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 discuss your experience and receive updates, call the office as directed. Breast reconstruction recovery can take up to two weeks. However, you won't experience any complications.
Post-operative care
There are many things you can do to help your breast reconstruction recovery go smoothly. 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. You can walk again after surgery. However, driving and housework must be stopped until the drain has been removed. While you might be able to exercise after six weeks of recovery, you should wait to see your provider for your first consultation to discuss your level of activity.
A thick dressing will be applied over the wound to reduce swelling. The dressing will be removed in about a week, although it might stay put for a longer time. Some surgeons use small wound drains to drain blood and fluid from the wound. 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
After your breast reconstruction, you may have to spend a week or more in the hospital. In the weeks and days that follow the procedure, you will receive instructions. You will feel tired during this period, so make sure you get enough rest. This period can cause fever, increased redness, swelling, and drainage at the incision site. You might also need antibiotics to lower the chance of infection.
Another common problem after breast reconstruction is swelling. Some swelling may occur in your breast, chest wall or upper arm, which is called oedema. The swelling will subside as your chest heals. You may feel a pulling sensation under your arms. Your surgeon may prescribe anti-emetics to help you deal with this discomfort. 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 procedure requires different preparation and recovery. The first phase will involve the surgeons stretching the skin to a donor location. After the area is ready, a silicone or saline implant is inserted. Once a week, the surgeon fills the tissue expander that remains attached to donor site. The tissue expander can burst during this phase and cause pain or 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 can involve cutting of 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 is not necessarily the case for all patients. Patients may find it helpful to consult a counselor or a physical therapist. 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.
Time to recover
Patients recovering from breast-reconstruction surgery should expect some post-operative discomfort. The initial 24 hours may be quite intense and the pain should eventually subside. They may need to take pain medication or muscle relaxants. Drainage tubes can be used occasionally to reduce swelling, and prevent fluid buildup. Patients may be able go back to their regular activities once the incisions are closed.
The amount of time it takes to recover from breast reconstruction surgery is different for everyone. While most women can return to light physical activity four to six weeks after surgery, some may need longer. Depending on what procedure you have, heavy lifting should be avoided until your doctor approves. Breast reconstruction can take between two to six weeks, although some patients may only require four. You should expect to stay in the hospital for one-two days during the first two weeks following surgery.