To assist in your recovery following your procedure, we recommend you do the following:

What to Expect

  • Expect tenderness, bruising, and a small amount of drainage at the incision sites.
  • The back of your arm(s) may feel numb or sore.
  • A sensation of a ‘tight sports bra’ is common.

When to Call the Office

  • If there is significant swelling, warmth, or expanding redness anywhere on the breast, or excessive redness/itching at the incision site, please call the office immediately.
  • A fever over 101.5°F, chills, sweats, or any flu-like symptoms should be reported right away.

Wound Care

  • The incisions are covered with Dermabond (a sterile skin superglue). Do not apply any topical antibiotics or lotion, as it will dissolve the glue. This will typically come off on its own in about two weeks.
  • While JP drains are in place, avoid lying flat and sleep at a 45-degree angle for the first 2 weeks, or until drains are removed.
  • The JP drains are sewn in place. Empty them 2-3 times a day as instructed at the hospital. Strip the drain tubing each time you empty it and record the output on the provided sheet.
  • Keep the bulb compressed at all times, or the drain will not function properly. If fluid leaks around the drain at the incision site, try stripping the drain to release the clot.
  • Wash hands thoroughly before handling the drains. Never wash the inside of the drains.
  • After the drains are removed, cover the area with a water-sealed bandage. Change the dressings daily until healed (typically within a week).
  • Wait 24 hours after the drains are removed before showering. No baths or hot tubs for at least 6-8 weeks post-operatively, and clearance for these activities must be given by Dr. Nguyen.

Medications

  • Take all prescribed antibiotics until finished.
  • Pain medications can cause nausea, constipation, and disorientation. If you experience these side effects, decrease the dosage or stop the medication. Always take pain medications with food and begin with the lowest dose.
  • For constipation, use a Dulcolax suppository after surgery. If this is not effective, Milk of Magnesia or MiraLax may be used if stool softeners don’t work.

Appointments

  • Your first in-office visit will be the day after surgery, followed by a check-up approximately 2 weeks post-surgery.
  • After the initial visits, follow-up appointments are as needed during the first six weeks post-op, and then will be scheduled at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year before transitioning to annual follow-ups.

Restrictions – Please Adhere to the Following:

  • You may return to work for simple tasks (such as emailing) after 1-2 weeks. Physical work is restricted for 6 weeks.
  • No driving for 2 weeks, or while drains are still in place.
  • No lifting for 2 weeks, or while the drains are in. Afterward, no lifting over 10 lbs for another month.
  • No housework or yard work for 6 weeks.
  • No lifting arms above a 45-50 degree angle for 2 weeks.
  • Compression socks must be worn for 2 weeks.
  • No physical therapy until cleared by Dr. Nguyen, typically about 1 week after drains are removed.