Plastic Surgery Instructions (Breast Reduction):
-Ok to shower 48 hrs 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 will likely 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 needs drained.
-Do Not apply a heating pad or ice to your surgical sites. After surgery you will have decreased sensation and heat/ice can result in a burn/frost bite without you feeling it.
-Wear your surgical bra at all times except when showering.
-You can wash your surgical bra in the washing machine if it gets dirty.
-Avoid any direct or excessive pressure on the nipple.
-No heavy lifting (>10lbs) for one week.
-No strenuous physical activity until cleared by Dr. DePerro.
-Take your pain medication with food. This can be with as little as a few crackers. This will help prevent nausea.
-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. Second hand smoke is just as harmful as if you were to smoke.
-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).