Post-Op Care & Instructions for Breast Surgery
Posted On: March 02, 2022 Author: The Office of Dr. Stuart Linder Posted In: Breast Augmentation, Breast Enhancement, Breast Surgery, Breast topics
Post-Op Care & Instructions for Breast Surgery
A very important part of a successful breast augmentation surgery happens after the operation has been completed.
Most of my surgeries are performed at Summit Surgical Center (right across the street from my office in Beverly Hills). Immediately after the surgery is completed, all patients are monitored while recovering from anesthesia.
Once the patient is cleared to go home, there are important “Do’s” and “Don’ts.” These recovery instructions must be adhered to for the best outcome possible.
Recovery Do’s
- Take your medicine as prescribed, particularly antibiotics
- When taking pain medication, eat something to prevent nausea
- Attend all scheduled post-operative appointments
- Before resuming your normal diet, start with clear liquids and light foods such as soup, dry toast, jello, eat
- Try to avoid sodium (salt) as much as possible, as this interferes with getting rid of swelling and bloating
- Follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions to the letter
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Rest- Do not do too much too soon. Your body requires energy to heal
- Apply an ice pack to the operative area every 2 hours while awake. DO NOT place directly on skin, place over garment or dressing. Do NOT allow garments to get wet.
Recovery Don’ts
- Don’t drink alcohol for at least 24 hours, and for as long as you’re taking pain medications
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours. After that, it is best to avoid driving until you are no longer under the influence of pain medications
- Do not lift anything heavy, exercise, or participate in sports until your surgeon has cleared you to do so
- Do not apply heat (heating pad) to the surgery area
- Do not take a shower until the doctor gives the ok
- Do not take a bath or get into a hot tub until the surgeon releases you to do so.
- Do not lie flat on your back in bed. A reclining position is more comfortable and allows swelling to move away from the breast
- Do not try to sleep on your stomach or side
- If you smoke, try to quit. If you can’t quit, try not to smoke, especially in the early breast augmentation surgery post-operative days. Smoking interferes with circulation and can hinder the healing process. This includes E-Cigarettes
Along with the above breast surgery recovery tips, you will also be given essential discharge instructions. These instructions are very specific to you, and they must be followed to the letter for the best outcome. These may include:
- General anesthesia directions
- Activity directions
- Breast surgery directions
- Fluid and Diet directions
- Prescriptions
- Operative site directions
- Follow-up care
Below, this patient took the time to share her post-op experience after having breast enhancement surgery here at our Beverly Hills Office.