Breast Reduction Post-Op Instructions

The following instructions and information are provided to help you through the recovery process. Please review these carefully before your surgery and call our office at (865) 218-6210 should you have any questions before or after your surgery.

Discharge Instructions:

• Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first night after your surgery.
• Do not smoke for one month before or after surgery.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours after surgery or while taking prescribed narcotic medications.
• Resume a regular diet and activity as tolerated.
• Take prescribed medications as directed by Dr. Lucas.
• A pain pump will also be in place for the first two days to help minimize your pain.
• Leave bandages in place until the day after your surgery at which time you may shower and put on the front closing sports bra.
• Wear sports bra continuously except for bathing for approximately six weeks.
• Do not submerge incisions in water for approximately six weeks.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for six weeks, i.e., heavy lifting, running.
• Your post-op appointment will be the day following surgery.

What to Expect after Surgery:

You may experience one or more of the following for up to six weeks after your surgery:

• Swelling and bruising
• Numbness in nipple area
• Soreness and tenderness
• Blood tinged or clear drainage
• Moderate pain controlled by prescribed analgesic and pain pump
• Low-grade fever
• Nausea is common with breast surgery---use anti-nausea medication if needed.

If you experience any of the following, call our office at (865)218-6210:

• Excessive bleeding from incision - some bleeding is to be expected, especially under breast at the T-intersection
• Red, inflamed, painful incision that is hot to the touch
• Thick, green or yellow drainage from incision area
• Severe pain not controllled by prescribed analgesic
• Fever greater than 101.5
• Nausea and/or vomiting