• Dressings

All wounds are closed with dissolving sutures and a waterproof dressing is placed over the wound.

When you wake up from the procedure, you will be wearing a sports bra with no underwire which does up in the front. You can remove the bra to shower the following day straight over the top of the waterproof dressing. DO NOT REMOVE THE DRESSING OVER THE WOUND. Pat the dressing dry after your shower and put the sports bra back on. Please wear the bra day and night for the first 2 weeks.

These bras work well as they are inexpensive and easy to buy. The bras apply some pressure to breasts (to aid with swelling) without the risk of damaging the suture line (as there is no underwire). These bras are easy for the patient to put on and take off as they do up in front – patients don’t have to extend their shoulders reaching around the middle of their back (which could cause some discomfort after breast surgery).

• Medication

All patients are sent home with strong pain-killers. Take these as directed. You will also be given a course of oral antibiotics (in addition to the antibiotics you will be given through the drip during the surgery). Try to avoid medicines that could make your blood thin, like aspirin. Drugs like aspirin can lead to bleeding complications.

• Sleeping

Try to sleep on your back, rather than on your side – you will find this more comfortable

• Arm Movements

Try to restrict your arm movements for the first week or two after the surgery, especially if the implant has been placed under the muscle. Excessive arm movements (especially putting your hands above your head) can cause discomfort.

• Generally…

Take it easy! Try to take at least a week off work – or two weeks if your work involves any sort of physical activity.

• Any problems?

If you have ANY concerns after your surgery – pain, swelling, bleeding, redness, anything – please contact the rooms. You will be given an after hours number to call if needed.