To provide support and mild compression, you should wear a tight-fitting bra or sports bra until your follow up visit.  We also recommend you sleep in your bra and avoid sleeping on the affected breast.

Keep the dressings clean and dry for the first 72 hours. You may take a sponge bath during this time. After 72 hours, you may remove the outer bandages only and take a shower. Leave any steri-strips in place. Gently pat dry your wound dry and leave open to air. No soaking in a bathtub or swimming, until Dr. Roseman releases you to do so.

If you have steri-strips (white paper tape), leave these on until they fall off on their own. They will slowly curl up and peel. The loose edges can be trimmed.

Avoid overuse of your arms, exercise, and excessive range of motion with your upper extremities until your follow up appointment. This will help to decrease the risk of swelling, bruising, and pain.

If you are given an Arm Sling after surgery, wear this to remind yourself to limit hand and arm activity for the first few days after surgery.

You may resume normal activities as you feel you are able. You should be up walking around your home several times per day after surgery. This improves circulation and helps prevent complications. Walking outside and climbing stairs is acceptable. You can increase your activity as you can tolerate.

No aerobic activities, other than walking, for 2 weeks after surgery.

You will have a lifting restriction for at least 6 weeks following surgery. Please do not lift, move, carry, push, or pull any objects weighing more than 5 pounds.

You may return to work or school as you feel you are ready, with lifting restrictions in mind. We are happy to provide you with a letter.

NO DRIVING FOR 24 HOURS AFTER SURGERY AND WHILE TAKING NARCOTICS.