Post-Operative Instructions
- Minimal activities for the first 4 days after surgery.
- Remember to position yourself as you have been instructed.
- Leave the bra in place as it helps with the swelling. At the time of the first postoperative visit the bra will be removed.
- Do not raise your arms above your shoulders.
- NO heavy lifting, pushing or pulling for a minimum of one week.
- After the first week, gradual increasing your range of motion with your arm is permissible but lifting is restricted to 5 pounds or less.
You can expect:
- Sutures on breasts are normally removed between 7-11 days (unless dissolvable).
- Return to non strenuous work within 3-7 days.
- Moderate discomfort, which should be relieved by the pain medications. Also, placing well-padded ice bags high on the chest often relieves discomfort. You need to have your surgeon’s permission prior to using ice. This can be contraindicated in some cases.
- Moderate swelling of the breasts and abdomen
- Bruising of the breasts and abdomen
- There may be some bloody drainage on the dressings.
Call the office if you experience:
- Severe pain not responding to pain medications
- Excess swelling or swelling that is greater on one side than the other.
- A bright red spot on the bandage which continues to enlarge.
- Incisions that appear to be opening or becoming very red, hot to the touch or containing pus.
- A fever.
- You notice any signs of increasing firmness of one or both breasts
- Call the office if you have any questions.
As time goes by and you are healing, the following guidelines apply:
- The scar will continue to fade for up to 2 years.
- If you notice any signs of increasing firmness of one or both breasts, even months after the operation, please notify us promptly so that treatments can be started.
- Certain types of bras are not recommended until 6 weeks or longer after surgery. Check with your surgeon on what type of bra to purchase.
- After you are cleared to do so, you may wear the bra of your choice.
