Hi! I just had my surgery about 48 hours ago and just took my bandages off as directed by my doctor. However, I am having trouble bandaging the area as well as the doctor did it. It feels slightly loose and I am worried that I did not bandage the area correctly. How do you recommend bandaging the area? Thanks so much.
December 27, 2014
Answer: Rebandaging breasts after reduction surgery. I would simply follow your surgeon's (or his/her nurse's) recommendations. Your incisions are pretty much sealed by 48-72 hours, and the dressings are simply there to absorb any blood or serous drainage that might come from not-yet-sealed incisions. Shower gently with tepid (not too hot) water and do not soak or scrub. Do this only if so allowed by your surgeon, but in the absence of healing difficulties this should be fine as long as you shower (not bathe) quickly and gently. Some surgeons might have you apply Bacitracin to any tiny remaining opening that still has drainage, but ointment on already-sealed incisions is not helpful and can actually cause allergic reactions that look like infection! Gauze dressings can absorb any drainage and protect the incisions from irritation. A soft cotton bra (or surgical bra supplied after surgery) is all that is needed to hold any bandages in place. You will not cause problems or infection if your bandages are imperfect.When in doubt, call your surgeon for specific advice. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen
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December 27, 2014
Answer: Rebandaging breasts after reduction surgery. I would simply follow your surgeon's (or his/her nurse's) recommendations. Your incisions are pretty much sealed by 48-72 hours, and the dressings are simply there to absorb any blood or serous drainage that might come from not-yet-sealed incisions. Shower gently with tepid (not too hot) water and do not soak or scrub. Do this only if so allowed by your surgeon, but in the absence of healing difficulties this should be fine as long as you shower (not bathe) quickly and gently. Some surgeons might have you apply Bacitracin to any tiny remaining opening that still has drainage, but ointment on already-sealed incisions is not helpful and can actually cause allergic reactions that look like infection! Gauze dressings can absorb any drainage and protect the incisions from irritation. A soft cotton bra (or surgical bra supplied after surgery) is all that is needed to hold any bandages in place. You will not cause problems or infection if your bandages are imperfect.When in doubt, call your surgeon for specific advice. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen
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December 27, 2014
Answer: Breast Reduction Dressings Thank you for your post. Every Plastic Surgeon has their own formula for post-operative dressings and it is best to ask your surgeon directly about his/ her recommendations. In my practice, I use very minimal dressings - micropore tape (paper tape) placed along the incision lines and a supportive bra. I leave the tape for 10-14 days but let my patients shower immediately. It is a good idea to have the incision lines covered early on but the exact dressing is not so important. Having a loose dressing is better than an excessively tight dressing that may impair skin circulation and healing. Good luck.
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December 27, 2014
Answer: Breast Reduction Dressings Thank you for your post. Every Plastic Surgeon has their own formula for post-operative dressings and it is best to ask your surgeon directly about his/ her recommendations. In my practice, I use very minimal dressings - micropore tape (paper tape) placed along the incision lines and a supportive bra. I leave the tape for 10-14 days but let my patients shower immediately. It is a good idea to have the incision lines covered early on but the exact dressing is not so important. Having a loose dressing is better than an excessively tight dressing that may impair skin circulation and healing. Good luck.
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