Breast Augmentation Discharge
After Care Instructions: Breast Augmentation
ACTIVITY: Walk around, move frequently, but nothing strenuous for the first 3 days so your body can focus on healing. Light stretching of your shoulders is important. Press your hand on the wall or behind your head to stretch your pectoral muscles. Do this as tolerated, multiple times a day.
NO UPPER BODY EXERCISE: Until your breast implants are settled/soft.This can take up to 3 months after surgery.
NUMBNESS: Occasionally the ace wrap, bra-band or surgical bra that we put on you after surgery can be too tight once swelling starts. If you have pain or numbness in your arms or hands, loosen them up a little bit.You should experience relief shortly after.
POPPING NOISES:You may hear/feel crackling or gurgling noises in your chest.This is air that got trapped during your surgery and is normal. It will work itself out.
LAY LOW: An adult must stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.The effects of anesthesia can persist for that long and you are at an increased risk of falling. Stay safe. Heal well.
BLOOD CLOTS: The best way to prevent a blood clot is to move frequently, even while laying down. Signs of a blood clot include pain, heat, asymmetric swelling, and redness, usually in one of your legs/calves. Notify us ASAP if you experience these symptoms, or go to the emergency room for life threatening symptoms.
ICE: If it feels good, use it. It is not otherwise necessary for healing.
SLEEP: Sleep however you are comfortable. Bed, recliner, lots of pillows, no pillows…Your body is excellent at knowing what is best during recovery from the injury of your surgery. Listen to it! Practice standing up straight.Work towards pulling your shoulders back and practice good posture.
SHOWER: Shower when you are up to it. Be careful, you may feel faint so please have someone close. Leave the skin tape (steri-strips) on until you come see us for your first post-op appointment.
DIET: You may not be hungry, this is normal. Eat small portions when you feel like eating. Remember in the first three days after surgery (at least) your body will retain fluid. Limit high salt foods, keep your rings off, and do not obsess about what the scale says. DRINK fluids. Being hydrated helps with healing and it will help your bowels.
BLOATING: You will be bloated for a few days/weeks after surgery.This is normal. If you’re concerned about constipation try a little milk of magnesia, fresh grapes, fiber powder, or maybe a suppository. Other forms of medications can make bloating and nausea worse.
MEDICATIONS:Take it easy on the narcotic pain medications for the first 12 hours after surgery.Try rotating Ibuprofen or Tylenol with the pain medication. Use ice for pain as well. Valium works well for muscles tightness and spasms. Sometimes the Valium works better than the narcotics to relieve pain because your muscles are being stretched by the implant. Adjust to lower doses of the narcotics over the first 3 days to maximize your progress.A little pain is normal and to be expected after surgery. For more specific instructions regarding medications Click Here
NAUSEA: Nausea is often a sign of low blood pressure, which is a normal response to both pain medication and the initial recovery phase after surgery. Laying down, elevating your legs on a couple of pillows and a cold compress can help ease the nausea.This sensation may come on suddenly, which is why we recommend LAYING LOW for the first 3 days.
DO NOT DRIVE: No driving for the first week after surgery. No driving for as long as you are taking pain medication.
NO HOT TUB: Hot tubs can cause infections even for people who haven’t had surgery.No soaking in any tub for at least 30 days after surgery.
NO SMOKING: This should go without saying. Any nicotine you were exposed to for a month before your surgery will hurt how well you heal. Smoking directly interferes with your result.
INFECTION: This is extremely rare, but the combination of high sustained fever, increasing swelling/pain/redness/discharge require contacting Dr. Keen.
Call us at 801-278-9062 or email [email protected] with any questions. Dr. Keen’s after hours number is listed on the discharge paperwork that was emailed to you. Please refer to that for after-hours questions.
We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your healing period and we want you to have GREAT results.