Post-Op recovery Guide
Evening After Surgery
During your first evening, please ask for assistance from your loved one since you may not feel as stable as you would normally. I recommend getting up and moving around at home at least every 2 hours during the day. Surgery can increase your risk for blood clots in the legs and we want to ensure the blood is kept flowing.
It is best to rest in an upright position for comfort and to decrease swelling. You’ll want to use pillows under your arms to keep them elevated, either rest in a recliner or in bed with 2-3 pillows behind your back and pillows under your arms. Avoid raising your arms over shoulder level for the next 2 weeks (You may do your hair). Wear comfortable loose clothing which is easy to take on and off, such as a button-up shirt rather than pullover.
Recovery
Typical downtime is 1 week (3-7 days). Our post-operative dressings are very minimal. It is normal to experience soreness, swelling, and some bruising during the recovery phase.
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 and/or Silicone patches.
Your incisions will be at maximum strength about 6 weeks after surgery. You may gradually increase cardio activity within 2 weeks, and controlled weights after 4 weeks following surgery. Out of an abundance of caution, you will be able to return to full activity 8 weeks post-surgery.
Multi-Modal Therapy Medications
Tylenol Extra Strength (500mg) 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 (600mg) 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.
Gabapentin (100mg) take 1 every 8 hours for 14 days
- Do not wait for pain. Gabapentin makes up the foundation of your pain management and will decrease the number of narcotics needed.
Tramadol (50mg) take 1 every 6 hours as needed for pain for 3 days
- 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 (5mg) take 1 every 4 hours as needed for pain for 3 days
- It is okay to wait until you have pain. Oxycodone is a long-acting narcotic that will begin to work in about 30 minutes and can last up to 4 hours.
Zofran (Ondansetron, 4mg) take 1 every 8 hrs
- The dissolvable tabs can be placed under your tongue if you are feeling nauseous from the anesthesia.
Scopolamine Patch (Transderm-Scop, 1mg)
- This patch is a preventative for nausea before surgery. You will place this patch behind your ear the night before surgery.
Acyclovir (400mg) take 1 tablet by mouth twice a day for 7 days
- You will begin taking this meditation 1 day before surgery.
Singulair (Capsular Contracture, 10mg) 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 Bactrium (Antibiotic, 100mg) take 1 twice a day for 7 days
- You will take an antibiotic for the first week after surgery.
Cyclobenzaprine (Muscle Relaxant, 10mg) 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/stretched. This can lead to spasms and pain. A muscle relaxant will help to break that spasm and can help you sleep better.
Medication Schedule
A proposed schedule has been supplied in order to simplify the scheduling of medication. We understand there are a lot of medications to follow, but rest assured, we believe Multi-Modal therapy provides the greatest comfort and decreases post-operative nausea, drowsiness, and constipation. If your pain has become severe or additional recommendations are needed, do not hesitate to contact our office.
| Medication | Multi-Modal Therapy Schedule |
|---|---|
| Tylenol (1000mg) | 4AM, 10AM, 4PM, 10 PM |
| Ibuprofen (600mg) | 4AM, 10AM, 4PM, 10 PM |
| Gabapentin (100mg) | 6AM, 2PM, 10PM |
| Tramadol (50mg) | 4AM, 10AM, 4PM, 10PM |
| Oxycodone (5mg) | 4AM, 8AM, 12PM, 4PM, 8PM, 12AM |
| Singulair (10mg) | 4AM, 10AM, 4PM, 10PM |
| Cyclobenzaprine (10mg) | 4AM, 12PM, 8PM |
| Doxycycline (100mg) | 10AM, 10PM |
| Zofran (4mg) | 6AM, 2PM, 10PM |
Follow Up Schedule
1 Week
Some bruising will be present as it fades to a yellow color tone from the original purple – not everyone bruises. I want to make sure you are comfortable, progressing well, are showing no signs of infection, and are having bowel movements. Nothing more frustrating than being sore from surgery and constipated, trust me!
1 Month
Your incisions are healing well but will still appear redder around the surrounding skin. Overall, you will be feeling great!
3 Weeks
You will be enjoying the results of your surgery! The incisions are fading and will continue to improve all the way until one year after surgery.
6 Months
Feeling good, looking good! There are small nuances that we want to make sure are still progressing well.
1 Year
“Why do I have to see the doctor?” I want to ensure you have healed well and we have improved your quality of life. It is at this point your incisions will appear faint.
1 Week
Some bruising will be present as it fades to a yellow color tone from the original purple – not everyone bruises. I want to make sure you are comfortable, progressing well, are showing no signs of infection, and are having bowel movements. Nothing more frustrating than being sore from surgery and constipated, trust me!
1 Month
Your incisions are healing well but will still appear redder around the surrounding skin. Overall, you will be feeling great!
3 Weeks
You will be enjoying the results of your surgery! The incisions are fading and will continue to improve all the way until one year after surgery.
6 Months
Feeling good, looking good! There are small nuances that we want to make sure are still progressing well.
1 Year
“Why do I have to see the doctor?” I want to ensure you have healed well and we have improved your quality of life. It is at this point your incisions will appear faint.
Questions & Concerns
I am overjoyed and grateful to be part of your journey. I do not take this responsibility lightly. As questions and concerns arise, I expect you to contact me and my staff under any circumstances (925) 966-3920. This is a journey that is best done together. I look forward to caring for you and your family.
