Pre Op Instructions

1. American Institute for Plastic Surgery
6020 W. Plano Parkway
Plano, TX 75093 972.543.2477
PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
CHEST
Don’t forget to stop the “T” 1 week prior to surgery
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FOR ONE WEEK BEFORE SURGERY
• Take 500 mg. or more of vitamin C daily; take this in addition to any multi-vitamin you may
currently be taking. Do NOT take EXTRA vitamin E (it may cause bleeding).
• Do NOT take aspirin or ibuprofen products one week prior to surgery and two weeks after
surgery. (i.e. Bufferin, Anacin, Advil, Motrin, Datril, Excedrin, Anacin-free) Tylenol is
okay.
• Beginning one week before surgery, you should wash your chest from the neck down to the
navel and out on both sides of your chest to under your arms once daily. Wash with
Betadine Skin Cleanser as provided for you unless any allergies exist to this product.
• DO NOT SMOKE! Smoking can cause poor wound healing and may result in bad scarring. This is
critical 1 week prior to surgery and 2 weeks after surgery.
• Arrange to have assistance and transportation home. The individual picking you up from
surgery should be available to pick you up when called, or a phone number can be left with
the nurse to call this individual at an appropriate time. The phone number for our office is
(972) 543-2477. YOUR SURGERY WILL BE RESCHEDULED IF YOU DO NOT
HAVE A RIDE HOME. Also, arrange for someone to stay with you at least the first 24
hours after surgery.
• You will see the nurse the day after surgery for your post-op visit. Make arrangements to
have someone drive you to the office. You cannot take a bus or drive.
HAVE ON HAND AT HOME:
• All prescriptions given at your pre-op visit need to be filled prior to your surgery.
• Extra pillows to sleep elevated
• Extra-strength Tylenol
• Maxi-pads to cover incisions
• Hydrogen Peroxide and Q-tips for cleaning the incisions
• Triple antibiotic ointment (Neosporin, Bacitracin, etc.)

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THE NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY
PLEASE LIMIT YOUR DIET TO BLAND FOODS AND DO NOT CONSUME
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES THE NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY
DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING AFTER MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT BEFORE
SURGERY!
• Our anesthetist will be calling you the evening before surgery.
• Please shave your underarms carefully the night before surgery.
• Wash your chest from the neck down to the navel and out on both sides of your chest to
under your arms using the recommended antiseptic solution. (i.e. Betadine Cleanser)
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THE MORNING OF SURGERY
• Wash chest area with Betadine and rinse well.
• Wear casual loose clothing; something that buttons or zips in the front. (i.e. jogging suit)
DO NOT WEAR JEANS. Wear thick socks and flat shoes.
• Do not wear any jewelry or make-up.
• No lotions, creams, perfumes or deodorants should be applied the morning of surgery.
• The morning of surgery: Brush your teeth. Rinse your mouth, but do not swallow. No
gum, mints, or candy.
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YOUR SUPPORT PERSON SHOULD REMAIN WITH YOU
FOR AT LEAST 48 HOURS.

3. American Institute for Plastic Surgery
6020 W. Plano Parkway
Plano, TX 75093 972.543.2477
POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
CHEST
GENERAL
• Keep all bandages absolutely dry and in place until we remove them. You can shower 48 hours after
surgery or sponge bath. VERY IMPORTANT: KEEP NIPPLE DRESSINGS SITE DRY! You can wrap
your chest with saran wrap for a shower, otherwise sit at the side of the bathtub and wash your body.
• The nipple dressing will be removed at 1 week. Post op instructions will be reviewed at this time. Do not
tan your incisions for 1 year.
• Use arms as little as possible for one week.
• DO NOT SMOKE FOR 2 WEEKS AFTER SURGERY.
• Sleep on your back with your head elevated using 3 - 4 pillows. Do this for 1 - 2 weeks. This is very
important to minimize swelling and reduce pain. Rest in bed for the remainder of your surgery day. You
may be out of bed the next day, but be gentle with yourself. Walking is encouraged.
• After 1 week when nipple dressings have been removed our nursing staff, dressing changes will be
necessary for nipple grafts: Change dressings twice a day, applying ointment or Vaseline. Compression
will be applied to chest area for approximately 4 weeks.
• The length of time for healing is very individualized. Medicine will be prescribed to help with the pain,
which is usually minimal.
• Swelling, bruising and pain are variable in intensity in each individual and not the same in each breast. It is
very important to keep compression on the chest area for 4 to 6 weeks. This is accomplished with either a
vest or ace bandages.
• Your new post-operative chest will not look like you would expect. You must give it time for it to reform.
The appearance of your chest will continue to change for 4 – 6 months.
• You may wash your compression vest or ace bandage on a delicate cycle and dry on a low setting.
We will call you the night of surgery to check your progress.
For routine questions, please call during normal office hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday – Thursday, 9:00
a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Friday. If you have an emergency, please call us immediately! We will be
available through the office phone number 972-543-2477.

4. Please call if you are experiencing:
• Temperature over 101 degrees.
• Asymmetrical swelling over a large area. (One side chest larger than other)
• Severe black and blue discoloration (bruising)
• Severe burning pain
• Severe nausea and vomiting
• Bleeding