Breast Reconstruction Post-Op

Following any Breast Reconstruction, post op care is of the utmost importance. Here are our recommendations following any breast surgery.

• During the first week, rest or sleep on your back with your arms propped to the side. Do not lie on your side or stomach. This will help your implants stay in the best position during your healing process.

• You should have a prescription for an antibiotic to prevent infection and a pain medication. Follow the instructions on the bottles.

• The surgical bra you wear leaving the hospital has a built in strap. This strap lies on top of your implants and holds them down as the muscle begins to heal.

• Sponge bath only until drains are removed. Avoid submersion of drains or incision sites until drains are removed.

• DO NOT remove the white bandage strips that lie on top of your incisions. They will fall off on there own in about 10-14 days. The longer they stay on, the fainter the scar will become.

• Your drains will stay in for at least 7 days and will be removed in the office by Dr. Salzberg or a nurse. The sutures holding the drains in place are the only sutures that need to be removed. (add link for drain instructions)

• Dr. Salzberg uses dissolvable sutures on the breast incision. There is no need to remove these sutures. Do not be alarmed if a suture pokes through the skin. This can be easily removed in the office.

• Do not panic if your nipple develops a scab, changes shape, or becomes faint. This can occur because the tissue beneath the nipple has been removed during the mastectomy.

• On your first post-op visit Dr. Salzberg or Dr. Thompson will fit you for a bra that you will wear after surgery once the drains are removed. These bra’s can be purchased in our office. (Add link to purchase bra’s)

• The purpose of wearing the bra and breast band is to help shape/mold the breast and keep the implants in the correct position. (Think down and in.)

• You can return to driving when you are off prescription pain medication. Over-the-counter pain medications will not impair your ability to drive.

• DO NOT engage your pectoralis muscles! This means to heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling anything over 5lbs, NO chest exercises such as push ups, and avoid vigorous exercise until Dr. Salzberg gives you clearance.

• It’s normal to feel the pectoralis muscle spasm or shuddering pains in your breast. This indicates that the nerves to the muscle are repairing themselves.

• The return of touch sensation to the nipple varies and can take months to years.

• Please call our office if you have any signs of infection: elevated temperature, redness of incision or drain site, or area is warm/hot to touch.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call us at 1-800-433-7410 or our contact us page.