Post-operative Instructions

Patients may choose in advance to spend the night after surgery in the Surgery Center or to have a home health aide accompany you home. Otherwise, after you have recovered to the point where you are awake and comfortable, you will be discharged home with a responsible adult. A brassiere-like dressing will be in place. You are to leave this dressing dry and intact until your first post-operative visit to the office, which will generally be three to six days following the procedure. During these initial days, you will be requested to take an antibiotic tablet once daily and to limit your physical activity to avoid lifting or straining.

Following your first dressing change, you will be allowed to begin showering and to increase your activity as tolerated. Most patients find that within the first week they can function comfortable around a home or office setting, but that at least three to six weeks must pass before increased physical activity can be tolerated without discomfort. The best rule of thumb is to avoid any activities that cause you discomfort and to enjoy those that do not.