Post Operative: Breast Augmentation

You should use cold compresses for comfort and to help decrease the swelling
Follow a balanced diet, with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids. Pain medications and decreased activity promotes constipation
If you are prescribed Valium, take the tablets as instructed on a regular basis for the next 48hours. Valium decreases muscle spasm and therefore pain. Take prescribed pain medication as instructed regularly. When the pain subsides after a couple of days, you may decrease the medication to Panadeine and then Panadol
Antibiotics – take them as instructed until finished
Do not take aspirin or any products containing aspirin, as these cause bleeding
Do not drink alcohol when taking pain medications
Do not smoke, as smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications

Get plenty of rest, you may tire easily, plan on taking it easy for the first week
When in bed place two pillows under your back and arms, this will reduce strain on chest muscles
To reduce swelling and lower the chance of blood clots, regular gentle walking around the home is highly recommended
No strenuous activities, including heavy housework, for at least 2 weeks
At day four and five gentle arm movements can be commenced and continue to exercise arms gradually to prevent the muscles from tightening. Avoid sudden movements or aggressive activities
Do not drive until you are no longer taking any prescribed pain medications, and until you can do it comfortably
Return to work in 5-7 days, or as instructed by Dr Zacharia
You will build up to normal activity over 2 weeks

Keep the area dry until you are reviewed by Registered Nurse
Keep steri-strips on, replace if they come off
Keep incisions clean by bathing with Normal Saline, and then apply Vaseline or antibiotic ointment if prescribed
Avoid exposing scars to sun for at least 6 months, always use a strong sun block, if sun exposure is unavoidable (SPF 30 or greater)
Avoid steam baths and saunas for several months

Maximum discomfort should occur in the first few days, your abdomen will be swollen and you are likely to feel some pain and discomfort it will improve each day thereafter
You may have some loss of sensation around the breasts and nipples, this will gradually return over the next few weeks. Some tingling sensation and sharp stabbing pains are not uncommon
Bruising, swelling, numbness, tightness and tenderness of skin are normal and continue up to 12 weeks post-operatively
Final result is not fully realized for approximately 6 months

Day 7 with the Registered Nurse for Wound Review
Day 14 with the Registered Nurse for Suture Review (Removal of, or Assessment of dissolving sutures)
4 weeks after Surgery for Follow up with Dr Zacharia

If you have increased swelling or bruising
If you have trouble breathing
If you have increased redness along the incision
If you have severe or increased pain not relieved by medication
If you have any side effects to medications; such as, rash, nausea, headache, vomiting
If you have an oral temperature over 38C degrees
If you have any yellowish discharge from the incisions
If you have bleeding from the incisions that is difficult to control with light pressure
If you have loss of feeling or motion, some numbness may be present immediately post operatively
If one breast appears more bruised or larger than the other

Call us on 1800 685 438