After Breast Surgery

DRESSING:

Tape is to remain on the breast for seven days. If edges start to come loose, they may be trimmed as needed. We will remove the tape at your one week follow-up visit. You should shower daily and lather the tape with soap and water, but do not soak in water. The tape can be dried by blotting with a dry towel or by using a hairdryer at a low setting (do not use the heat setting). Your bra should be washer and dried daily to avoid infection.

SUTURES:

Dissolve usually in about two weeks.

ACTIVITY:

Increase activity as tolerated with no heavy exercise or lifting for at least two weeks, No bouncing activity for 6 weeks, i.e. jogging. Avoid driving while still taking prescription pain medications.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Wear you support bra until instructed otherwise. Once instructed, you may begin wearing a sports bra or bra without under-wires. You may not be able to wear a bra with under-wires for up to six months.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Swelling, bruising and some bloody drainage is normal. The swelling, bruising and pain will reach it’s maximum at 3-4 days postoperatively and then begin to resolve. If it does not slowly get better daily, please contact us. Ice packs applied 30 minutes on/off for the first 2 days will help control swelling. As numbness subsides, it is common to feel tingling or sharp sensations. These sensations will eventually go away, however it may take months to resolve.

DRAIN CARE:

If drains are used, drains will be left in until there is less than 50 cc. of drainage in a 24- hour period. Antibiotics must be taken as long as drains are in, so call if you run out.

SIGNS OF

Painful extreme swelling and hardness often accompanied by bruising, HEMATOMA: usually unilateral causing asymmetry. Please notify us if you have an symptoms you are concerned with