After you are sent off to the recovery room, you will be monitored for a few hours to ascertain you do not have a delayed negative reaction to the anesthetics, possible hematoma or other forms of hemorrhaging.  You will sometimes feel cold and may even experience rigors (shivering).  Many times this is due to the epinephrine which was used as a vasoconstrictor, not to mention, the temperature in these sterile environments are usually kept very low.  You may ask for an extra blanket if you find that you are uncomfortable.

You may also begin to experience some discomfort in your chest and abdomen area as the local anesthetic wears off.  You may certainly ask for one of your pain relievers is this is the case.  You should not expect any type of pain that can not be relieved with your pain medications.  Although, pain thresholds often vary from patient to patient.  

It is quite possible that you may feel nauseated from the anesthesia and medications.  Although usually Light Sleep anesthesia does not cause sickness in most individuals unlike General anesthesia.  A few sips of cool water and perhaps some soda crackers help help to ease any sickness you might feel.  You may find that you become nauseated after you take your pain medications as well, especially on an empty stomach.  This is sometimes the case since you will be asked to refrain from food or non-clear liquids from 6 to 8 hours before your surgery.

After you are released from the Surgery Center you will be driven home by your selected caretaker.  It is best to have a post-operative traveling kit with you in the car.  You may gather these items in advance and have your caretaker set this up after your surgery is underway.  This kit will certainly help for a more comfortable ride home.  These items may include:

• pillows to arrange around you in the vehicle for support and comfort

• a small, warm blanket

• a medium-sized plastic bucket with a lid in case you get sick on the way home

• bottled water

• soda crackers or low sodium crackers

Once you are home you will have hopefully set up a recovery area.  This recovery area may consist of a recliner or bed with several fluffy pillows for support and elevation, bottled water, medications, a cordless phone, remote controls, books or a lap top, crackers and a medium-sized plastic bucket with a lid in the event you become nauseated.  Perhaps you may want to have an intercom system or a bell in case you need your caretaker while they are in the other room. 

Think ahead and determine what you may need during your recovery.  If you believe there is a possibility you may need an item, put it in easy reach.  You will not be able to bend over or raise your arms right away.  You will have to take it easy for a few days.  With T.U.B.A., many patients report feeling better within 3 to 4 days, even though this may be the case you are still healing.  Take it easy.  Listen to your body and most certainly abide by your surgeon's post-operative instructions.

You will return to your surgeon's office within a few days if there was a drain placed. This drain will be removed by your surgeon.  You should not take a bath or otherwise sit in standing water until your incision is has closed and healed.  Doing so could promote an infection.  Although sponge baths are recommended, if you simply must shower, you may do so when you fell up to it. However, standing up for any period of time while medicated may be dangerous.  Be sure to have either your caretaker help you or use the support of a recovery shower chair or if you are fortunate to have a built in in your shower.  

There will be many changes in the next few weeks during the healing phase.  You may experience loss of sensitivity, sensations of heat or cold, experience sharp pains or sensations of crawling skin.  Your breasts may be bruised, appear pointy, asymmetrical, flat, too big, too small, too high, too low and a host of other complaints.  You must have patience during the healing phase--especially with sub-pectoral placement of the implants.  With sub pectoral implant placement you will experience more soreness, tense muscles, spasms as well as your breasts may appear constricted due to the pressure of these muscles.  This will pass.  Your muscles have been through trauma during the dissection and must be expected to healed before all is back to normal.  If you need anything during any phase of your recovery do not hesitate to call your surgeon at any time.