Breast Reduction & Mastopexy Discharge Instructions

Diet:

  • Start with regular diet high in protein and low in sodium as tolerated.

Medications:

  • Have your prescriptions filled BEFORE surgery and bring them with you the day of surgery.  
  • Take all medication as directed with plenty of water starting the day of surgery.
  • Use pain medication as needed for pain and discomfort. DO NOT DRIVE WHILE TAKING PRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDICATION.

Activity/Wound Care:

    • Keep back elevated on 2-3 pillows or in a recliner for the first 48-72 hours. This is to help decrease swelling and for comfort. Do not lay flat.
    • No heat or ice to the breasts.
    • “Sloshing” may be heard.  This is normal.
    • The day after surgery, it is okay to remove the surgical garment and any gauze pads to take a shower. Leave the brown episeals on.   After showering, pat dry and replace surgical garment, with additional padding, if needed
    • Keep surgical bra on for 23 hours a day for 3 weeks. May take off for one hour a day to shower and then put back on. Use bra for 3 weeks 23 hours/day, then for all activity; any supportive bra is OK.
    • No underwire bras for 6 weeks.
    • Do not remove brown episeals.  All sutures are under the skin and dissolvable.  The strips will be removed by Dr. Church or his staff.  
    • It is not uncommon to have an opening below the breasts where the two incisions meet, even up to one-month post op.  
  • If one breast becomes noticeably larger than the other or if a large, bruised area appears unilaterally within the first 48 hours, call the office 910-338-5900 immediately.  
  • No lotion or ointment to surgical incision areas for one week.
  • No lifting heavier than 10 pounds or increasing heart rate for at least 3 weeks after surgery. No exercise until cleared by Dr. Church.

Post-op Visits:

  • Post-op visits are very important. Follow up with scheduled appointment. If you were not given a follow-up appointment, please call the office within 24 hours of your procedure to arrange an appointment.
  • You will be seen again as follows: 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and as needed.

Additional Discharge Instructions:

    • Do not drive, operate mechanical equipment, or make important decisions for at least 24 hours after your surgery.
  • IF YOU HAVE AN IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 911
  • Please call the office at (910) 338-5900 if you experience any of the following:
    • Rash or hives
    • Fever of 101 or greater
    • Persistent nausea or vomiting
  • If it is after hours, please call the office telephone number, you will be directed to the doctor or nurse on call.
  • If you have questions or concerns that are not an emergency, please call the office telephone number from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM Monday thru Friday, or leave a message on our voice mail after hours.

Thank you for choosing la Belle vie Plastic Surgery for your cosmetic procedure!