OPEN CAPSULOTOMY

INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING SURGERY

IMMEDIATELY AFTER SURGERY

* After surgery, you should rest quietly for the first 48 hours.

* You should sleep on your back, elevated with at least one or two extra pillows for 6 weeks in order to minimise swelling.

* You should not lie on your side or stomach for 6 weeks.

* Ice should be applied to the breasts for 48 hours and then intermittently for 1 week.

* You may feel some pain and/or pressure; this can be controlled by the medication your doctor orders and will gradually subside.

* Use Panadeine Forte 1 or 2 tablets every 3 to 4 hours, but no more than 8 tablets per day. If pain is not controlled by these, or nausea is present, please contact the Clinic.

* Commence on a light diet as tolerated as anaesthetics can make you feel nauseous.

* Stay in the company of a responsible adult, the first night.

* Do not take Aspirin or Aspirin containing products and no Vitamin E for 2 weeks.

* Recommence Hormone replacement therapy under Doctor’s instructions.

* Do not make any legal decisions after your anaesthetic or under the influence of medication.

* Take any additional medication as prescribed.

* Do not raise your arms above your shoulders or do any lifting for two weeks (especially infants or toddlers).

* Avoid smoking for at least one week after surgery to prevent coughing, possible bleeding and to promote better healing.

* No alcohol for a week after surgery.

WOUND CARE

* Bandages will be removed approximately 3-5 days after surgery.

* After the bandages are removed, you may have a full shower. Until then, have a sponge bath or shower from the waist down with a hand shower, if available.

* Stitches are to be cleaned daily (after the bandages are removed).Clean with Normal saline. Dry thoroughly with gauze.

* Apply antibiotic ointment (e.g. Bactroban) sparingly so that the steri-strips will stick.

* Apply steri-strips to the stitches for reinforcement and support. Cover with gauze.

* Tape breasts inwards and upwards with Hypafix tape daily for 2-4 weeks in order to prevent the breasts turning outwards while swollen.

* A sports bra is to be worn for 6 weeks, day and night, after the removal of the bandages.

* Sutures will be removed in the office, 7 - 10 days after surgery.

BLISTERS - If they appear:

* Clean with saline and apply Betadine.

* Then apply an Opsite or Tegaderm dressing supplied by the nurse and leave intact.

* Note: It is best to leave Hypafix tape off for 1-2 days if the skin is red and blistered to allow the skin to heal. Also, apply a soothing cream e.g. Sorbolene once healed.

* Re-apply tape when the skin is less irritated.

ACTIVITY LEVEL 1 -6 weeks

* Rest for the first week.

* Do not drive the car for 2 weeks. Then keep arms low on the steering wheel.

* Wash your hair without raising your arms above shoulder height.

* Avoid stretching up and raising your arms or upper body.

* Do not lift your arms above your head. (e.g. hanging out washing or ironing for 2 weeks.

* Do not do any heavy lifting - e.g. children, bags for 6 weeks.

* Do not vacuum floors for 6 weeks.

* Exercise is to be restricted for 6 weeks, except for walking and using an exercise bike or light leg weights.

* Avoid fast walking as bouncing and arm movements can increase swelling and bruising.

* Do not sit in the sun or get overheated for 4 weeks as this could cause excessive swelling and scarring.

* Nipple sensation may be adversely affected temporarily or rarely permanently.

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

CALL IF YOU HAVE

* Severe pains not responding to pain killers.
* More swelling and/or pain in one side than the other.
* If bandages seem too tight.
* If any other question or problem arises.
* Please call the office for routine questions and to schedule follow-up visits.

To purchase prior to surgery for dressings:

• Normal saline - 500 ml.
• Cotton buds.
• Gauze - packet of 100, 7.5 cm x 7.5 cm approx.
• Steri-strips - ½ inch wide x 10 packs.
• Telfa or Melolin (large) x 20, 10 cm x 20 cm.
• Ice packs or ice gel.

For Emergencies ONLY call 016 288 699

20 Manning Road, Double Bay N.S.W. Sydney, Australia Tel: Intl. + (61 2)93287044 Fax: Intl. + (61 2)93286036