PECTORAL IMPLANTS

INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING SURGERY

IMMEDIATELY AFTER SURGERY

* Rest quietly for the first 48 hours. Sleep at a 45 degree angle, elevated with a few extra pillows for the first two weeks to help minimise swelling.

* Apply an ice pack to the chest for 48 hours minimum. (Frozen peas make a good ice pack as they mould well).

* Usually your chest will be taped firmly for 2-3 days following surgery.

* You may sponge or shower from the waist down whilst the original dressing is in place.

* A drain may be placed in the wound to drain fluid for approximately 1-3 days.

* Too much activity in the immediate post-operative period can result in excessive swelling and bleeding.

PAIN

* For pain, take prescribed pain killers every 4-6 hours (not more than 8 per day) as necessary.

* Do not make any legal decisions while under the influence of medications.

* No drinking of alcohol, driving or operating machinery, while on medications or on the first day after surgery.

WOUND CARE

* Prior to your first appointment, remove dressings under a warm shower, which will help to loosen tapes and facilitate ease of removal.

* Shower fully after 2-3 days when the bandages are removed and you have been instructed how to clean the wound.

* If you have a drain, take care not to let the drain hang loose without support. Secure it with tape.

DRAINS

* Clean around the drain site with saline.

* Apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment using cottonbuds.

* Empty the drains morning and night as instructed.

* Keep a diary of how much is drained over a 24 hour period for the length of time the drain remains inside.

* After the drains are removed, you may have some fluid build-up requiring aspiration in the rooms.

SUTURE LINES

* Suture lines must be cleaned with saline.

* Then apply antibiotic ointment using a cottonbud.

* Cover the suture lines with gauze and then bandage firmly.

* Sutures are usually removed 7-10 days after surgery.

SWELLING AND BRUISING

* Expect to have swelling and bruising 2-3 weeks post-operatively and the chest may even feel tight.

* It takes 6-8 weeks before feeling normal again. Avoid excessive exercise and movement of the arms.

* Ice packs will help reduce the swelling and bruising.

EXERCISE

* Avoid lifting heavy objects for 6 weeks e.g. (luggage and weights).

* Avoid raising your arms above your head for 2 weeks - get someone to move things that you use regularly to waist height.

* Avoid upper body exercising for 6 weeks.

* Light walking for half an hour is permitted.

* Lower body work is permitted 2 weeks post-operatively.

* Avoid any trauma as implants can be displaced by direct strong impact.

* Avoid driving for 1 week. (Drive with caution and keep your arms low).

CALL IF YOU HAVE

* Severe pain not responding to pain killers and ice.

* Profuse swelling or any sudden swelling.

* Bright red bleeding.

POSTOP OPERATIVE PACKS

The following are available for purchase as a pack for the Clinic. Alternatively, you should purchase them from a pharmacy.

To purchase prior to surgery for dressings:

• Normal Saline 0.9% - 100 ml
• Cotton buds.
• Gauze - packet of 100 - 7 cm x 5 cm approx.
• Steri-strips - wide.
• A tight lycra top such as a “rash” vest/shirt.

Please call the office for a follow-up visit and routine questions.

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