Capsulectomy Pre & Post Operative Instructions

Follow these Capsulectomy Pre and Post Operative Instructions for optimal results from your surgical procedure.

Please Read First

The information on this page provides a condensed overview of key preparation and recovery guidelines for capsulectomy surgery. For complete instructions—including specific timelines, medication details, and aftercare protocols—please download the full Pre-Operative and Post-Operative instruction documents below. These serve as your primary reference for a safe and successful recovery.

General Anesthesia Pre-Op & Post-Op Instructions Video

Capsulectomy Post-Op Instruction Videos

Incision Care Instructions

Key Pre-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Fasting: No food or drink (including water, mints, or gum) for 8 hours prior to surgery.

Transportation: A responsible adult must drive you home and remain with you overnight. Rideshare services are not permitted.

Medications: Discontinue aspirin, NSAIDs, and blood-thinning supplements as directed (typically 2–3 weeks prior).

Lifestyle Adjustments: Cease smoking and limit alcohol intake in the weeks leading up to surgery. These steps reduce complications and support healing.

Day of Surgery:

Shower the night before or morning of surgery.
Do not apply lotions, deodorant, or makeup.
Wear loose, front-opening clothing.

Suggested Supplies:

Tylenol (acetaminophen)
Non-underwire bra
Scar gel (optional, such as Skinuva)

Key Post-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Pain Management: Use Tylenol (acetaminophen) as directed. Narcotic pain medication and anti-nausea medication may be prescribed.

Antibiotics: Complete the full course, even if symptoms improve.

Mobility: Begin light walking the day after surgery to support circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.

Driving: Do not drive while taking narcotic pain medication. Most patients can resume driving safely after 1–2 weeks once they are off narcotics, have good arm mobility, and feel safe controlling the car. Avoid long drives or manual-shift driving for about 3 weeks.

Arm Movement: Avoid lifting over 5 lbs and limit arm use to essential daily activities for the first 4–6 weeks.

Support Garments: Wear a soft, non-underwire bra continuously for 4–6 weeks post-op.

Sleep Position: Sleep on your back with your head elevated using 2–3 pillows for at least one week.

Showering: You may resume showering the day after surgery unless otherwise instructed. Do not submerge the incision in water until fully healed.

Drain Care (if applicable): If JP drains are placed, follow your home care instructions closely.

Recovery Expectations

Swelling & Bruising: You can expect to have some bruising. Most bruises will resolve after about 2-3 weeks. You can expect swelling particularly in the top half of the breasts. This can take 3-4 weeks to improve and the swelling is responsible for the feeling that the implants are high. As the swelling resolves, it seems as though the implants drop into a lower position.

Discomfort: Pain, stiffness, and soreness are normal during early recovery.

Asymmetry: Temporary unevenness in shape or swelling is normal and will improve over time.

Final Results: Become visible around 3–6 months once swelling subsides and tissue settles.

Healing Timeline:

2–4 Weeks: Initial healing and swelling reduction
6 Weeks: May resume light exercise and daily activities
3–6 Months: Full results typically visible

Follow-Up and Support

Urgent Concerns: Contact our office if you experience significant redness, warmth, drainage, fever over 101°F, or persistent pain unrelieved by medication.

Emergency Situations: For difficulty breathing or chest pain, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Ongoing Communication:

For non-urgent questions, please email [email protected].
For urgent matters, contact the office directly from 9am – 5pm at (808) 585-8855.
For urgent matters that occur after hours, please use the physician exchange at (808) 524-2575.

Appointments: Follow-up visits are essential to ensure proper healing and address any concerns. Attend all scheduled appointments unless advised otherwise.

Download Complete Instructions

For full details on medication guidelines, wound care, sitting precautions, and recovery milestones, please download the document below:

Download Capsulectomy Pre & Post-Operative Instructions (PDF)

Download Pre- and Post-Operative Instructions: Surgery with General Anesthesia (PDF)