Plastic Surgery Instructions (2nd Stage Breast Reconstruction or direct to implant):
-Ok to shower 48 hours after surgery.
-Leave all tapes and steri strips in place.
-Ok to change gauze pads (4×4’s) and ABD pads as they become soiled.
-You may have some mild oozing from the incisions for the first few days. This is normal and slows over time.
-If one breast becomes significantly larger than the other one or you have dramatically increased pain in one breast you need to notify your surgeon. You may have developed a hematoma that requires draining.
-Do Not apply a heating pad or ice pack to your breasts for longer than 10 minutes, every 2 hours. -After surgery you will have decreased sensation. Heat/ice can result in a burn/frost bite without you feeling it.
-Never place a heating pad/ice pack directly on your bare skin. Wrap it in a towel or wash cloth.
-Avoid any direct, or excessive pressure on the breast/nipple. Try to wear your surgical bra as much as possible for the first week. You can wear a zip-up sports bra if you prefer. The bra should provide some support but should not feel tight. If it feels tight you can unzip it slightly or cut the elastic on the sides to decrease the pressure. No underwire bras or pushup bras until cleared by Dr. DePerro (usually 6 weeks).
-If you had fat grafting performed, the area(s) of liposuction will be sore and will likely have some drainage for the first few days. This is normal. You may also notice some additional bruising on the breast flaps where the purified fat was placed. This is normal. If you were provided with an abdominal binder, it is important that you wear the binder as much as possible for the first 3 to 4 weeks.
-Move your arms as usual. You may gently move your arms over your head and maintain their full range of motion. You may comb and blow dry your hair, brush your teeth, etc.
-Try to sleep/rest with your head and chest slightly elevated above the level of your lower body to help decrease swelling for the first few days after surgery. This can be accomplished with a few pillows.
-No heavy lifting (>15 lbs) for one week. Avoid any activity that causes pain.
-No strenuous physical activity until cleared by Dr. DePerro.
-It is normal to feel tired and sore for the first 2-3 days after surgery.
-It will take 2-3 months for the breast implants to soften and feel more natural.
-Take your pain medication with food (a few crackers are ok) to help prevent nausea.
-Pain medications can cause constipation. You can take a gentle over the counter laxative (Milk of Magnesia, Colace, or Dulcolax) if you feel constipated.
-Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen for at least 2 weeks following surgery unless specifically instructed. This can lead to bleeding issues.
-Be sure to drink plenty of fluids after surgery. It is important that you stay well hydrated.
-Smoking causes multiple wound healing complications. It is very important that you do not smoke, and you are not around people that smoke for at least 6 weeks after surgery. Secondhand smoke is just as harmful as if you were to smoke.
-You can resume driving when you are off all pain medications, have full range of motion of your arms, and feel safe to react quickly in an emergency.
-Be sure to walk at least 300 yards daily. This can be broken up in multiple short trips. It is OK and recommended that you walk more than the minimum of 300 yards. This will help prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT’s/Blood Clots) and Pulmonary Embolisms (PE’s).
-Dr. DePerro will let you know when to begin breast massaging (usually at around 2 weeks)
-Avoid exposing the scars to the sun for at least 6 to 12 months. When going outside, it is recommended that you use SPF 30 or greater over your surgical sites. All incisions will be extremely sensitive during the healing phase.
Call the office immediately if you have:
-A high fever (over 101F), severe nausea and vomiting, continued dizziness or incoherent behavior, such as hallucinations.
-Any pain that cannot be controlled by your pain medication.
-Bright red skin that is hot to the touch.
-Excessive bleeding or fluid seeping through the incisions.
-If one breast quickly becomes larger than the other or bruising is localized to one breast or region of the chest.