First Day Instructions
- Dr. Yates will reach you through the Symplast app. Send Dr. Yates photos and any questions
- MEDICATIONS - follow the medication instructions. Take the antibiotics until they are gone unless there is reason not to. Neurontin (Gabapentin) is helpful for nerve pain but not absolutely necessary if you find it is too sedating. Stool softeners should be taken if there are any concerns of constipation. Treat constipation aggressively, even with suppositories if you haven't had a bowel movement within a couple of days of surgery. Avoid narcotic pain medications as able preferring either Ibuprofen or Celebrex and Tylenol. NO marijuana while on pain medications.
- ACTIVITY - Get up and walk
- Refrain from lifting over 10 lbs or significant activity for THREE weeks
- Full exercise may resume at SIX weeks
- SLEEPING - No lying on your stomach
- BRUISING AND SWELLING - A small amount of incisional bleeding is normal.
- Bruising and swelling are normal and will last for days to weeks
- A large volume of swelling and bruising could indicate a HEMATOMA and Dr. Yates would need to be informed
- BATHING - You can take the bra off to shower. Water directly over incision is fine.
- SUTURES - The sutures are all internal and do not need to be removed
- TAPE or GLUE - If applied, the incisional tape will be removed at THREE weeks. If there is significant drainage or odor before that time contact Dr. Yates for instructions.
- SENSATION - It is not unusual to have sensation issues early in the healing process, this could involve areas of numbness of the skin or nipple
- Review Medication instructions
- Your next visit is at three weeks. In-person or online.
Three-Week Instructions
- Remove incision tape if it was used. A small amount of rubbing alcohol over the tape can help loosen it if desired.
- Begin scar cream. Apply a very thin layer for 2 - 6 months.
- You may soak in a bath, pool, or hot tub so long as the incisions are closed and doing well
- If your visit is virtual our staff will message you through the symplast app. You will be asked to send Dr. Yates photos and any questions
- You are able to resume physical work and moderate exercise
- Full exercise at 6 weeks
- The breast size can be still a little swollen but nearing the final size
- You may wear a bra of your choice but don’t buy too many until you are closer to the final size after the 6-week point
- Areas of firmness and discomfort are common, massage as necessary
- If you feel you have been treated with exceptional care, leave a review!
- Schedule an online or in-person follow-up visit at 3 months.
Three-Month Instructions
- You have no limitations. Check-in with Dr. Yates with photos and any questions
One-Year
- You have no limitations. Check-in with Dr. Yates with photos and any questions
- Return to the office for postoperative photos
- Leave a kind review