Take certain medications or adjust your current medications

Stop smoking

Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Be sure to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from surgery, and to stay with you the first night following surgery.

· Minimal activities for the first 4 days after surgery.

· Remember to position yourself as you have been instructed.

· Leave the garment in place as it helps with the swelling. At the time of the first postoperative visit, the compression garment will be removed.

· 1 drain per side may be required. If asked, drainage amounts should be logged and taken to each postoperative visit for the surgeon to review.

· Do not raise your arm above your shoulders.

· NO heavy lifting, pushing or pulling for a minimum of 1 week. Do not get your heart rate up for 2 weeks after surgery.

· After the first week, full range of motion with your arms is permissible but lifting is restricted to 5 pounds or less.

· Sutures are typically dissolvable and will not need to be removed.

· To return to non-strenuous work within 3-7 days.

· Moderate discomfort, which should be relieved by the pain medications. Also, placing well-padded ice bags high on the chest often relieves discomfort.

· Moderate swelling of the breasts and abdomen.

· Bruising around the breasts.

· Some bloody drainage on the dressings.

· You may shower/sponge bath 48 hours. after surgery.

· You will follow up with one of our nurses 1-3 days after surgery. You will follow up with Dr. Stacey if any concerns arise during this time otherwise you will see him at your 2 week post-op.

Call the office if you experience:

· Severe pain not responding to pain medications.

· Excess swelling or swelling that is greater on one side than the other.

· A bright red spot on the bandage which continues to enlarge.

· Incisions that appear to be opening or becoming very red, hot to the touch or containing pus.

· You notice any signs of increasing firmness of one or both breasts.

· If you have had a nipple graft, notify the surgeon if the graft is becoming darker in color.

· A fever.

· Call the office if you have any questions.