Post-Operative Care Instructions

Incision care. Check your incision lines daily and call the office if tenderness or pain, warmth or redness, or excess swelling increases. Call if your temperature is greater than 101°F. It is normal for incisions to feel raised and ridge-like temporarily.

Sutures. Your sutures are dissolving and will not require removal.

Spirometer. Use the spirometer given at your pre-op appointment. Post-op day 1: 10 times every hour while awake (and 10 times if you wake during the night). Post-op day 2: 10 times every 2 hours, tapering until you return to your baseline breathing. A low-grade temperature is most likely your lungs — deep breathe, move, and use your spirometer.

Drains. Drains may be placed and brought out through small incisions in the pubic area. Secure the bulb to clothing with a safety pin or lanyard. Before emptying, record the bulb number and amount of fluid, then discard the fluid in the toilet. Call (317) 848-5512 if the bulb fills rapidly or you empty it more than three times a day. Drains are removed when fluid turns clear straw color and/or output diminishes (usually under 30cc per drain in 24 hours). It is normal for one drain to have more fluid than the other. Do not immerse drains in water — no baths, pools, or hot tubs; you may shower. After drains are removed, you may take a bath after 48 hours.

Clothing & dressing. Wear loose-fitting pants, a robe, or a sleep gown. Do not wear compression, tight pants, or yoga pants until your surgeon permits. When you shower 48 hours after surgery, remove all dressings, then shower daily with soap and water at medium temperature.

Position. You may have trouble standing up straight for about a week; place a pillow or two under your knees in bed and continue trying to stand straight. Many patients recuperate in a recliner for the first 5–7 days. Change position and walk around the house every two hours to reduce the risk of blood clots and improve circulation.

Diet. A reduced appetite is normal; bowels may be sluggish. Eat a diet high in fiber with fresh fruits and vegetables, consider stool softeners, and aim for an additional 30 grams of protein daily to aid wound healing. Avoid high-sodium foods for one to two weeks.

Activity. Expect some pain for 10–20 days. Resume moderate walks as tolerated. Do not drive while taking prescription opioids. Do not lift more than 5 lbs for ten days. Do not lift weights or do sit-ups for six weeks unless instructed otherwise. No icing or heat on any area during recovery — you are numb and this may damage healthy tissue. Rise from bed slowly with assistance if possible.

Sun & scars. Protect scars from the sun for a year. Wear SPF 30 or higher; sunlight reaches the skin even through a bathing suit. Sexual activity may resume as comfort permits.

Call the office for shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, extreme nausea or vomiting, no bowel movement for 5 days, or temperature greater than 101°F. After hours, do not text — call (317) 848-5512 and press 2 for the on-call provider.

Incision care & sutures. There will be no dressings. Avoid rubbing or contact with your eyes that might rupture a small suture. Your surgeon removes sutures 7 days after surgery. If the upper and lower lids stick together overnight, open them gently with a moist Q-Tip.

Bleeding. If you bleed from a suture line, apply pressure with a gauze pad for 10–20 minutes; it will almost certainly stop. If not, call (317) 848-5512.

Bruising. Expect bruising for one to two weeks with gradual fading. You may apply makeup plus sunscreen on the eyelids the day after sutures are removed.

Cold compresses. Use cold compresses (gauze soaked in ice water or a gel bead eye mask at fridge temperature — avoid the freezer) for 15 minutes every hour while awake. Do not place heavy ice packs on your eyes, as this could compromise blood supply.

Position. Keep your head elevated with pillows while resting or sleeping for the first two to three days to reduce pain and swelling.

Showering. Shower the day after surgery and daily thereafter. Do not submerge your face; use a washcloth with soap and water.

Diet. Cut back on salt/sodium, MSG, and white carbohydrates to minimize swelling. Avoid constipation in the first week — straining can raise blood pressure and cause bleeding from the eye incisions. Eat fiber, drink juices, or use stool softeners.

Activity. No heavy exercise (aerobics, tennis, swimming, jogging) for at least 3 weeks. Do not lift more than 5 lbs for ten days. Most people feel nearly normal within a day or two.

Sun & contacts. After sutures are removed, use SPF 30+ on the eyelids when outside for at least 6 months — sun exposure can keep scars red longer or permanently. Ask your surgeon when you may resume contact lenses.

