BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING SURGERY

IMMEDIATELY AFTER SURGERY

1. a. After surgery rest quietly for the first 48 hours.

b. Stay in the company of a responsible adult.

c. You will have a bandage/dressing on the breasts and you may have drains inserted. The drains are removed before you leave the hospital.

d. Ice packs should be applied to the breasts for the first 48 hours.

e. Lie on your back, not on your side, preferably at a 45? angle. Do not sleep on your stomach for four weeks.

f. You may feel some pain/pressure: this will gradually subside and prescribed medication will help.

g. Diet as tolerated. Start with clear fluids and increase as tolerated.

PAIN & MEDICATIONS

2. a. Pain/discomfort experience varies considerably from person to person.

b. Medication to relieve pain will be prescribed if necessary.

c. Use Panadeine Forte 1 or 2 tablets every 3 - 4 hours; no more than 8 tablets per day.

d. If pain persists, see the Doctor. Call the office (tel: 3287044) if one breast becomesmore painful or swollen.

e. Do not take Aspirin or Aspirin containing products or Vitamin E for 2 weeks.

f. Do not smoke during this period and to prevent coughing and possible bleeding.

g. Recommence Hormone Replacement Therapy under Doctor’s instructions.

h. No alcohol for a week after surgery.

i. Do not make any legal decisions while under the influence of medication.

j. Take any additional medication as prescribed.

WOUND CARE

3. a. Dressings shall be removed approximately 48 hours post-operatively.

b. Shower as normal.

c. Clean all incision lines thoroughly with Hydrogen Peroxide 3% on gauze or cotton buds.

d. Dry thoroughly with gauze.

e. Apply antibiotic ointment to incision lines.

f. Tape incision lines as instructed with wide steri-strips.

g. Cover with gauze or non-adhesive dressing (e.g. Telfa pad).

h. Tape breasts as instructed with ‘Hypafix’ tape, then put on bra.

i. Follow this routine daily for 7 - 14 days as instructed.

j. Sutures will be removed in 10 - 14 days.

ONE WEEK - SIX WEEKS

4. a. No heavy exertion or exercising is permitted during the first six weeks. No lifting.bending or exercise.

b. Do not raise your arms above shoulders or do any lifting for two weeks e.g. Do not wash your hair, hang out washing, or do the ironing.

c. Expect that you may feel tired, restless during the first 10 - 14 days, so get adequate sleep/rest.

d. Only moderate activity is advisable during the first six weeks in order to avoid stretching the scars. You should avoid exercise of the shoulders and arms.

e. Do not sit in the sun or heat for 4 weeks since this could cause excessive swelling and cause problems.

f. Nipple sensation may be adversely affected temporarily or permanently.

g. Allow 1 month to 6 weeks for major swelling to subside and for basic healing to take place.

h. Do not drive a car for at least one week post-operatively and then drive with the arms kept low.

i. Your bra should be worn day and night for 4- 6 weeks or as instructed.

CALL IF YOU HAVE

6. a. Severe pains not responding to pain killers.

b. More swelling and/or pain in one side than the other.

c. If bandages seem too tight.

d. If one breast becomes more swollen.

e. If any other question or problem arises.

f. Please call the office for routine questions and to schedule follow-up visits.

To purchase prior to surgery for dressings:

• Cotton buds.
• Gauze - packet of 100, 7 cm x 5 cm approx.
• Steri-strips - wide.

For Emergencies ONLY call 016 288 699

20 Manning Road, Double Bay N.S.W. Sydney, Australia Tel: Intl. + (61 2) 9362 7400 Fax: Intl. + (61 2) 9328 6036