Breast Reduction Sugery

Pre-Operation

An in-depth consultation (approximately one hour long) with Dr Georgina Konrat.

• Dr Konrat will ask important questions about you and your health (your medical history), examine your breasts, take photographs to aid in the diagnosis of your concerns and help plan the appropriate surgical procedure for you.
• You may be given an information kit to take home. We understand that you may not remember or understand everything you hear in the consultation, so we encourage you to make notes as soon as possible after the consultation, and call or email Dr Konrat with any concerns or questions you may have about the surgery.
• At least one week prior to surgery, blood tests will be taken and pre-operative mammogram screening is recommended if not already performed.
• In order to have the best healing result, Brisbane Cosmetic Clinic recommends:


• Eat a diet rich in vegetables, fish, fruit and salads;
• Commence taking Vitamin C, D, Zinc and Selenium as soon as possible to aid in preparation, recovery and healing after surgery.


• Drugs:


• Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs (Naproxen, Voltaren, Feldene, Brufen or Nurofen) ten days before and ten days after your operation. These medicines can thin your blood and aggravate bruising or bleeding.
• You must discuss any use of ‘leisure drugs’ with Dr Konrat at the time of your consultation, as these could also have an impact on the success of the surgery.
• You must cease smoking for at least two weeks before and one month after your surgery.
• Pre-operative and post-operative instructions are in the brochure provided at the time of the pre-operative appointment, or are sent to you once you have booked a date for your surgery.
• Brisbane Cosmetic Clinic staff is pleased to answer any questions after your consultation, and you are encouraged to return for a second consultation any time you feel it would be useful.

The Operation

• Breast Lift surgery is performed in an accredited Day Surgery hospital under general anæsthetic. Overnight admission is rarely necessary.
• Dr Konrat will make marks and drawings on your skin prior to the surgery to use as guides during the surgery.
• The procedure usually takes between two and three hours. The surgical technique is complicated: every woman’s procedure will be slightly different to the next depending on her breasts prior to the surgery and what she is hoping to achieve.

Post-Operation

• A complete list of instructions will be given to you prior to your surgery. You will also be able to read about the post-operative period in the information brochure given to you at your first consultation.
• After a short recovery period, usually about two hours, you can go home. You must have a relative or friend drive you home from the hospital and it is best that you are not alone at home for the first 24 hours after surgery. You must not drive yourself nor take public transport.
• Some patients will be wearing a special support garment; others may be advised to wear no bra support for the first 2 -3 weeks. Dr Konrat will advise the appropriate course of action for you.
• You are likely to feel drowsy or even sleepy after the anesthetic, and you should rest for two hours when you get home.
• After waking, you should eat lightly and drink to replenish your body fluids. You may go to the bathroom with assistance as needed.
• If you feel fine, light activity will not harm you.
• If you have some discomfort, you will find that placing well-padded ice bags over your breasts may relieve discomfort significantly.
• You may have drains in place. If so, one drain may be placed in each breast at the time of surgery. If fluid accumulates during or after surgery, drains are used to promote fluid evacuation and healing. When the drains are inserted, the bulb at the end of each tube is compressed to create gentle suction. You will be given a demonstration of drain care in the recovery room if you have drains.


• Day One Post-surgery:


• You may experience dizziness or light-headedness, shakes or tremors, breast tenderness, discomfort or a feeling of bruising. You might feel nauseous (that should pass by the morning after the surgery), tired and very sleepy;
• You should rest as much as you need and keep up fluids and healthy meals. Take the antibiotics that have been prescribed, along with the pain medication as prescribed and directed by Dr Konrat. Do not drive while taking pain medication.
• You should not shower.
• The practice nurse will call to check on your progress. If drains are in place, you may be required to attend Brisbane Cosmetic Clinic’s rooms for an inspection and removal of your dressings and drains.


• Day Two Post-surgery:


• You should expect some bruising, swelling, tenderness and soreness.
• You can shower providing you have a carer close by in case you become dizzy.
• Continue pain tablets and antibiotics as prescribed.
• Light activity is recommended to reduce the risk of leg vein clots (deep vein thrombosis).
• Wash your support garment if necessary and when dry put it back on.


• Medication:


• Antibiotics: Keflex (1 tablet 3 times per day). If allergic to Penicillin, another antibiotic will be prescribed.
• For pain: Take Panadol every 8 hours to a maximum of 8 tablets in a 24-hour period.
• Vitamin C: 1000 mg per day.
• Zinc: 1 tablet per day.
• For bruising: Amica: 4 tablets under the tongue, 3 times per day.
• You must avoid: Aspirin for 1 week, strong coffee, alcohol, smoking (for one month after the procedure).
• Most patients report mild to moderate discomfort that is well treated by a combination of medications like Panadol and Celebrex.
• Herbal Remedies: Some patients report that arnica contributes to a reduction in bruising and swelling, resulting in reduced discomfort and edema, and improving healing. Take arnica orally according to the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging.


• You must call at any time if you have:


• Severe pain not responding to pain medication;
• A lot more swelling and/or pain on one side than the other;
• Drains that fill rapidly and have to be emptied more frequently than twice a day.


• Days Seven to Ten


• A visit to Brisbane Cosmetic Clinic will be scheduled during this time.
• All dressings are left in place until this visit unless otherwise notified. Some sutures may need to be removed and all dressings and tapes will be changed at this visit. You will be given surgical tapes, which you should change every week for the next six weeks.
• Lymphatic drainage massage is highly recommended during the first three weeks following surgery, and you will be shown how to do this.


• You do not need to sleep sitting up or lying on your back. Right from the first night, you are encouraged to sleep naturally, turning from side to side as normal. This helps the lymphatic system and veins drain away any swelling and bruising. However, you should not sleep on your stomach for at least four weeks.


• Hygiene:


• Dr Konrat usually uses dressings that are waterproof, so you can shower (from Day 2 on) and pat them dry with your towel;
• You can remove any support or surgical bra for showering.
• You should not bath or swim (i.e. be submerged in water) for one month after surgery.


• Activity Restriction:


• You must not carry heavy weights, bags or packages for two weeks and you should refrain from any other physical activities that cause pain in the surgery area.
• You may not be able to drive for about a week, although every patient recovers at a different pace. Dr Konrat’s recommendation to patients is that they should not drive until they are recovered sufficiently that if they were driving and had a car accident, they could truthfully state that they did not suffer diminished capacity due to recent breast surgery. You must make sure you are recovered enough to drive safely before you get behind the wheel.
• It is never safe to drive while taking oral pain medication.


• Week Six: Post-operative check-up. You will commence wearing a supportive bra, or will change from the surgical bra to a normal bra.
• Month Six: Post-operative check-up. If you have questions or feel you need a consultation prior to this, you will be welcomed.

We want you to have a speedy and uncomplicated recovery. If you are not sure about anything or have concerns, please contact us sooner rather than later. NEVER TAKE CHANCES! Do not hesitate to phone us at the clinic on PH: +61(07)33915710 for advice at any time during your recovery.