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Breast Augmentation Post Operative Instruction

It is important not to take pain medication if you are nauseated. Generally, ibuprofin (Advil) 600 mg, (3 tablets of Advil) will give very good pain relief. This can be repeated every 6 hours. Prescription pain medication may be added as needed. Use a phenergan suppository for nausea when it continues more than a few hours.

Move your arms over your head extended at least once an hour while awake. Lie gently on the breasts for 10-15 minutes the evening after surgery and several times a day to stretch the muscles.

There are no restrictions in activity after the surgery, but use common sense and do not do anything that causes unusual pain or trauma to the breast area.

You may shower or bathe the morning after your surgery

Expect your breasts to be very tight and full. They may seem very high with an un-natural shape. Generally, it will take a period of 1-2 months for the implants to settle and for the breast to achieve a normal, more natural appearance.

You may be more comfortable in a bra. We generally recommend a sport bra, which is stretchy and elastic. Avoid using an under wire for approximately four months following surgery. The breast shape will change greatly over the first 1-2 months and any bra you buy now will not likely fit later.

Bruising may develop following breast augmentation. This may appear in the lower breast or even down and over the abdominal area. Please contact me if you feel this is excessive, or if there is a large difference between the left and right breast.

Do not drive if you are taking narcotic pain medication. When you reach a point that narcotics are not necessary and you feel that you can move quickly enough to avoid an accident, then it should be safe to drive. If there is any question in your mind, postpone driving for a few days.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE AT (256) 881-8800

Breast Reduction Post-Op Instructions

Very Important. Do not take pain medication if you are nauseated or before you have eaten. Begin by taking some fluids, such as Coke or 7-up, followed by a light meal. If these things do not cause any nausea or problems, it is then safe to take your pain medication. If nausea continues for more than the first one to two hours at home, fill and use the prescription for the suppositories.
It is ok to bathe after a reduction, but the area with the foam rubber over the nipple should be kept dry.

It will be necessary to keep the wound clean. This is best done immediately after you get out of the bath when the material is still somewhat damp. It can be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide on gauze; a fine textured wash- cloth or an old t-shirt.

Generally, I would recommend using the surgical bra we placed on you in surgery to hold your dressing in place and give you good support. If it is too uncomfortable you may remove it, but you will need to wear some type of bra to give support to your dressings. If you desire to buy a new bra immediately, I would recommend a relatively inexpensive one, without under wires. One that is reasonably stretchy and oversized to hold some of the dressing. It generally takes one to two months after surgery before the breasts settle and fit normally into a permanent bra. You may either use gauze, mini pads or any other type of absorbent pad to collect the drainage. You can expect drainage for up to two weeks following surgery.

Limit motion of the arms, such that you do not raise the elbows higher than the shoulders, especially in the first week. The sides of the breast have been tightened considerably to reduce strain on the suture line.

It is best not to drive for the first one to two weeks following surgery, and certainly no driving during any period of time when you are taking narcotic pain medication. When you reach a point that narcotics are not necessary and you feel that you can move quickly enough to avoid an accident, then it will probably be safe to drive. If there is any question in your mind, postpone driving for another day or two.
Suction Assisted Lipectomy is often utilized to remove the fatty tissue along the sides and folds of the breast and you will note swelling and tenderness associated with this. Use of an ice bag for the first 24-48 hours will help reduce these symptoms.

Bruising may occur and become more pronounced over the two or three days after surgery. If one side has a great deal of bruising and swelling and the other does not, this would generally indicate a reason to call me, as it may indicate some blood beneath the tissues. Otherwise, bruising is normal and will vary from individual to individual.

If you have a problem with constipation following surgery, take and over the counter laxative or a Fleets Enema.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE AT (256) 881-8800