Patient instructions for breast reduction surgery

1. Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen or vitamin E for 1 week before or after surgery. 2. No smoking before or after surgery. Avoid second-hand smoke. 3. You will likely be discharged to home the same day of surgery. If observation is required, you may be admitted to the hospital overnight. 4. You may have drains placed to allow blood to escape. These are often sewn to the dressings, such that they slide out when the bandages are removed 2 days after the operation. Expect some blood to accumulate on the dressings. If they soak through, call us at 510-784-4070. 5. Leave all the dressings in place for 2 days. Then you may shower, after removing the bandages. You may notice bruising. 6. You will need to purchase a front-closing surgical bra, and bring it to the hospital. You will wear this day and night for the first 2 weeks, except when showering. 7. You will need to sleep on your back at first. 8. You may be prescribed a mild narcotic for pain relief. These may cause nausea or light-headedness, and should be taken with food. You may not drive when taking these medications. 9. No heavy lifting, pushing or excessive stretching for 3 weeks after surgery. 10. You may feel tired for several days after the operation. Iron supplements, taken with food for a month, will help to rebuild your blood. 11. You should not drive until you are not taking narcotics, and your arms are comfortable to make sudden movements. 12. Expect to be off of work for 2 weeks; 4 weeks if your job involves strenous physical activity. 13. The initial breast shape is not the final result. It takes about 4 months for the swelling to resolve and the breasts to settle. If you have concerns about the shape after 6 months of healing, come in to see me. 14. You should wait 6 months to restart mammograms. Be sure to inform the technician that you have had surgery since your last films were taken. 15. You may have glue or tape on the incisions, which peel off in about 2 weeks. 16. There may be some bunching, oozing or separation of the skin below the nipple. This is generally the most troublesome area of healing, but will eventually get better. You may cover this with antibiotic ointment and a bandage. 17. Nipple sensation will usually change with the surgery, and may take many months to stabilize. 18. Scars are permanent. They will usually become pink and itchy several weeks after the operation, then fade. You may apply silicone sheets or Mederma to closed incisions starting 2 weeks after the procedure. If the scars are still quite thick, red and itchy more than 6 months after, come in to see me.

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