While we always endeavour to obtain perfection and symmetry in all our surgery, it must be realized that plastic surgery is more of an art than a science. There are factors beyond our control, such as the individual healing process of each patient. As is the case in most people pre-operatively, there may be slight differences between the two breasts post-operatively as well.
You must sleep on your back for the first two weeks following surgery.
You will be given a first post-operative appointment 1-2 days after your surgery. You will need to be accompanied for this appointment. A second appointment (3 weeks later) will also be given to you, which you can come to, unaccompanied.
You will need to wear the support bra supplied to you by our clinic for the first four weeks following the surgery. This bra must be worn twenty-four (24) hours a day.
Please avoid wearing underwire or push up bras for the 6 weeks after your surgery.
Your breasts will feel heavy and sore, especially on Day 2 and 3 after surgery. You may or may not have bruising. It is not unusual for your breasts to feel numb and/or sensitive. There may be pulling sensations as you heal. Due to this swelling and distortion, do not expect to see your final result until about three months after surgery.
You may begin taking showers four days after surgery. Baths should be avoided for 4 weeks. You may wash with a mild soap such as (Ivory or Dove), try to avoid using soap on the wounds and steristrips (pieces of tape on wounds). As the steristrips begin to loosen (between 2-3 weeks post-operatively), you may remove them with a pair of tweezers. Once all steristrips have been removed, you will notice some fine sutures sticking out of the skin. These are purposely left long. Do not touch them. These will be cut flush to the skin on your 3-week appointment with our nurse.
It is normal to have some yellowish discharge from the incisions or sometimes even some blood. The discharge is due to the "melting" stitches dissolving. Purchase 4" gauzes at the pharmacy and apply these to cover the nipple and insert them inside your bra cup. Change the gauze daily. If they stick to the incision, moisten them in the shower and then remove them.
It is also normal to have some small openings of the wounds during healing. Simply keep these areas clean and, should there be openings, apply some Polysporin ointment (non prescription drug) two or three times each day until the wound has healed.
Avoid all strenuous exercise for six weeks following surgery. Please avoid driving an automobile while you are taking your painkillers.
You will be given a prescription for pain medicine, take this only when you are having discomfort. Do not take your pain killers on an empty stomach. DO NOT TAKE ANY ASPIRIN or any medications containing aspirin for the first two weeks prior and after surgery. Aspirin interferes with normal blood clotting. Tylenol is a good substitute for aspirin.
In case of persistent vomiting or nausea, use Gravol in a suppository form.
