1. For the first postoperative week, patients should rest and sleep elevated at 30 degrees. You should not lay flat in bed. Thirty degrees elevation can be achieved in a recliner or using several pillows behind you back and shoulders. If you do not have a recliner, you must position pillows in bed so that you will not roll off your pillows and lose elevation. Do not lay on stomach for 4 months.
2. Movement of the arms is helpful in softening your breasts. By moving your arms, this moves your implants and keeps your pocket open to allow for soft breasts. Avoid lifting anything over 5-10 pounds for the first 4 weeks. If you are active in weight lifting, light weights 2-3 pounds with your arms is allowed after 6 weeks. Avoid power lifting for 8 weeks. No heavy pushing or pulling movements with arms for 6 weeks.
3. You will be returning to the office for a postoperative check 24-48 hours after your surgery. (Breast Augmentation may have a post op appointment scheduled 5 days later You may shower 2 days after your procedure.
4. Intermittent ice to the breasts (Breast Augmentation Only) is helpful for the first 24-48 hours. After this time period, we recommend avoiding ice. Most patients find that wearing a bra provides support to the breasts and reduces pain. A Bra will be provided for you and should be worn for the first 2 weeks 24/7. You may take it off to wash and dry. Avoid underwire bras. These are not allowed for the first 6 weeks.
5. Avoid strenuous activity such as jogging, swimming, skiing, tennis for the first 6 weeks after surgery.
6. Begin your postoperative antibiotics the night of your surgery and finish the entire prescription.
7. The following symptoms are completely normal:
a. One side hurts more than the other.
b. The feeling of Rice Krispies to the breasts. This is a small amount of air and will resolve in 2 weeks.
c. Sloshing or gurgling. This is antibiotic solution around your implant. This will resolve in 2-3 weeks.
d. Swelling to the top portion of the breasts is normal. This will resolve at about 6 weeks.
e. Electric shocks, tingling, temporary numbness, hypersensitivity to the nipples, all of which are normal due to the stretching of nerves.
f. Uneven swelling or bruising.
g. Constipation from pain pills. Plan on using a stool softner if you have not moved your bowels in 2 days.
h. Itching from the pain pills is also very common, and we recommend that you take Benadryl 25-50 mg every 4-6 hours for itching. This medicine is available over-the-counter. The side effects are sleepiness, and you are not allowed to drive while taking your pain pills or large doses of Benadryl. Driving is allowed as soon as you stop your pain medicines.
i.Postoperative bruising is normal, and this will vary from patient to patient. Please call Dr. Farahmand’s office if your breasts become:
i.One breast twice the size of the other, one breast suddenly bigger, one breast higher than the other one.
ii.Red streaks extending from the wound, opening of the incisions. iii.Fevers over 100 degrees (fevers under 100 degrees for the first 48 hours are normal iv. Do not take any aspirin products, ibuprofen or vitamin E or any homeopathic medicines 2 weeks prior to surgery and 4 weeks after surgery. Medications for pain and antibiotics have been prescribed to you. If your pain is not that severe, you may take Tylenol.
8. Call 911 if you have swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, chest pain, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, swelling of legs or feet, pain in the legs or feet, rapid heart rate or palpitations, or any other emergency condition.
9. No smoking or exposure to second hand smoke for 3 months after the surgery.
10. No driving if on pain medication or if in pain.
11. Any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact the office: 239.332.2388