Call the office for spreading redness or drainage, fever and/or chills, any changes in vision, or increased pain. After hours, do not text — call (317) 848-5512 and press 2 for the on-call provider.

Incision care & sutures. No dressings. Avoid rubbing or contact with your eyes. Sutures are removed 5–7 days after surgery. If lids stick together overnight, open gently with a moist Q-Tip. Makeup plus sunscreen may be applied the day after sutures are removed.

Bruising & swelling. Expect bruising and swelling for one to two weeks, usually worst on the 2nd and 3rd days, resolving within 2–3 weeks. Complete recovery can take 3–4 months. Apply a gauze-covered soft gel pack (not ice) or gauze-covered frozen peas for 10–15 minutes every hour for the first 48 hours; never leave cold on the eye longer than 15 minutes.

Position & dressing. Elevate the head of your bed for 3–4 days. Small cotton balls on the cheeks remain until your 1-week appointment; if they fall off earlier, that is fine.

Showering. Shower the day after surgery and daily. Do not submerge your face; clean gently with a washcloth.

Diet. Cut back on salt/sodium, MSG, and white carbohydrates. Avoid constipation — eat fiber, drink juices, use stool softeners; daily Miralax is a good option.

Activity. No heavy exercise for at least 3 weeks. Do not lift more than 5 lbs for ten days. Most people feel nearly normal within a day or two.

Vision & medication. Check your vision every hour for the first 24 hours while awake by covering one eye then the other; if you cannot see your fingers and have severe eye pain, call (317) 848-5512 immediately. If prescribed Maxitrol or Tobradex, instill drops inside the lower eyelid three times daily for one week. If you also had outer-eyelid surgery, apply the prescribed antibiotic ointment under the lash line with a clean Q-Tip. After 2 days you may transition from pain medication to Tylenol for milder discomfort.

Sun & contacts. Use SPF 30+ on the eyelids for at least 6 months after sutures are removed. Ask your surgeon when to resume contact lenses.

Call the office for spreading redness or drainage, fever/chills, vision changes, or increased pain. After hours, do not text — call (317) 848-5512 and press 2.

Incision care & sutures. Check incision lines daily; call for increasing tenderness or pain, warmth or redness, excess swelling, or temperature over 101°F. Sutures are dissolving and need no removal.

Dressing. Dressings usually stay in place until you shower the following day. Shower daily and clean incisions with mild soap and water.

Position. Rest each arm on a bed pillow, elevated, during the first 48–72 hours to take pressure off the incisions.

Showering. Shower the day after surgery; do not take a bath or soak the incisions. Pat dry and shower daily thereafter.

Diet. Watch sodium intake to minimize swelling.

Activity. Use your arms carefully and gently until cleared for full activity — usually 3–4 weeks. A decreased energy level is normal and improves with time.

Driving & sun. Drive when comfortable, usually 5–7 days, but never on prescription pain medications. Protect scars from the sun for a year with SPF 30+; take extra care where the area is numb, as you may not feel a sunburn developing.

Call the office for shortness of breath, extreme nausea or vomiting, no bowel movement for 5 days, or temperature over 101°F. After hours, do not text — call (317) 848-5512 and press 2.

Incision care & sutures. Check incisions daily; call for increasing tenderness or pain, warmth or redness, excess swelling, or temperature over 101°F. Sutures are dissolvable.

Dressing. Small tapes cover the incisions. A supporting strap may be placed to hold the implants in position — keep it even and above the implants. It should feel snug like a hug. If too tight or painful, loosen it and call (317) 848-5512; a strap that is too tight can ulcerate skin. Postpone underwire bras until 1 month after surgery.

Position & showering. Sleep in any comfortable position. Shower the day after surgery; do not bathe or soak incisions. You may remove the strap to shower or launder it.

Diet. Watch sodium to minimize swelling.

Activity & exercise. Gentle chest-muscle motion aids healing — "walk" your fingertips up a wall sideways to stretch, and gently massage the upper aspect of the implants downward. Short leisurely walks the next day; aerobic exercise after three days. Do not engage in pectoral-muscle exercises until released. Follow your surgeon's verbal instructions if they differ.

Driving, deodorant & sun. Drive when pain-free enough to react in an emergency (usually 4–6 days), never on prescription pain medication. You may use deodorant the day after surgery, but not directly on the incision. Protect scars from the sun for at least a year with SPF 30+; reduced-sensation skin burns more easily.

