Breast Surgery
The following instructions are intended to inform you and answer questions you may have pertaining to your surgery. Please read them carefully and completely. If you have any questions or problems, please feel free to call us. We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your post-operative period.
Care Following a Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift or Breast Reduction
- Dressing can be removed 3 days after surgery.
- Sutures will be removed 7-10 days post operatively.
- Do not apply heat to area. (heating pads, sauna, or sunlamps)
- You may shower after 72 hours.
- Do not remove your bandages for any reason. Only sponge bath is permitted until the bandages have been removed by Dr. Chiaramonte on your first postoperative visit.
- Begin with sips of water and once tolerated progress to 7UP, Gatorade, Coke or Juice. Keep diet light on the day of surgery. Progress as tolerated.
- When sleeping, elevate your head and shoulder on at least two pillows. Do not turn on your side. A pillow under each arm may make you more comfortable. Do not sleep on your stomach for 2 weeks post-op.
- No driving for 7 days after surgery.
- It is extremely important that you limit the use of your arms for a period of 2 weeks after surgery. Do not extend them over the shoulder level. Do not lift or carry children or heavy objects. Limit your shoulder motion while combing or drying your hair.
- Do not participate in athletic activities including but not limited to jogging, aerobics, tennis, golf, bicycling or swimming for 4 to 6 weeks. It is best to wait until Dr. Chiaramonte sees you and permits you to return to activity.
- You may return to work as directed by Dr. Chiaramonte.
- Occasionally one breast will be more sensitive than the other and you may experience a heavy feeling. This is normal and should not alarm you.
- If one breast appears to be noticeably larger than the other, and the enlargement is associated with more pain, bruising and tightness, you should notify the office immediately.
- It is not unusual for you to experience occasional sharp pains for several weeks following surgery. Not everyone experiences this, but it is a normal postoperative occurrence for many.
- Please wear your bra continuously for 4 weeks after surgery. You will be able to switch to a sports type bra after 2 to 4 weeks.
- If you desire, you may go without a bra provided you wait 2 months after surgery.
- Please take medications as prescribed; it is extremely important that you finish any antibiotics ordered.
Read more about breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction surgery with Dr. Chiaramonte.
Care Following Breast Reconstruction with the TRAM Flap
YOU MAY:
- Shower after 1 week (even with the drains).
- Take walks at any time. This is good exercise for you.
- Resume normal activity after 6 weeks. This includes jogging, swimming, lifting, and regular exercise.
- Clean your belly button with a Q-tip and dilute peroxide twice a day for 2 weeks.
- Resume sexual intercourse 4 weeks following surgery.
YOU MAY NOT:
- Smoke for 8 weeks.
- Drive for 3 weeks.
- Lift anything heavier than 5 pounds for 6 weeks.
- Perform strenuous exercises including but not limited to tennis, golf, and weight lifting, jogging, running or swimming.
- Sit in the sun or use a heating pad on the reconstructed breast. The TRAM flap is susceptible to thermal injury.
- Visit our plastic / cosmetic surgery office in Clinton, Maryland (MD) convenient from the Baltimore, Maryland (MD), Washington, D.C. area.