Return To Work: Per your doctor

Driving: No driving for 7 days. Do not drive if you are taking pain medication other than Tylenol or ibuprofen. Do not drive if your drains are still in place.

Physical Activity: Resume your normal activities when you feel comfortable. Avoid strenuous activity (weight lifting, tennis, etc.) at your surgical site for two weeks. Review arm exercises that were taught pre-operatively.

Bandage/Wound Care: There will be several strips of tape covering your incision- leave these in place. They will fall off on their own in 3-6 days. You may shower the morning after surgery. Afterwards, pat your incision dry with a towel. At this time, you will no longer need a dressing to cover your incision (though many patients feel more comfortable with a dressing for the first few days). Most patients are more comfortable if they wear a bra regularly for the first few days after surgery.

Drains: They will be removed in the office when the drainage is less than 30cc per day.

Medications:

Tylenol #3 with codeine: 1-2 pills every 4 hours as needed for pain

Percocet: 1-2 pills every 4 hours as needed for pain

Ibuprofen: 200-400mg every 4 hours as needed for pain

Diet: No restrictions.

Special Instructions: Some bruising may occur- this will go away over time. Please call if you have a fever greater than 101, chills, redness at the incision site, excessive drainage from your wound, or severe pain not relieved by your pain medication.

Follow-up Appointment: 7-10 days with your doctor.

Please call your doctor at 703-717-4217 if you have any additional questions.