Return To Work: Per your doctor

Driving: It is okay to drive afterwards unless you are taking pain medication other than Tylenol.

Physical Activity: Resume your normal activities when you feel comfortable. Avoid strenuous activity (weight lifting, tennis, etc.) at your surgical site for three days.

Bandage/Wound Care: Remove the dressing the morning after your procedure. There may be strips of tape underneath- leave these in place. They will fall off on their own in 3-6 days. You may shower or bathe the morning after the procedure. Place a clean gauze pad or band-aid over the site for one more day. After this time, you will no longer need a dressing, though many patients feel more comfortable with a dressing if the site is near a bra pressure point). Most patients are more comfortable if they wear a bra regularly for the first few days after the procedure. Ice packs may help relieve the discomfort as well in the first 24 hours.

Medications:

Tylenol: 1-2 pills every four hours as needed for pain

Ibuprofen: 200-400mg every six 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, or severe pain not relieved by your pain medication.

Follow-up appointment: 7-10 days with your doctor. We will call you as soon as the pathology report is ready.

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