BREAST REDUCTION

INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING SURGERY

IMMEDIATELY AFTER SURGERY

* After surgery rest quietly for the first 48 hours.

* Sleep on your back, not on your side, preferably elevated on 1-2 extra pillows.

* Do not sleep on your stomach for 6 weeks.

* Stay in the company of a responsible adult for the first night.

* The bandages on your breasts are to stay intact for 3-5 days. You may have drains inserted which may be removed before you leave the hospital/day surgery.

* Ice packs should be applied to the breasts for the first 48 hours, then intermittently for 1 week (Note: Frozen peas are a good alternative as they mould around the breasts well.

* You may drive a car after one week to a limited extent. Please reconfirm with the staff during your post-operative phase when you are able to drive.

* Diet as tolerated. Do not forget that anaesthetics can make you feel nauseous.

PAIN & MEDICATIONS

* Pain/discomfort varies considerably from person to person.

* Medication to relieve pain will always be prescribed.

* On discharge, Panadeine Forte may be taken, 1 or 2 tablets every 3 - 4 hours; no more than 8 tablets per day for pain. If nausea or constipation is present an alternative form of pain relief may be suggested.

* If pain persists and cannot be relieved with the prescribed medication, call the Clinic immediately for assistance.

* Do not take Aspirin or Aspirin containing products or Vitamin E for 2 weeks as these products thin the blood and increase bleeding.

* Do not smoke during this period, to prevent coughing, possible bleeding and the possibility of poor healing.

* Recommence Hormone Replacement Therapy under Doctor’s instructions.

* No alcohol for a week after surgery.

* Do not make any legal decisions while under the influence of medication.

WOUND CARE

* Dressings shall be removed approximately 3-5 days after surgery.

* After this time, you may shower; until then you can sponge bath or shower from the waist down, with a hand shower if available.

* Clean all stitches daily with normal saline on gauze or cotton buds. It is normal to have a small amount of ooze for the first few days.

* Dry thoroughly with gauze.

* Apply antibiotic ointment to stitches (e.g. Bactroban or Chlorsig).

* Tape stitches as instructed with wide steri-strips.

* Cover with gauze or non-adhesive dressing (e.g. Telfa pad).

* Tape breasts as instructed with ‘Hypafix’ tape, then put on a sports bra which will be fitted at your first post-operative visit. If you react to the tape, stop use immediately and use only dressings under the bra.

* Follow this routine daily for 7 - 14 days as instructed.

* Sutures will be removed in 10 - 14 days. You must continue taping and/or wearing the sports bra day and night for 4-6 weeks.

BLISTERS - If they appear:

* Clean with saline and apply Betadine.

* Then apply an Opsite or Tegaderm dressing supplied by the nurse and leave intact.

* Note: It is best to leave Hypafix tape off for 1-2 days if the skin is red and blistered to allow the skin to heal. Also, apply a soothing cream e.g. Sorbolene once healed.

* Re-apply tape when the skin is less irritated.

ONE WEEK - SIX WEEKS

* Upper body exercises are to be avoided for 6 weeks. Gentle exercise is permitted, increasing weekly. No power walking as this involves arm swinging.

* Do not raise your arms above shoulders. Do not lift for two weeks e.g. Do not wash your hair (you may require assistance). Do not hang out washing, vacuum, or do the ironing. Do not lift a baby/toddler.

* Do not sit directly in the sun or heat for 4 weeks since this could cause excessive swelling.

* Do not expose the wounds to the sun as this can lead to increased pigmentation in scars.

* Allow 4 to 6 weeks for major swelling to subside and for basic healing to take place.

* Nipple sensation may be adversely affected temporarily or permanently.

LATER

* Yours scars will be red initially but will fade and soften over the next 3-6 months. Scarring takes approximately one year to mature.

CALL IF YOU HAVE
* Severe pains not responding to pain medication.
* More swelling and/or pain in one side than the other.
* If bandages seem too tight.
* If any other question or problem arises.
* Please call the office for routine questions and to schedule follow-up visits.

NOTE ON POST-OP PACKS
Post-operative packs containing the following are available from the Clinic at a reduced rate for your convenience.

To purchase prior to surgery for dressings:

• Normal saline - 500 ml.
• Cotton buds.
• Gauze - packet of 100, 7.5 cm x 7.5 cm approx.
• Steri-strips - wide x 20.
• Telfa or Melolin (large) x 20, 10 cm x 20 cm.
• Ice packs or ice gel.

For Emergencies ONLY - call 016 288 699

20 Manning Road, Double Bay N.S.W. Sydney, Australia Tel: Intl. + (61 2)93287044 Fax: Intl. + (61 2)93286036