Pectoral Implants Pre-operative Instructions (1)

• Your Pectoral implants will be done as an outpatient under general anesthesia or Light Sleep Sedation with Local anesthetic, depending upon the surgeon and your preference. You will be discharged about 1 1/2 hours after surgery is completed.
• ARRIVE ON TIME. You should have the arrival time in your information packet or at least confirm the night before and make the proper notation.  If you are late, the surgeon may cancel your surgery and charge you for it anyway. Then the surgery fee is non-refundable.
• DISCONTINUE alcohol, recreational drugs, and smoking several weeks prior to surgery. If your lungs are congested or have wheezing, the surgery cannot be done as the risk of pneumonia and poor healing is too great! If surgery must be canceled at the last minute due to any of the above, you may be charged.
• DO NOT take aspirin, ibuprofen, large doses of Vitamin E, or algae-containing food supplements for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. They may act as a blood thinner and promote excessive bruising. You may use Tylenol or similar medications. See Aspirin List
• DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight on the evening prior to your surgery.
• DO NOT bring rings, watches, or other jewelry or large sums of money to the the surgery center or hospital; leave these items at safely at home.
• If you bruise easily, notify the office immediately and certain medications will be prescribed for you prior to surgery to help prevent bruising.
• Take Vi-Con C (one capsule 3 times daily) or other Vitamin C capsules or tablets for approximately 3-4 weeks prior to surgery. This is necessary to promote good healing. You may continue this vitamin after surgery at the rate of one daily. Also, Discuss with your doctor the use of SinEcch or Bromeliad, a pineapple extract, for added anti bruising and anti swelling properties.
• Laboratory tests or "blood work" may be required several days prior to surgery on patients over 40 years old. Call your surgeon for exact instructions.
• Prescriptions will be given to you at your preoperative visit for antibiotics and pain medications. Have these filled immediately and begin taking them after you arrive at home. Refills will generally not be necessary.
• Prior to surgery, should you develop any fever, chills or other signs of a cold or other infection, call the office immediately.
• Wear loose fitting clothing to the surgery center or hospital. The shirt should button or zip down the front. 

Pre & Post-operative Instructions and photos courtesy John A. Rusca, MD - Atlanta, Georgia

• Discharge: You will be discharged approximately 1 1/2 hours after surgery. Go home to bed for 24 hours, get up only to go to the bathroom. It is advisable to have a responsible adult drive you home after your surgery. Your State's laws may not allow patients to leave a surgery center or hospital following surgery in a public conveyance if alone. They may leave this way if a responsible adult is with the patient and the driver is willing.
• Prescriptions: On your preoperative visit you should be given several prescriptions to have filled. Begin taking the medicine as soon as you return home or as your surgeon instructs. The medicine will last about 4-7 days and will generally not be refilled.
• Bandages: You will have compression bandages on after surgery. Do not remove them. They will be changed during your first office visit.
• Office Visits: Your first post-operative office visit will be 2-3 days after your surgery. Your next visits are usually scheduled at weekly intervals for 2-3 weeks, then at the 6th week, 3rd month, 6th month, 1 year, and annually thereafter.
• Ice packs: You should ice the area continuously to help with swelling. There will be swelling and the more you do this the better it will help it subside.
• Showering: You may sponge bathe 24 hours after the surgery. DO NOT get the bandages wet. DO NOT lift your arms over your head!
• Activity Level: Bed rest for 24 hours with the chest area elevated by at least 2 pillows; this will also help with the swelling. After that you may move about but no strenuous activity. Do not exercise the pectoral muscles for at least 6 weeks.
• Sun Exposure: Do not expose the scars to the sun (or tanning bed) for at least 2-3 weeks after the surgery as severe burns can occur from minimal exposure. Scars must be covered when exposed to sun or tanning bed (so as not to hyper-pigment) until all redness is gone, about 3-6 months. You may use tanning creams.

Pre & Post-operative Instructions and photos courtesy John A. Rusca, MD - Atlanta, Georgia