- Sutures will be dissolvable. They are under your skin.
- Continue with routine mammograms at a radiology center where technicians are experienced in the special techniques required with implants. The first mammogram should not be before 6 months.
- Visit your surgeon annually for a review.
WHEN TO CALL
- If you have increased swelling or bruising.
- If swelling and redness persist after a few days.
- If you have increased redness along the incision.
- If you have asymmetrical bruise or swelling indicating a bleeding in the implant cavity.
- If you have severe or increased pain not relieved by medication.
- If you have any side effects to medications;such as, rash, nausea, headache, vomiting.
- If you have an oral temperature over 100.4 degrees F.
- If you have bleeding from the incisions that is difficult to control with light pressure.
- If you have any yellow, green or dirty looking discharge from wound.