FAQs

Will there be medications that need to be taken?

The medication that will be prescribed to you should be the only medication you take. You will be given a card that has all of the things that you can and cannot take before and after surgery. Tylenol should not be taken with the pain medication, as the prescribed medication already has Tylenol in it.

Bacitracin ointment can be applied to the sutured areas after a bath/shower.

For nose surgery, Ocean nasal spray or any over-the-counter saline nasal spray can be used when necessary.

What food or drinks should I avoid after surgery?

After surgery, your body will need fluid replacement. Increase your water intake.  Avoid acidic beverages (citrus juices, caffeine) and spicy foods for 24 hours.

For nose surgery, you should remain on a soft low-sodium diet for 24-48 hours to help decrease the swelling to the nose, eyes, and face.

How long does the swelling and bruising last after surgery?

Blepharoplasty (eyelids) —7-14 days for swelling and bruising to go away

Browlift (forehead lift) — about 1 week

Breast Augmentation — The degree of swelling will differ on the two sides and some bruising and swelling may persist for 2-3 weeks post-operatively (likely areas are the armpits and collarbone to the waistline).

Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) — 2-3 weeks for all the swelling and discoloration to go away. It takes 3-12 months before every bit of swelling subsides completely.

When can I exercise after surgery?

(vigorous exercise = raising heart rate and blood pressure, heavy lifting over 30 lbs., or straining)

Abdominoplasty (Tummy tuck) — No vigorous exercise for 6 weeks.

Breast Augmentation — No vigorous exercise for 3 weeks.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid surgery) — No vigorous exercise for 2 weeks.

Browlift (Forehead)— No vigorous exercise for 2 weeks.

Mastopexy (Breast Lift) or Breast Reduction — No vigorous exercise for 3 weeks.

Rhinoplasty (Nose surgery) — No vigorous exercise for 3 weeks.

Liposuction — No vigorous exercise for 2 weeks.

If my breast augmentation incisions are in the armpit area, when can I shave or use deodorant?

Use spray deoderant for the first 2 weeks (after the first 24 hours), and then go back to what you were using before surgery. You may shave as normal.

How long do I have to wear a bra post-operatively?

You should wear a bra as usual. Sports bras work well. During any activity that causes your breasts to bounce, wear enough support to prevent bouncing, as it could cause excessive skin stretching and sagging.

How long will it take for my breast implants to settle into their pockets?

Between 2 weeks and 2 months.

In the first two days after surgery, what will I be able to do?

Breast Augmentation — Be sure to lift the arms above head. Lift normal-weight objects (30 lbs or less).  Drive your car once you are off prescription pain medication.

Breast lift and Liposuction — After 24 hours, you may get up and walk around for brief intervals.

Abdominoplasty — Walk in a slightly bent-over position for a week so as not to pull on the incisions.

Rhinoplasty (nose job) — Limit your facial movements (chewing and talking) for the first 24-48 hours.  Make sure to use crushed ice packs for the first 24-48 hours also.

When can I return to work after my surgery?

Depending on the procedure, patients take about 1 week off if the job is not strenuous.  For breast augmentation patients, it is typically 2-3 days.

At what point after surgery, can I lie on my tummy?

Breast Augmentation patients should lie on their breasts the evening of surgery for 15 minutes, unless they have an inframammary (below the breast) incision. The sooner and more you lie on the breasts the better you will do.

Breast lift patients should not sleep on their stomach for at least one month

What kind of dressings will I have post-operatively?

Breast augmentation – Small tapes will be placed over your incisions and should be left in place until they begin to loosen at the edges (about 14-21 days).

Breast lift – Gauze pads will be underneath breasts and will need to be kept clean and dry.  You may have tape covering the sutures and they should be kept on until they peel off (about one week).

Liposuction – You must wear your compression garment at all times for 3 weeks (day and night) following surgery. Absorbent dressings should be kept clean and dry. Drainage from incisions should cease after 12-24 hours. Compression garments are then worn for 3 weeks during the day.

Abdominoplasty – You must wear a compression garment continuously for 72 hours after surgery and then it may be taken off only to take a bath/shower. Wear the compression garment for 3 weeks day and night, then wear it for 3 weeks during the day only. Absorbable dressings need to be kept clean and dry.

Rhinoplasty (nose job)  – The nose will likely be stabilized with a splint and internal nasal packings and they need to remain in place until the doctor removes them.  There will be a drip pad under the nose that will need to be changed as needed.