Please read the following information carefully:
- You will need to have a responsible adult pick you up following surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
- You may resume showering the day after surgery. Please remove the outer dressings and leave the steri strips (surgical tape) in place over the incisions. Gently wash with soap and running water daily and dab dry afterwards.
- You may apply cold compresses on top of your sports bra for 15 minutes every hour or so for the first 48 hours after surgery to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Do not apply Polysporin as many patients will develop a reaction following prolonged use, which may resemble a wound infection
- Smoking cessation is recommended for 4 weeks pre- and post-operatively to decrease risk of infection and wound healing complications. Nicotine supplements are also not recommended given similar risk of complications.
- Advil, Aleve, and other anti-inflammatories may increase your risk of mild bleeding and should be avoided if possible.
- It is important to avoid any heavy lifting over 5 lbs, strenuous activity, exercise, or overhead reaching activities for one month following breast augmentation. Any activity that increases your heart rate and blood pressure increases your risk of bleeding and increased swelling.
- Your prescription for pain medication and antibiotics should be filled before surgery. Please take the medications as prescribed. During the first 2-3 days, please take the pain medication regularly and do not wait to first experience discomfort. You should refrain from driving while taking prescription pain medication.
- General anesthetic and post-operative medications may have side effects, such as nausea and constipation. Over-the-counter medications may be useful in minimizing these symptoms. Gravol may reduce nausea. Colace is an option for constipation if required.
- All of your sutures (stitches) are dissolvable and will not need to be removed.
- After surgery, it is recommended to mobilize around your home as much as you feel comfortable. Walking short distances around your home may lower risk of complications, such as blood clots (DVT or PE).
- Sleeping on your back with 2-3 pillows to elevate your head, neck, and chest is recommended for 2 weeks post-operatively. You should not sleep on your side or stomach for 3 months if possible.
- It is important to wear a sports bra full-time (even when sleeping) for one month post-operatively except when showering. You may resume wearing an underwire bra if desired at one month post-operatively.
- You will receive an appointment card for follow up in your post-operative packet.
- If you have any concerns regarding the following, please call Dr. Power immediately:
- Leg swelling
- Shortness of breath
- Redness surrounding the incisions
- Increased pain in your breasts
- Increased pain at the incisions
- Increased or excessive swelling and/or firmness, especially if this occurs on one side
If you have any questions during your post-operative course, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Dr. Power’s after-hours contact information will be provided.
