Breast Lift Surgery Instructions
INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE BREAST LIFT SURGERY
1. To prepare for your breast lift surgery, you should have all your prescriptions filled prior to surgery including Extra-Strength Tylenol. You may switch over to these when you no longer need the prescription pain medications.
2. You can shower or bathe in the morning or the night before your breast lift surgery. You cannot apply deodorant, perfume or body lotion. You may not wear any make-up, jewelry, or contact lenses to the operating room. You need to remove any metal piercings (earrings, bellybutton rings, etc) before coming to the office. It is preferable for you to wear dark, comfortable clothing, (gym attire is appropriate), and flat, comfortable shoes that are not laced. Shirts that button or zip in front is ideal.
3. You must have a responsible adult to escort you home and stay with you the night of your surgery. You should have someone to assist you the first night of your breast lift surgery.
4. You may not drive home after your breast lift surgery and must not leave the office unescorted. You must not plan to travel by public transportation, (bus, train or taxi) home. It is a good idea to bring a pillow and a blanket for your comfort during the ride home.
5. You must not eat or drink anything, (including water, chewing gum or lozenges), after midnight before breast lift surgery. You may brush your teeth and rinse with water and/or mouthwash.
INSTRUCTIONS AFTER BREAST LIFT SURGERY
1. Since your breast lift surgery was done after you not eating or drinking since the night before, you should eat a light snack after your surgery. It is much more important to drink fluids (water, Gatorade, V-8, apple juice) if you are having trouble eating solid foods.
2. If you have not urinated within six hours of your breast lift surgery please call Dr. Diehl.
3. You must get up and walk around the house the night of your breast lift surgery and several times a day to keep up the circulation in your legs.
4. Breast lift surgery can give you some temporary numbness, swelling and bruising in the surgical area which is a normal part of the recovery process. It is important that you do not apply heat or ice to the operative sites
5. For the next 24 hours: do not drink alcoholic beverages, do not make any important decisions, do not operate any mechanical or electrical equipment and do not sign any legal documents.
6. You must take your medications as prescribed.
7. You may shower 24 hours after your breast lift surgery. The incisions may have a plastic waterproof dressing which should keep the gauze dry. If the gauze should get wet, remove the gauze, pat the wound dry, and replace with a clean gauze with a very small piece of surgical tape. You need to keep taping to the breasts to a minimum to prevent any blisters.
8. You will be able to return to sedentary work after 5 days. You should discuss your specific work needs with Dr. Diehl before beginning lifting or reaching. Driving is permitted after 5 days.
9. Light exercises may be resumed after 2-3 weeks of your breast lift surgery. Tennis, jogging, long distance running, and other vigorous sports may be resumed 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. You should obtain a well-supported sports bra prior to doing so. You should ask Dr. Diehl if you have questions about specific activities.
10. You may not wear an underwire bra after your breast lift surgery until the sensation has fully returned to your skin. It can take 4-6 weeks.
11. Dr. Gregory Diehl’s office will give you an appointment for a follow up visit a few days after your breast augmentation surgery.
12. If you have further questions call Dr. Gregory Diehl, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, located in Port Jefferson Station, Suffolk County, Long Island at 631-476-7300.
To schedule a free consultation please call 631-476-7300
