Nipple Reconstruction

​​​​​​​​​​​​​Back at Home

 

Go to your neares​t emergency department if: you see these signs of infection:​

• Your temperature goes higher than 38​℃ (100​​℉) and lasts longer than 24 hours.
• If you feel chills.
• Bright red, hot and swollen incisions or skin.
• White fluid or pus that smells bad.

• Do not wear a tight bra or tight clothing over your nipple. This helps to make sure that the area does not shrink.
• You can shower 1–2 days after your surgery. Do not wash the area where you had the surgery. You can wash the area around the wound by using a gentle soap. Try to not get any water on the wound.
• No heavy lifting or going to the gym until the stitches are removed and incisions are healed (about 2 weeks).
• ​Patients after this procedure are able to return to work as early as the next day.
How do I care for my wound?
• After your surgery, it is important to protect your new nipple. Your health care provider will put a dressing over the wound. You need to keep this dressing on for 7 to 10 days. Afterwards, you can remove the dressing yourself. Please book an appointment to have your stitches removed in 10 days.
• There are times when the dressing needs to be changed more often. We will tell you if it needs to be changed after your surgery.
  • If you are asked to change the dressing, change it 1 to 2 days after the nipple reconstruction.
  • Before you start, collect all the things you will need (three 4x4 gauze with a hole cut in the middle, a medicine cup, and tape).
How do I change my dressing?​​​​​
• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Put two 4 x 4 gauzes with the hole cut in the middle on the nipple.
• Put the medicine cup on again. Make sure it is in the right position.
• Put another 4 x 4 gauze on top and tape the sides to keep the gauze in place.
• Repeat for once a day for 4 to 6 weeks.
• You don’t need to change the first layer of the original dressing (jelonet) unless you still notice some bleeding. The jelonet is the net-like dressing covered in Vaseline that prevents blood from sticking to gauze.

You will be given dressing supplies when you go home. You can also buy dressing supplies at your local pharmacy or health supply store.

Who do I call if I experience complications?​​​​​

Go to your nearest emergency department​ if you see these signs of infection:

• Your temperature goes higher than 38​℃ (100​​℉) and lasts longer than 24 hours.
• If you feel chills.
• Bright red, hot and swollen incisions or skin.
• White fluid or pus that smells bad.
Who do I call with general post-operative questions?

The Nurse Coordinator is your first place to call for post-operative questions:

​Agnes Wisniewski, RN, BScN, MN
Phone:​ 416 340 4800 ext. 5161

You can also call your surgeon’s office​ for more information.

If you have concerns regarding your breast reconstruction, please call your surgeon’s office or go to the emergency department at the hospital where you had your operation.​