Call the office for shortness of breath, extreme nausea or vomiting, no bowel movement for 5 days, or temperature over 101°F. After hours, do not text — call (317) 848-5512 and press 2.

Incision care & sutures. Check incisions daily; call for increasing tenderness or pain, warmth or redness, excess swelling, or temperature over 101°F. Sutures are dissolvable.

Dressing. Small tapes cover the incisions; shower daily. A supporting strap may hold the breasts and implants in position — keep it even. If it feels too tight or hurts, call (317) 848-5512; a strap that is too tight can ulcerate skin. Postpone underwire bras until 1 month after surgery.

Position & showering. Sleep in any comfortable position. Shower the day after surgery; do not bathe or soak incisions. You may remove the bra/strap to bathe.

Diet. Watch sodium to minimize swelling.

Activity & exercise. Gentle chest-muscle stretching (fingertips up a wall) and downward massage of the upper implants aid healing. Short walks the next day; aerobic exercise after three days. No pectoral-muscle exercises until released.

Driving, deodorant & sun. Drive when comfortable (usually 4–6 days), never on prescription pain medication. Deodorant may be used the day after surgery. Protect scars from the sun for at least a year with SPF 30+.

Call the office for shortness of breath, extreme nausea or vomiting, no bowel movement for 5 days, or temperature over 101°F. After hours, do not text — call (317) 848-5512 and press 2.

Incision care & sutures. Check incisions daily; call for increasing tenderness or pain, warmth or redness, excess swelling, or temperature over 101°F. Dissolving sutures need no removal; any non-dissolvable sutures around the areola may be removed 5–7 days after surgery in office.

Dressing. Gauze dressings and steri-strips are applied. Shower the next day and daily; steri-strips may fall off in the shower — that is fine, and any remaining are removed at your 5–7 day appointment. (If you had a nipple-grafting reduction, do not shower until your first in-office dressing change.) A surgical bra may be placed to hold the breasts in position — keep it even; call (317) 848-5512 if too tight. Wear it day and night until your post-op appointment (removable for laundering). Postpone underwire bras until 1 month after surgery.

Position & showering. Sleep in any comfortable position. Shower the day after surgery; do not bathe or soak incisions.

Diet. Watch sodium to minimize swelling.

Activity. Avoid straining or aerobic activity for at least 3 weeks to prevent bleeding, bruising, and swelling. No strenuous exercise for 4–6 weeks. Moderate walks are fine if tolerated.

Driving & sun. Drive when comfortable (usually 5–7 days), never on prescription pain medication. Protect scars from the sun for a year with SPF 30+; numb areas may not feel a sunburn developing.

Call the office for shortness of breath, extreme nausea or vomiting, no bowel movement for 5 days, or temperature over 101°F. After hours, do not text — call (317) 848-5512 and press 2.

Incision care & sutures. Check incisions daily; call for increasing tenderness or pain, warmth or redness, excess swelling, or temperature over 101°F. Dissolving sutures need no removal.

Bleeding. Small amounts of oozing are normal. If more than slow staining of the gauze, apply firm pressure for 20–30 minutes; for rare heavy bleeding, apply pressure and call (317) 848-5512 immediately.

Dressing. Gauze dressings and steri-strips are applied; shower the next day and daily, and any remaining steri-strips are removed at your 5–7 day appointment. A surgical bra may be placed — keep it even, call if too tight, and wear it day and night for at least 3 weeks. After 3 weeks of uncomplicated healing you may sleep without it. Postpone underwire bras until 1 month; an underwire may be worn after scars mature (about 3 months).

Position & showering. Sleep in any comfortable position. Shower the day after surgery; do not bathe or soak incisions.

Diet. Watch sodium to minimize swelling.

Activity. Avoid straining or aerobic activity for at least 3 weeks; no strenuous exercise for 4–6 weeks. Moderate walks are fine if tolerated. Good early bra support helps reduce sagging.

Driving & sun. Drive when comfortable (usually 5–7 days), never on prescription pain medication. Protect scars from the sun for a year with SPF 30+.

Call the office for shortness of breath, extreme nausea or vomiting, no bowel movement for 5 days, or temperature over 101°F. After hours, do not text — call (317) 848-5512 and press 2.

