Breast Reduction Post-Op Instructions:

NORMAL SYMPTOMS: It is normal to experience 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 a change in skin and nipple sensation following surgery. In most cases, this improves within a few weeks after surgery, but may take longer. Your breasts will continue to soften for 3-6 months following surgery.

POSITION: For at least the first week after surgery, try to sleep on your back, instead of your side. Two pillows to elevate and support both your head and back will help reduce the swelling. We want your breasts to stay in the perfect position during the initial healing process.

DRESSINGS: At the time of surgery, gauze dressings and Ace wraps will be applied around the chest. These will be removed 1-2 days after surgery and will be replaced with a sports bra which you should wear day and night for 2-3 weeks after surgery. (You may, of course, remove it for laundering and showering). You may add additional pads for comfort reasons as needed. Do not wear an underwire bra for at least 3 weeks.

DRAINS: A drain will be placed in each breast at the time of surgery and it will be brought out near the end of the incision. These drains evacuate the fluid that accumulates after surgery and enables  faster healing. When the drain is first put in place, the bulb at the end of each tube will be compressed to create gentle suction. As the fluid collects in the bulb, the bulb will slowly expand.

DRAIN CARE: Secure the bulb of the drain to your dressings with a safety pin. Twice a day or whenever the bulb is half full, you should empty the bulb by opening the plug at the top and pouring out the contents. Do not attempt to remove the bulb from the tubing. Squeeze the bulb to recompress it and put the plug back into the hole at the top in order to maintain the vacuum. If the bulb fills rapidly after emptying it or you need to empty it more than three times a day, please notify Dr. Zahir.

DRIVING: Have someone drive you home after surgery and to your first postoperative appointment. You can drive when you are not taking prescription pain medication (narcotics).

SUTURES: The sutures around the areola are all resorbable sutures that do not need to be removed. There will be Steristrips that will be removed 5-7 days after surgery. Once the drains are removed, showering will be permitted.

SHOWERING: You may shower once the dressings are removed and the drain site is healed. Do not take a tub bath because soaking can cause wound healing issues.

ATIVITIES: Start walking as soon as possible. This will help reduce swelling and decreases postoperative leg complications. It is important that you do not engage in strenuous activity for the first three weeks. Strenuous exercise includes, but is not limited to: jogging, vacuuming, heavy lifting and swimming. Aerobic exercise can raise your blood pressure which could cause late bleeding and adversely affect your result. Do not actively lift your arms above your head for two weeks and body contact sports should be avoided for 6-8 weeks. Social and employment activities can be resumed in 3-10 days.

SCARS: Scars take at least 1 year to fade completely. During this time, it is better that you protect them from the sun. Even through a bathing suit, a good deal of sunlight can reach the skin and cause damage. It is imperative that you wear a sunscreen with a skin-protective factor (SPF) of at least 30 at all times. Massaging the breasts after surgery can help decrease the firmness that may be present. Silicone sheeting can also assist in reducing incisional scars and will be discussed with you by Dr. Zahir.