We restore, rebuild, and make whole those parts that nature has given but which fortune and time have taken away, not only that it may delight the eye but that it might buoy up the spirit, and enhance the psyche.

Gaspare Tagliacozzi (1545-1599)

Breast Augmentation

 

Postoperative Instructions for Patients Undergoing Breast Surgery

  1. Getting home and postoperative supervision.
    It is extremely hazardous to drive after general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Please arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours.
  2. Activity for the first 24 hours.
    The effects of anesthesia can remain in your body as long as 24 hours. After surgery, you must plan to rest for 24 hours and avoid straining and stooping.
  3. Sleeping position.
    For three days after surgery try to sleep on your back.
  4. Diet.
    After surgery you may take liquids such as soup, tea, soft drinks, or Jell-O. Gradually progress to a soft diet and then to a regular diet over the next 24 hours.
  5. Medications, herbal supplements, vitamins and alcohol.
    Fill your prescriptions and take your post-operative medications as directed. If you should become nauseated or develop a rash, call the office. You may resume your regular medications
    unless Dr. Boyd directs otherwise. However, avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing products for two weeks before and after surgery. Remember, many herbal supplements adversely affect the
    clotting process and actively cause bruising and bleeding. These should be stopped two weeks before surgery and may be resumed two weeks afterwards. Avoid alcohol until post-operative
    medications are finished. Dr. Boyd does not recommend taking mega doses of vitamins in excess of the normal daily requirement (which is more than adequately met by a normal balanced diet).
    Please discontinue this form of medication for two weeks before and after surgery unless you are being treated for a specific deficiency. One multivitamin tablet per day is permissible, however.
  6. Dressings.
    Remove your bra and outer dressings to shower. Leave the Steri-Strips in place.
  7. Wound care, shampooing, showering.
    Showering may be restricted if you have drains. The bra supports the incisions, keeps the dressing in place and (in cases of augmentation) facilitates the proper positioning of the implant
    as you heal. Shower daily and wash over the incisions with a soft sponge and soapy water. Rinse and dry. Reapply an absorbent pad over the incisions and hold it in place with the bra.
  8. Activity after the first 24 hours (including driving).
    Avoid strenuous activity for two weeks after surgery. However, moderate walking is encouraged. You may drive after three days if your car is an automatic and seven days if you have a standard
    shift. Never drive if you are taking pain medication. You can return to the gym or the pool in four weeks unless Dr. Boyd instructs you otherwise. It is extremely important to limit the use
    of your arms for two weeks after surgery. Do not raise them above your shoulders until you are told to do so. Do not lift anything heavy, including children. Avoid household chores such as
    vacuuming until cleared to do so.
  9. Things to avoid. (See 2 and 5 also)
    It is vital that you do not smoke after surgery to avoid respiratory and wound healing complications. Smoking can cause wounds to break down and may result in tissue loss.
  10. Bruising, swelling and other normal events.
    Your breasts will have some initial swelling, which will subside over a few weeks. Unusual, severe pain accompanied by noticeable swelling, bleeding, fever or rash should be called to the
    attention of Dr. Boyd. It is common to experience some numbness for several weeks or months. Sharpness, burning sensations and pains just below the armpit are common during healing. Occasionally,
    the nipples may become excessively sensitive. You may also have some bruising. This should disappear in ten days to two weeks. It will take several weeks before you can see the final result.
    If you have unusual or severe pain or swelling, excessive bleeding from the dressing or any other concerns, contact Dr. Boyd at once.
    Someone in the office will call you the day after surgery to check on your condition and answer any questions you might have. You can reach Dr. Boyd or a staff member around the clock by
    calling (310) 530-4200

These instructions are not intended to cover every possible problem that could arise. Good judgment on your part is essential for a good result.