Incision care & sutures. Check incisions daily; call for increasing tenderness or pain, warmth or redness, excess swelling, or temperature over 101°F. Dissolving sutures need no removal.

Dressing. Gauze dressings and steri-strips are applied. Shower the next day and daily; steri-strips may fall off — that is fine, and any remaining are removed at your 5–7 day appointment.

Position & showering. Sleep in any comfortable position. You may shower (even with a drain in place) 24 hours after surgery. If you have a bandage, call (317) 848-5512 for directions.

Diet. Watch sodium to minimize swelling.

Activity. Avoid straining or aerobic activity for at least 3 weeks; no strenuous exercise for 4–6 weeks. Moderate walks are fine if tolerated.

Driving & sun. Drive when comfortable (usually 5–7 days), never on prescription pain medication. Protect scars from the sun for a year with SPF 30+.

Call the office for shortness of breath, extreme nausea or vomiting, no bowel movement for 5 days, or temperature over 101°F. After hours, do not text — call (317) 848-5512 and press 2.

Incision care & sutures. Check incisions daily; call for increasing tenderness or pain, warmth or redness, excess swelling, or temperature over 101°F. Your surgeon removes sutures or staples about 7 days after surgery.

Dressing & position. Dressings are removed the day after surgery. Keep your head elevated to reduce swelling. During the first week, sleep on your back if possible; otherwise any comfortable position.

Showering. Shower daily. You may shampoo as soon as 24 hours after surgery — use warm (not hot) water and your fingertips because of decreased sensation. You may touch the staples but do not pull or remove them; use a hair dryer on low heat.

Diet. Cut back on sodium and MSG. Avoid constipation in the first week — straining can raise blood pressure and cause bleeding from incisions. Eat fiber, drink juices, or use stool softeners.

Activity. No heavy lifting, straining, or aerobic exercise for 1 week. Continue normal daily living as comfortable.

Sun. If you have thin hair, protect the scar from sun for at least 1 year — wear a hat or SPF 30+.

Call the office for shortness of breath, extreme nausea or vomiting, no bowel movement for 5 days, or temperature over 101°F. After hours, do not text — call (317) 848-5512 and press 2.

Incision care & sutures. Check incisions daily; call for increasing tenderness or pain, warmth or redness, excess swelling, or temperature over 101°F. Sutures and staples are removed about 7 days after surgery at your post-op appointment.

Drains. A small drain may be placed under the skin near the temple or behind the ear and removed at your first postoperative visit.

Bleeding. Small oozing is normal. Serious swelling and discomfort from bleeding under the skin flaps is uncommon but requires evaluation — call (317) 848-5512 immediately.

Dressing & position. Bulky dressings apply gentle pressure and absorb drainage. Keep your head elevated as much as possible — stacked pillows turned lengthwise from lower back to shoulders work well.

Showering. Shower daily; shampoo as soon as 24 hours after surgery with warm water and fingertips. You may touch but not pull staples; use a hair dryer on low.

Diet. Cut back on sodium and MSG. Avoid constipation from pain medication and decreased activity.

Activity. No strenuous exercise for two weeks; do not lift more than 5 lbs for 10 days.

Skin, makeup & hair. Skin may feel dry — apply Aquaphor or unscented moisturizer, avoiding incisions and staples. Hypoallergenic makeup may begin the day after sutures are removed. Hair texture may change temporarily and recovers within about 6 weeks; color or perm before surgery or wait 6 weeks. Protect scars from the sun for a year with SPF 30+ applied before makeup.

Sexual activity. Abstain for 5 days, then resume as comfort permits.

Call the office for shortness of breath, extreme nausea or vomiting, no bowel movement for 5 days, or temperature over 101°F. After hours, do not text — call (317) 848-5512 and press 2.

Incision care & sutures. Check incisions daily; call for increasing tenderness or pain, warmth or redness, excess swelling, or temperature over 101°F. Some sutures are removed by your surgeon about 7 days after surgery; some are dissolving.

Bleeding. Some oozing and crusting in the nostrils for a day or two is normal. Use NASAL or Ocean Spray saline nasal spray to help clean the area; remove debris gently with an infant aspiration bulb.

Splint/cast. Do not remove the splint — it protects the nose like a small external skeleton and is worn 24/7 until your surgeon removes it in about 7 days.

