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POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

Clavicular Reduction Osteotomies

(Shoulder Feminization Surgery)

  1. Most patients will need some narcotic pain medication after surgery. You will be given a pain prescription prior to surgery with instructions for its use. More than one pain prescription may be needed. Muscle relaxants and nerve pain (gabapentin) may also be helpful for some patients.
  2. Your inner shoulder incisions will be covered with flesh colored tapes that are glued in place. That is your only wound dressing. All sutures are under the skin and do not require removal. The tapes will stay on for at least 2 and maybe as long as 3 weeks after the surgery. They can be removed when they start to get loose. The longer they remain in place the better it is for incisional healing and ultimately the appearance of the scars.
  3. The application of ice over the taped inner shoulder incisions is helpful for swelling and pain control after surgery, if tolerated, and is of most benefit for the first few days after surgery. Gel type cooling pacs are the most convenient and will be provided to you prior to surgery. 
  4. When waking up and for the first night after the surgery velcro arm binders will be in place until you are more awake and aware of your movements.Thereafter there are no arm binders/slings/garments needed. Self-imposed arm motion restrictions apply with the concept of keeping your elbows close to your side. There are no restrictions for forearm, hand or finger movements. (short arming it)
  5. You may shower 48 hours after the surgery. It is OK to get the tapes wet as they are impermeable to moisture.
  6. When sitting or sleeping having a pillow underneath your elbows is helpful for comfort as it will prevent the elbows from sliding backwards.
  7. For the first two weeks after surgery elbow by the side arm restrictions apply. Thereafter there is two week intervals of increasing your arm range of motion. 
  8. Many patients have difficulty with sleeping after collarbone surgery. Sleeping in an upright position is what some patients say is most comfortable. Whatever supine position allows one to rest and get sleep is what is important. Do NOT sleep on your side for 6 to 8 weeks after the surgery. That places considerable stress on the healing clavicle bone and can result in fixation failure or bone separation.
  9. If you have a sudden increase in pain, notice incision redness or have fevers greater than 101 degree F, please contact the offie at 317.706.4444 during regular business hours or text/call us 317.418.8438 for more urgent issues.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana

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