These are the instructions given to Dr. Hudson's patients after a mastopexy.
MEDICINES: take all medicines as prescribed on the bottle. The most important is the antibiotic and you need to take this four times a day. Remember that all narcotics can cause nausea so try to use non-narcotic pain killers like ibuprofen(Advil®) or aceta- minophen (Tylenol®) as soon as possible.
POSITION: it helps to reduce swelling if the chest is kept elevated for a day or two. You might sleep with extra pillows for 2 days.
DIET: for the first few hours after surgery use clear liquids only. This includes ginger ale and other fizzy drinks . Use drinks that have sugar in them rather than diet drinks so you get some nutrition. After 6 hours you can take any liquids. After twelve hours or the morning after surgery begin with a soft diet and later in the day a regular diet.
SEX: you can resume sexual activity when this is comfortable, avoid pressure on the breast for a month. Do not massage the breast.
BANDAGE/DRESSING: I keep bandages to a minimum. If you need any special care the recovery room nurse or I will tell you. Leave all dressings in place for 48 hours. After that time you can remove them and re-apply If directed.Ice can be applied over the top of the dressing but is unlikely to make much difference.
STITCHES: the stitches are dissolvable and do not need any special care. Avoid getting them wet for 48 hours. If you have steri- strips you can get them wet but do not peel them off or rub soap into them, if soap runs on them it does not matter. After a few weeks the tapes will come off on their own.
BATHING: provided there are no open wounds you can bathe after 48 hours. When you dry the area of surgery, use a clean towel and pat dry, do not rub.
SCAR: right after surgery scars are not very noticeable. Usually, over the next few weeks they increase in redness and thickness and then fade over 6-12 months. Some people form thick scars. After 2-4 weeks you may be able reduce the redness and itching using special strips such as Scarguard® available from the office.
SLEEP: you can sleep in any comfortable position but avoid pressure on the breast for two weeks.
EXERCISE: for the first day or two take it easy although if you feel well enough walking a short distance is beneficial. The risk of bleeding is greatest for two weeks so take it easy. After that time you can gradually increase your exercise. Do not lift more than 25 lb. for four weeks. After six weeks you can return to all normal activity but build up gradually. Provided you wear a good bra and strap the breast running and aerobics may be resumed after two weeks.
GARMENT: you will be provided with a wrap at the time of surgery. Use this as directed for two weeks. After two weeks you can substitute a soft jogging bra for a further month. For the first 6 weeks, no bra should have bones or stays. A suitable bra is available from my office.
INFECTION: infection is rare but if you run a high fever (>102 F), or notice increasing redness and pain you need to call the office.
BLOOD CLOTS: a serious risk of any operation is a blood clot that can break off and cause serious medical problems. For this rea- son you should get up and walk around a little even the day of surgery. If you were given TED stockings, do not let them roll down and act as a tourniquet. If you have difficulty breathing or leg pain in the legs go immediately to the emergency room and they can call me.
ASPIRIN: aspirin increases the risk of bleeding but may help reduce the risk of blood clots. Do not use it during the first 2-3 days. after that time although it may increase the risk of bleeding it may be worth taking it to reduce the risk of blood clots. This is espe- cially true if you decide to travel at any time over the 6-12 weeks after surgery.
WORK: this depends on your job. Most people go back to work at 1-2 weeks. Do not lift anything heavy or do vigorous work for 6 weeks.
NO SMOKING: YOU SHOULD NOT SMOKE OR BE EXPOSED TO SECOND HAND SMOKE
EMERGENCIES: if you are having a serious emergency such as difficulty breathing or severe red bleeding go straight to the nearest emergency room and get them to call me. Otherwise call the office. During regular hours they will advise you and contact me. After hours there is a recorded message that tells you how best to reach me. This is not a messaging system, so do not leave a message. Listen to the instructions and dial the number given. I am unable to answer questions about appointments or make appointments. Call during regular hours for appointments on 505-242-0070.