Position & showering. Keep your head elevated; sleep on two or three pillows. Shower the day after surgery and daily, but do not submerge your face or get your nose wet — clean your face gently with a washcloth, avoiding the nose.

Diet. Cut back on sodium and MSG. Avoid constipation — straining can raise blood pressure and cause bleeding.

Activity. Walk daily. No heavy lifting, straining, or aerobic exercise for 1 week.

Driving. Drive when comfortable (usually 5–7 days), never on prescription pain medication.

Call the office for shortness of breath, extreme nausea or vomiting, no bowel movement for 5 days, or temperature over 101°F. After hours, do not text — call (317) 848-5512 and press 2.

Incision care & sutures. Check incisions daily; call for increasing tenderness or pain, warmth or redness, excess swelling, or temperature over 101°F. If crusting appears along the incisions behind the ears, apply Bacitracin after cleansing with soap and water. Some sutures are removed about 7 days after surgery; some are dissolving.

Dressing. Do not remove the dressings — your surgeon removes them 3–5 days after surgery. Afterward, avoid pulling stitches or bending the ear forward.

Position. Elevate your head to decrease swelling. Do not lie on your sides for 7–10 days. Sleep on a soft or cutout foam pillow for 1 month. If you wear glasses, modify the temple pieces to avoid pressure on the ears.

Showering. Shower daily and shampoo as soon as 24 hours after surgery with warm water and fingertips; touch but do not pull or remove sutures.

Activity & diet. Wear a headband over the ears for 6–8 weeks when sleeping or during sports. Watch sodium to minimize swelling.

Driving & sun. Drive when comfortable, never on prescription pain medication. Protect scars from the sun for a year with SPF 30+.

Call the office for shortness of breath, extreme nausea or vomiting, no bowel movement for 5 days, or temperature over 101°F. After hours, do not text — call (317) 848-5512 and press 2.

Incision care & sutures. Check incisions daily; call for increasing tenderness or pain, warmth or redness, excess swelling, or temperature over 101°F. Dissolving sutures need no removal.

Bleeding. Use pads or pantyliners for light spotting. Small oozing is normal; if more than slow staining, apply firm pressure for 20–30 minutes before calling. For rare heavy bleeding, apply firm pressure and call (317) 848-5512 immediately.

Cold compresses & position. Apply cold compresses (cool pack wrapped in cloth) to the groin for 20 minutes, 3–4 times daily, for 1 week. Elevate your buttocks with a pillow while lying down to reduce swelling.

Showering & hygiene. Shower the day after surgery and daily; pat the groin area dry, do not wipe. Use unscented baby wipes in a patting motion for hygiene after the restroom.

Diet & activity. Watch sodium. No heavy lifting, straining, or aerobic exercise for 1 week.

Antibiotics, menstruation & intimacy. Take your antibiotic twice daily until finished. If your period starts during the first month of healing, use pads — not tampons. Abstain from sexual activity for 1 month, then resume as comfort permits. Drive when comfortable, never on prescription pain medication.

Call the office for shortness of breath, extreme nausea or vomiting, no bowel movement for 5 days, or temperature over 101°F. After hours, do not text — call (317) 848-5512 and press 2.

Incision care & sutures. Check incisions daily; call for increasing tenderness or pain, warmth or redness, excess swelling, or temperature over 101°F. Dissolving sutures need no removal.

Bleeding. Small oozing is normal; if more than slow staining, apply firm pressure for 20–30 minutes before calling. For rare heavy bleeding, apply pressure and call (317) 848-5512 immediately.

Dressing & position. If steri-strips and skin tape are placed, you may get them wet and dry them like your own skin; if they loosen, removal will not hurt. Because of the incision location you cannot fully avoid lying on them — move carefully, put as little stress on the incisions as possible, and change positions at least every 30 minutes.

Showering. Shower the day after surgery; do not bathe or soak incisions. Shower daily thereafter.

Diet & activity. Watch sodium. Get up and walk some every day. Resume your normal routine as able; strenuous activity and lifting over 10 lbs are restricted until released by your surgeon.

Driving & sun. Drive when comfortable (usually 5–7 days), never on prescription pain medication. Protect scars from the sun for a year with SPF 30+.

Call the office for shortness of breath, extreme nausea or vomiting, no bowel movement for 5 days, or temperature over 101°F. After hours, do not text — call (317) 848-5512 and press 2.