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PATIENT DIRECTIONS

PATIENT DIRECTIONS

Common instructions regarding operations

After you have scheduled your surgery, please follow these guidelines. Please note: these are only general guidelines. Always follow our instructions carefully and contact us if you have any questions or run into any problems before or after your surgery.

Preoperative tests

Be prepared to divulge all medical information. All the patients have to take preoperative tests and physical examination prior to the procedure. operation. Surgery planning begins with an overall evaluation to ensure you are healthy enough. This will include information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, pregnancies, previous surgeries and medications that you currently take. It is important for you to provide complete information. A mammogram and/or ultrasound are required for any female for any type of breast surgery. You also have to take baseline blood tests and in so cases ECG is necessary to evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors. You are responsible for having the written results with you when you arrive at the hospital.

2 weeks before the procedure : Do not take any products containing aspirin, ibuprofen or Vitamin E. Refrain from all nicotine products, including cigarettes, pipe tobacco, chew or nicotine patch. Nicotine interferes with healthy circulation and may affect the result of your surgery. It also places you at higher risk of complication when receiving anesthesia. Do not drink alcohol for 1 week before and after surgery.

One day before your Surgery

Pack your bag the night before surgery. Bring any personal items that you might need. You should not wear any jewelry on the day of the procedure. Bring comfortable clothes to wear after the procedure. Prepare your home for your recovery. A few tips: Have your house already cleaned; have oversized, clean clothes that open at the front readily available; Consider making arrangements for your parents or in-laws to watch your children or pets during your recovery if possible. The most important thing is for you to relax.

The Day of Your Surgery

Do not wear tight fitting undergarments, pantyhose or girdles, to surgery. Instead, wear clean, loose fitting clothes that open at the front and can be easily slipped back on after surgery. Sweat pants and oversized shirts are ideal. Wear slip on shoes as well. Do not bring jewelry or valuables to surgery and do not wear make-up or perfume on the day of surgery. Please re-read the Patient Information Package provided. Shower with anti-bacterial soap the morning of your surgery. Wash your breasts and under your arms thoroughly. Do not apply any moisturizers, deodorant, talcum powder or other products afterwards. Do not use hairspray or perfume. Call us if you develop a cold, sore throat, fever or other illness before surgery. Fill out the personal information sheet provided and give it to a nurse.

The operation is performed under local anesthesia, intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you. It is very important not to eat or drink anything (not even water, gum or mints) for a minimum of 6 hours prior to surgery. Usually a general anesthetic is administered which means you will be asleep throughout the procedure. When surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. Gauze or other dressings may be applied to the operated area and covered with tape or an elastic bandage.

Immediately After Surgery - your recovery

You will notice swelling and bruising, which is to be expected. The bruising and much of the swelling will disappear over a period of weeks. However, it may be months before all swelling subsides and you see the final result. Be prepared to rest in bed for the first 24 hours after surgery. Drink plenty of fluids, and begin to eat lightly. Any sensation of nausea should pass by the morning after your surgery. You may also notice some numbness over some parts of the operated area, and this may persist for several months. Incisions will initially be red or pink in color. They will remain this way for many months following surgery and may even appear to worsen before they finally begin to fade. It is important to realize that there will be some, however faded, permanent incision lines. It is also important to realize that the time for recovery varies greatly among individuals. Straining, bending and lifting must be avoided, since these activities might cause increased swelling or even bleeding.

Everyone heals differently. You will be provided with effective medication for postoperative discomfort and pain. The sutures will be removed 7-10 days after surgery. After surgery, it is often possible to return to work within 2-14 days, depending on your occupation and the surgery performed operation. You cannot exercise for 4 weeks after surgery. Avoid any activities that cause pain or discomfort. Some procedures require a supportive bra, which is provided from the hospital. You have to wear it for 4 week after surgery. It is advised you do not sleep on your stomach for 4 weeks after the surgery. You may sleep on your back or on your side, but do not sleep on your stomach for 4 weeks. Please follow the additional postoperative instructions you will be given in written.

Washing

You can start showering on the first postoperative day after surgery. When taking a shower, remove the bra and tensor bandage. Take off the gauze that is taped over your incision. Wet and soap yourself everywhere, including your incisions. Pat yourself dry using a towel (do not rub) and put your bra back on. This daily routine will help keep the incisions clean, and will promote wound healing. You should expect some drainage during the first 24 hours. You may change the gauze pads as needed. Keep the dressing dry.

Do not submerge yourself in a bath, swimming pool, or sauna for 4 weeks. Avoid touching your incision. Bacteria from your hands could get on/in the incision and possibly cause an infection. Avoid direct sunlight to the incision for at least 4 month.

You will return to our Helsinki office for follow-up visit 6 months postoperative. If you have questions or concerns during your recovery, or need additional information at a later time, you should contact us.

Please note

Don’t hesitate to report any unusual or concerning changes. With any surgery, an infection may occur. Generally, infections usually make themselves known within a few days to a few weeks following surgery, however, it is possible for them to occur at any time after surgery. Typically, symptoms include fever, swelling, tenderness, and inflammation (redness). Thankfully, most infections can be treated with antibiotics.

Call our offices if you develop
any of the following

Fever of 37,5 degrees C or higher, swelling, redness, bleeding, and/or foul drainage from an incision site.

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