Before you read on
This is general education. After your surgery you will receive written instructions specific to your operation. If anything here differs from them, follow your written instructions and ask.
The first days
Plan to rest, with someone to help you at home for the first day or two. Sleeping with your head and chest slightly elevated is common advice. Walk gently around the house several times a day, as this lowers the risk of blood clots.
- Take medications as prescribed and do not take blood-thinning drugs or supplements unless told
- Wear your surgical bra or garment as directed, including at night when advised
- Keep dressings clean and dry unless told otherwise
- Drink fluids and eat regular meals; constipation can follow some pain medicines
- Do not smoke or use nicotine, which impairs healing
Activity
Avoid heavy lifting, pushing, pulling and strenuous exercise for the period your surgeon specifies, commonly several weeks. Keep your arms moving gently, but do not reach overhead with force early on. Driving is not safe while you take prescription pain medication or when you cannot react quickly.
Wound care and showering
Follow instructions on when you can shower and how to care for incisions and any drains. Do not soak in a bath, pool or hot tub until you are told it is safe. Do not apply creams to incisions unless advised.
What is normal
Swelling, bruising, tightness, tenderness and some asymmetry are common, and breasts change shape over weeks to months. Some numbness is also common.
When to call
Contact the clinic promptly for fever, increasing redness, drainage that looks like pus, one breast swelling much faster than the other, a bulging bruise, wound opening, or pain not controlled by your medication.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing blood, fainting, or a swollen painful calf, which can be signs of a serious problem such as a blood clot.
Follow-up
Keep every follow-up visit. They let us check healing, remove dressings or drains, and plan scar care and activity.