Breast Augmentation Post‑Op Instructions

Post-operative instructions. Breast augmentation implants. Day of surgery. We will meet at the surgery center where you will have the chance to be introduced to your team, including the anesthesiologist. The anesthesiologist will review all necessary documentation provided to ensure accuracy and that we deliver a smooth, safe anesthetic and recovery. Minimizing the risk of post-operative nausea and wooziness starts in the pre-operative area. You will be given an IV to remain well hydrated and the anesthesiologist can provide medications during the procedure.

To keep you safe during surgery, you will have a breathing tube or an LMA during the operation. This may cause scratchiness and discomfort for the first couple of days post-surgery. Chloraseptic or a nice Throat Coat tea can help with the discomfort. So that you have very little discomfort after, I like to use long-acting local anesthetics during your surgery. Even with the block, you will still feel some pressure, but most patients have pain scores between 1 to 5 after breast surgery.

When your surgery is complete, the nurse will contact your family member to let them know your procedure is done and the time for pickup. If the surgery runs longer than anticipated, this is not a bad thing. Though, it can cause some anxiety in your family. Your breasts are unique and we must take our time to ensure that every little detail is accounted for as the work done during your surgery must last for the rest of your life.

Evening after surgery. During your first evening, please ask for assistance from your loved ones since you may not feel as stable as you would normally. I recommend getting up and moving around at home. Surgery can increase your risk for blood clots in the legs and we want to ensure the blood is kept flowing.

If you are a stomach or side sleeper, I recommend getting some wedge pillows and/or place a pillow behind your knees to help simplify sleeping on your back in order to resist the temptation to roll over. It is encouraged to sleep flat on your back or slightly reclined with a few pillows. You can also place pillows in a recliner chair.

Recovery. Typical downtime from a breast augmentation is within 1 week, 3 to 7 days. Our post-operative dressings are very minimal. There will be some bruising and swelling, but you will be able to enjoy your new breast immediately after surgery.

Incision care. During your first week post-operative, you do not need to apply anything. Once the skin glue or Steri-Strips fall off, apply vitamin E oil to the area twice daily. Once you get to 1 month post-surgery, you will switch to a silicone gel. Your incisions will be at maximum strength about 6 weeks after surgery. Out of an abundance of caution, you will not be able to return to full activity, sleeping on your stomach, etc. until 8 weeks post-surgery.

Multimodal therapy medications: Tylenol Extra Strength, 500 mg. Take 2 every 6 hours for 5 days. Do not wait for pain. Tylenol makes up the foundation of your pain management and will decrease the number of narcotics needed. Ibuprofen, 600 mg. Take 1 every 6 hours scheduled for 3 days. Do not wait for pain. Ibuprofen makes up the foundation of your pain management and will decrease the number of narcotics needed.

Tramadol, 50 mg. Take 1 every 6 hours as needed for pain. If you use antidepressants, this will be exchanged for oxycodone, 5 mg. It is okay to wait until you have pain. Tramadol is a long-acting narcotic that will begin to work in about 30 minutes and can last up to 6 hours. Oxycodone is a fast-acting, strong medication that can exacerbate nausea and/or make patients feel loopy. Zofran (ondansetron), 4 mg. Take 1 every 8 hours. The dissolvable tabs can be placed under your tongue if you are feeling nauseous from the anesthesia.

Medications for other: Scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop), 1 milligram. This patch is a preventative for nausea prior to surgery. You will place this patch behind your ear the night before surgery. Singulair (capsular contracture), 10 mg. Take 1 daily for 90 days. A study was performed that showed a reduction in the already low rate of capsular contracture in women that took Singulair daily for the first 90 days after surgery.

Doxycycline or Bactrim antibiotic, 100 mg. Take 1 twice a day for 7 days. You will take an antibiotic for the first week after surgery. Cyclobenzaprine muscle relaxant, 10 milligrams. Take 1 every 8 hours PRN. It is okay to wait until you have pain. The pressure you feel after surgery is due to the pec major muscle getting tight and/or stretched. This can lead to spasms and pain. A muscle relaxant will help to break that spasm and can help you sleep better.