After breast reconstruction, you can resume most of your daily activities. However, you won't be able do strenuous activities for several days. Follow-up visits with Dr. Parva will be scheduled, and you will be given specific postoperative care instructions. To receive updates and to discuss your experience, you should contact the office according to instructions. You will not experience any complications after breast reconstruction. Recovery can take up two weeks.
Post-operative care
You can do a wide range of activities post-operatively for breast reconstruction. After your stitches have been removed, you can resume normal activities. However, you should avoid strenuous activity. You can tell your caregiver what you do normally and make plans around it. Walking can be resumed right after surgery, but driving and housework cannot be done until your drain is removed. Although you may be able to start exercising within six weeks, it is best to wait until your first appointment with your provider in order for them to assess your activity level.
A thick dressing will then be applied to the treated area to reduce swelling. Although the dressing is usually removed within a day or so, it can stay on for a longer time. Some surgeons use wound drainage to drain blood and fluid into small bags or bottles. These drains are easily removed by your surgeon but may require additional care. There will be a few more days of follow-up after your surgery.
Symptoms
You may need to stay in hospital for a few days after your breast reconstruction. Instructions will be provided about what you should do for the following days and weeks. You may feel more tired than usual during this time so make sure to get lots of rest. You may feel feverish, redder, and have drainage from the site of your incision. You may also have to take antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
Another problem that can occur after breast reconstruction is swelling. You may experience some swelling, a condition called oedema, in your breast, chest wall, or upper arm. Swelling will diminish over time as your chest heals. There may be a pulling sensation in your arms. To ease the discomfort, your surgeon may recommend anti-emetics. After surgery you may need to rest for several weeks before you can return to your regular activities.
Procedures
There are many options for breast reconstruction. Each type of breast reconstruction has its own recovery times and preparation requirements. The surgical team will first stretch the skin on a donor site. Once the area has healed, a silicone gel or saline-based implants are inserted. The surgeon fills the area with a tissue expansion, which is kept attached to it for about a week. During this phase, the tissue expander may rupture, resulting in pain and infection. Once the implant is placed, it can be removed or reconstructed, which will restore the shape and size of the breast. TRAM flap procedures can also be used to place tissue from the abdomen. This creates a mound. These procedures may involve a cut to the abdominal muscles and fat and may require additional sedation
While the surgery itself is simple, recovery can take longer than anticipated. Some people feel better after only a few days. Other patients experience prolonged swelling or bruising that continues for months. This may not be true for everyone. This is why a counselor or physical therapist might be beneficial to patients. These people can assist the woman in their emotional and/or bodily recovery. The healthcare professional will also help the woman care for her breasts at their home.
Recovery time
Patients who have had breast reconstruction should be prepared for some pain after the procedure. The pain can be intense during the first 24 hour, but it should slowly decrease. They may need pain medication or muscle relaxants. Sometimes, drainage tubes may be used to reduce swelling and prevent fluid accumulation. Patients may be able return to their daily activities after the incisions are removed.
Each person's recovery time from breast reconstructive surgery will vary. Many women can return to some light activity within four to six week of surgery. Some may need more time. You should not lift anything heavy, no matter what type of surgery you had. Breast reconstruction typically takes two to six week for recovery. However, some patients may only need four weeks. For the first 2 weeks after breast surgery, you should plan to remain in the hospital from one to two days.