Your written discharge plan comes first. These instructions must be tailored to your treatment and medical history. For combined procedures, ask the team for one coordinated plan; do not choose between conflicting instructions yourself.
What to expect.
Swelling, bruising, tenderness, and changes in nipple sensation can occur. Incisions may heal at different rates, especially where incision lines meet beneath the breast.
Your care plan.
- Wear the surgical support bra or garment supplied for you. Keep seams and underwires away from healing incisions; ask before changing garments.
- Leave tape, glue, and stitches in place. Check incisions daily without pulling on the skin. Report a new opening or drainage rather than treating it with an unapproved cream.
- Shower only on the date in your discharge plan. Avoid rubbing the breast and do not soak in a bath, pool, or hot tub until the wounds and any drain sites are healed and you are cleared.
- If you have drains, measure each one separately and bring your log to follow-up. Do not put ice or heat on the breasts.
Activity & recovery.
- Take short, easy walks throughout the day. Avoid lifting more than 10 pounds, forceful pushing or pulling, and strenuous exercise until Dr. Papillion clears you.
- Sleep on your back with gentle upper-body elevation initially. Avoid stomach sleeping and direct breast pressure. Confirm side sleeping at follow-up.
Follow your team’s specific instructions for medicines, wound care, and safe movement. Do not drive while taking sedating medicines or until you can safely operate a vehicle and your surgeon clears you.
When to call.
Chest pain, trouble breathing, collapse, stroke symptoms, or sudden loss of vision need immediate emergency care. Do not wait for an office reply or use an online form.
Contact your care team promptly
- Call immediately if one breast suddenly becomes larger, firmer, or much more painful than the other.
- Report a nipple or skin area that becomes pale, dusky, unusually dark, blistered, or cold. Do not wait for your next visit.
- Report fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, spreading redness, pus, worsening pain, persistent vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down. Call sooner if you feel seriously unwell, even without a fever.
- New one-sided calf pain or swelling needs urgent medical assessment. If you also have chest pain or shortness of breath, call 911.
Call 615.730.7500. After hours, follow the urgent-contact directions on your discharge paperwork. If you cannot reach the team and symptoms are urgent, seek immediate medical care.
Stay connected.
Keep your scheduled follow-up and ask the team when to send an update or return sooner. Confirm any dressing, stitch, or drain removal with the office. Return to exercise, work, travel, and skin-care products should follow your individual clearance plan.
Before leaving your appointment, make sure you know your next visit date, medication plan, and after-hours contact instructions.
Sources & References
External references open in a new tab. Your care guide will stay open here.
These references provide general information. Follow your care team’s procedure-specific instructions and personal discharge plan.