Below are some guidelines for what you can expect after surgery. While every patient is different, these are the most common post-surgical procedures. If you have questions at any time, please contact Dr. Markus's office. Your emotional and physical well-being are our primary concern.

Day of Surgery

• When you wake up in the recovery room, you will have gauze dressing on your breasts and they will be covered with an elastic bandage or a surgical bra.
  
• You cannot shower or disturb the dressings after surgery.
  
• You must limit your arm motions to avoid straining, this means no lifting, and you should be careful with activities like brushing your hair.
  
• Many women will have small drainage tubes placed beneath the breasts to help prevent fluid from accumulating. A nurse will teach you how to manage the drains and how to empty them once you go home. At home, you will need to empty the drains every four hours. (You will be asked to record the amount of drainage and to bring this record with you on your next office visit.)
  
• You may feel discomfort when you cough or move around, but most of the discomfort can be controlled with medication prescribed by Dr. Markus.
  
• You'll be encouraged to get out of bed for short periods of time.
  
• As a precaution, the removed breast tissue will be examined for signs of malignancy.

The First Week

• Dr. Markus will remove any surgical drains and will change the dressings. He will also teach you how to change the dressings yourself.
  
• Depending on how well you're healing, Dr. Markus will let you know when you may shower.
  
• Some of the stitches will be removed in the first week.
  
• You will continue to wear the surgical bra to support your breasts.
  
• You may notice some bruising, swelling, and discomfort, but they should diminish over the next few weeks. (If you believe the discomfort or swelling is unusual, please contact Dr. Markus's office.)
  
• Be sure to pace yourself and rest. You may tire easily, but you will gradually improve.
  
• You can begin to move around comfortably and return to non-strenuous activities. You must avoid all heaving lifting or straining for several weeks.
  
• Dr. Markus recommends that you do not drive for 7 to 10 days after survery.

The Following Weeks

• The remainder of the stitches will be removed in the second or third week following surgery.
  
• Bruising, swelling, and discomfort will diminish.
  
• You may stop wearing the surgical bra, but you must continue to wear a bra day and night for 8 weeks.
  
• You should begin to regain sensation within the nipple and the areola.

The Following Months

• To aid the healing process, you should not wear an underwire bra for three months after surgery.
  
• Dr. Markus will advise you on when you may return to your exercise program. In most cases, this is about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
  
• Your breasts will begin to settle into a more natural shape. If you have any concerns about the shape of your breasts after the first six weeks, please contact Dr. Markus's office.
  
• Incision lines will fade.
  
• You should notice a decrease in neck, back, and shoulder pain.

Post Surgery Tips

• If the skin on your breasts becomes dry after surgery, apply a moisturizer, but be careful to keep your stitches dry.
  
• If you are over 40, you should have a mammogram about one year after surgery.