• Following the procedure you will be wrapped in an ACE bandage or surgical bra. You will leave this in place for 48 hours, then change to a comfortable sports bra or surgical bra recommended by Dr. Mecham. A bra that zips or opens in front is recommended. No underwire bra for six weeks following surgery.

• For the first 24 hours after surgery, stop and assess the nipples every 4 hours, while awake. If you notice a significant change in the color, or darkening, please contact your doctor immediately.

• You may shower 48 hours after surgery. No bathing or soaking in a tub. Allow the water to run over the breasts, and pat dry with a clean towel each time.

• You will have steri-strips or a surgical glue/tape over the incisions. Those will stay in place until your first post-operative visit.

• No swimming or submerging in water for 6 weeks after surgery.

• If you have a drain: measure, empty and record drain output. Strip the line to help prevent clotting. When drains have an output of 25cc or less in a 24-hour period for 3 days in a row, they can be pulled. If this does not occur during a post-operative visit, please call the office and ask for Dr. Mecham’s nurse. You will schedule a visit with her for drain removal.

• Do not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for 6 weeks.

• Keep gauze or pads over incisions while wearing surgical bra/clothing. This will help prevent irritation of the incisions.

• Frequent ambulation and movement is critical after surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots. Please get up and walk for a few minutes every two hours while awake.

• Take medications as prescribed. Refer to list of medications given at your pre-op appointment.

• DO NOT take Ibuprofen/Advil or other anti-inflammatory medications while on Celebrex (Celecoxib).

• Do not drive while on narcotics.

Please call the office if:

• There is bleeding that does not stop with pressure to the site.

• There is green or yellow drainage from the surgical sites.

• The incision(s) start to open, widen, or become deeper.

• There is spreading or increasing redness at the surgery sites.

• You experience fever (greater than 101 F or 38.3 C), chills, severe nausea or vomiting that doesn’t respond to medications.

• Worsening or uncontrolled pain that does not respond to the appropriate pain medications provided.

• Severe swelling, rapidly swelling breast on one side, increasing pain, or sever dizziness that does not resolve with fluids.