ITEMS TO PURCHASE BEFORE SURGERY

** A SURGICAL BRA WILL BE PROVIDED TO YOU AT THE TIME OF SURGERY **

We also recommend you purchase an extra front closure sports bra to be worn post-operatively.  A bra that closes in the front will be easier to wear after surgery.  We do not recommend an under wire bra for the first six (6) months after surgery as the wire may be irritating to the incisions.

Your new bra size will be larger cup size but the chest size (34, 36, 38) will be the same as this number corresponds to the chest size directly under the breast.  These bras come in chest size.

(We have found that Walmart and Meijers have the best pricing)  Sport Bestform-Cotton/spandex with double layered front, for comfort and support, with convenient front closure.

Further instructions will be given to you after surgery.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (269) 372-3000

ITEMS TO PURCHASE BEFORE SURGERY

Bra – We recommend a sports bra with a wide band.  One that snaps or velcros in the front for comfort and ease.  These come in your chest width around so purchase the same size you currently wear.  If the bra your looking at has a cup size, purchase the C/D cup.

(We have found that Walmart and Meijers have the best pricing)  Bestform Sport (Low Impact Series)  EASY TO LIVE IN,  cotton/spandex with double layered front  for added support and convenient front closure.

Gauze or Light Day napkins to cover incisions and absorb drainage.

Hydrogen peroxide and cotton pads to clean your incisions.

Bacitracin antibiotic ointment to coat incisions – We do not recommend using Neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (269) 372-3000

ITEMS TO PURCHASE BEFORE SURGERY

We recommend a support garment/panty for after surgery to help support the abdomen and to help reduce swelling.  This garment should feel quite snug to fit pre-operatively, as your abdomen will be smaller after surgery.

It is best to purchase a garment that sits high up on the abdomen to avoid it from rolling and causing discomfort.  Full body shapers are available that includes a bra as well.  These garments can be found at Kohls, Target, Walmart.  The price ranges from $10 - $30.  ie: Maidenform® Control It™ Firm Control Waist Nipper Brief.

You will be instructed when to start wearing your support garment.

In addition to the garment you will need:

1. Hydrogen peroxide to clean incisions.
2. Gauze pads or light day napkins to cover incisions and absorb drainage
3. Bacitracin antibiotic ointment to coat incisions 0 We do not recommend using Neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment.

Further instructions will be given to you at your post-operative appointment.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (269) 372-3000

SHOWER: Keep nasal splint dry
ICE: To eyes, 1st 8 hours until nighttime sleep or for “comfort”
ELEVATE: Head of Bed elevated 45 degrees
SNUFFER: Change snuffer PRN
Note amount and color of drainage
Serious to clear, thin drainage may be copious for several days
Thick, clots and dark red drainage needs to be reported to your physician.

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS

Encourage patient to breathe through his/her mouth.
You or your family member will be instructed how to change snuffer.
Keep splint dry.  If becomes wet or loose-notify physician immediately.
Do not disturb packing – if begins to fall out or if patient feels packing in back of throat call physician.
Much bruising and swelling is normal around tyes.
Avoid bumping nose.
Avoid sneezing.  Your nose will expel nasal packs.  If necessary, sneezed with the mouth open.
Comfort measure – Always keep large ice water at bedside to drink in the middle of the night.  Throat becomes extremely dry when sleeping.
OK to use nasal decongestant (e.g. Sudafed) for comfort.
Avoid any products with aspirin.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (269) 372-3000

Dressing: Do not disturb dressing. Keep dressing dry.
Bath only.  Do not shower.
Apply ice for the 1st 24 hours.
Keep head elevated at all times. Avoid straining or heavy lifting.
Avoid aspirin or aspirin products for two weeks following surgery.
No driving until pain medication is discontinued, then take short drives to make sure you are comfortable.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (269) 372-3000.

OTHER WAYS TO HELP EASE DISCOMFORT AFTER SURGERY

• Avoid any Activity which uses the abdominal muscle.
• Try not to sit in a deeply upholstered chair or sofa.
• Depend on your arms to push yourself up from a sitting position.

When getting into bed.

• First sit on the edge of the bed then let yourself down on your side using your arms, straighten your legs and roll onto your back.

Getting up, is just the reverse.

• Roll onto your side, near the edge of the bed.
• Pull your legs into a tucked position, and let your feet drop over the edge of the bed.
• Use your arms to push yourself up to a sitting position on the edge of the bed.

DRESSING
Leave bandages in place intil your post-operative appointment.

BATHING
Sponge bath only.
Keep dressings dry.

CONTROLING SWELLING AND BLEEDING
Elevate area as much as possible for on (1) to two (2) days.
Keep chin elevated.  Use a rolled towel behind your neck.
No ice. No heating pad. No hot curlers.  (your cheeks will feel numb).

ACTIVITY
Avoid straining or lifting heavy objects for one (1) week.
No strenuous activity for two (2) weeks.

OTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Avoid aspirin or products that contain aspirin for at least one (1) week.
Avoid Motrin, ibuprofen and all anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) for at least one (1) week.
Continue taking your bold pressure medication, if prescribed.
Keep chin up.  Use a rolled towel behind your neck.  Do not use a pillow for one (1) week.
You may take over-the-counter Benadryl for itching.

Call the office at (269) 372-3000 if sudden or severe swelling of face, or pain occurs.

DRESSING
Leave steri-strips in place (if present).
Any incisions not covered by tape should be cleaned with saline and covered with ophthalmic antibiotic ointment two (2) or three (3) times a day.
Use a lacrilube at night, especially if eyes are not closing.

BATHING
May shower the day after surgery.
Controlling swelling and bleeding
Elevate area as much as possible for one (1) to two (2) days.  Consider sleeping in a recliner.
Place frozen peas, rice, or ice into a Ziploc bag and apply pack to the area twenty (20) minutes every hour until bedtime.

ACTIVITY
Avoid straining or lifting heavy objects.
No strenuous activity for two (2) weeks.
Avoid tasks that cause your head to be lower than your heart.

OTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Avoid aspirin or pro0ducts that contain aspirin for at least one (1) week.
Avoid Motrin, ibuprofen and all anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) for at least one week.
Avoid using contacts for four (4) weeks.
Take over-the-counter Benadryl for itching.

Call the office at (269) 372-3000 if sudden or severe swelling, pain or visual changes occur.

DRESSING
Leave steri-strips in place
If the strips fall off on their own, clean incision with peroxide and apply antibiotic ointment two (2) to three (3) times a day.
If the edges of the strips begin to lift, you may carefully snip these edges off.

BATHING
You may wash as usual.
Do not scrub or soak the area.
You may shower tomorrow.

CONTROLLING SWELLING AND BLEEDING
Apply ice, frozen peas or rice=twenty (20) minutes on then twenty (20) minutes off – for the first hour or two.
If the wound bleeds or oozes, apply firm pressure with the ice, peas or rice for twenty (2) minutes.
Elevate the area as much as possible during the day

ACTIVITY
You may resume regular activities.
Avoid direct trauma to the area.

OTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Call the office at (269) 372-3000 if you have concerns or problems after your surgery.