Preparing for your surgery is just as important as following the post-operative instructions. Recovery varies from no downtime (Botox, Collagen, Laser, Restylane) to a few weeks for more invasive surgeries. Prior to your surgery, Dr. Mukerji and his staff will give you instructions to prepare for surgery including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days, if needed. As with any other surgical care, post-operative care is imperative in the case of plastic surgery as well. We encourage you to follow the instructions provided to you and to call our clinic with any questions.

• Two weeks prior to surgery stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamins, and herbs.
• No alcohol 24 hours before surgery.
• Have your house in order: pay bills, take out trash, and prepare a few meals so you can rest following your surgery.
• Have some lotion in the house as your skin may be dry after surgery.
• Take a shower, wash your hair, and shave before surgery.
• Wear loose fitting clothes to surgery.
• Do not wear make-up to surgery.
• Wear cotton underwear to surgery.
• The day before surgery, nothing by mouth after midnight.

Pain and discomfort varies in intensity and duration from patient to patient.  Your physician will provide you with a prescription pain medicine that will take care of most of your discomfort.  You will be up and moving within 24-48 hours.  Patients can often return to work within days, and moderate activity can be resumed in 1-2 weeks.  Stitches are removed in the office within 7-10 days.

Call your physician for:

1. Temperature above 100 or severe chills.
2. Persistent nausea/vomiting.
3. Excessive swelling, redness, bruising, tenderness around incision.
4. Excessive bleeding or drainage on the dressing.
5. Severe pain unrelieved by pain medication.

Activity:

1. For the remainder of the day, stay at home and rest.
2. You may be sleepy up to 24 hours.
3. No driving or operating hazardous machinery for 24 hours.  Check with your doctor if you have any questions about returning to work, sports, or strenuous physical activity.
4. Avoid making major decisions today.
5. Do not sign any important papers today.

Hygiene:

1. No baths or showers on the day of surgery.
2. You may resume baths/showers in 24 hours.

Diet:

1.  No alcohol for 24 hours following your surgery.
2. Begin with liquids and eat lightly at first, continue to eat and drink small amounts at a time throughout the day.

Dressing:

1. Keep dressing clean and dry.  You may remove and/or change dressing in 24 hours.

You may experience some of the following symptoms post-operatively:

1. Tightness in the chest area
2. Burning sensation in the nipples 1-2 weeks after surgery
3. Swelling due to fluid retention
4. Increased sensitivity
5. Bruising
6. High breasts.  It may take up to one year for the implants to settle into their pockets
7. Nausea
8. Constipation
9. Itchy skin
10. Mood swings/depression
11. Sensitive nipples

Some things you can do to facilitate your recovery:

1. Apply ice packs or bags of frozen vegetables (such as peas) the first day of surgery.
2. Sleep in an upright position for a few weeks after surgery
3. Do not bend or strain.
4. Massage smooth implants after the first week.  Instructions will be given at your one week post-operative appointment.
5. Drink plenty of fluids and take pain medicine as prescribed.