BREAST AUGMENTATION - POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

NORMAL SYMPTOMS

q      Remember it is normal to experience soreness, bruising, swelling, tightness and some degree of pain for the first few days following surgery.  These conditions will lessen each day.  You may also experience change in skin and nipple sensation following surgery.  In most cases this improves in a few weeks after surgery, but may take longer.  In some cases, change in sensation is permanent.  Your breasts will continue to soften for three to six months after surgery.

SLEEPING

q      Sleep on your back with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows for several weeks after surgery.  This will help to reduce your swelling.

BATHING

q      Keep your incisions dry.  Do not shower or bathe until your first post operative appointment; you may take a sponge bath.

ACTIVITY

q      DO NOT exercise, vacuum, or do any heavy lifting until your doctor gives you permission.  Let the degree of discomfort be your guide.  Jogging, aerobics, sleeping on your chest, swimming and other such activities should be avoided until your doctor gives you permission.

CLOSING

q      You may or may not have been fitted with a surgical garment postoperatively.  If you were fitted, wear your garment until your doctor tells you to wear something different.  If you were not fitted with a garment, you should bring a sports bra (no underwire) that is loose fitting to your first postoperative appointment.

DRIVING

q      Someone should drive you to your first postoperative appointment.  You can drive when you are no longer taking prescription pain medication and your doctor gives you permission.