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. Recovery from breast reconstruction can take as long as two weeks, but you will not experience any complications.
Post-operative Care
There are many things you can do to help your breast reconstruction recovery go smoothly. While you can resume your normal activities, you should refrain from strenuous activity until your stitches are removed. Let your caregiver know what you normally do and plan activities around this. While walking can be resumed immediately after surgery, driving and housework cannot continue until your drain has been cleared. After six weeks, you can start exercising again. However, your first visit to your provider is required to discuss your exercise levels.
A thick dressing will be applied over the wound to reduce swelling. It will usually be removed in one day, but may stay for a longer duration. Some surgeons use a wound drain to drain blood or fluid into a small container. These drains can be removed but will require care. After surgery, you will have a few days of follow-up care.
Symptoms
After your breast reconstruction, you may have to spend a week or more in the hospital. You will be given instructions about what to do in the days and weeks following the procedure. This period will cause you to feel tired, so make sure that you get plenty of rest. You might feel feverish or reddening at the incision sites. In order to prevent infection, you may be required to take antibiotics.
Another problem that can occur after breast reconstruction is swelling. Oedema refers to swelling that occurs in your breasts, chest wall, upper arm and elbows. The swelling will subside as your chest heals. There may be a pulling sensation in your arms. You may be prescribed anti-emetics by your surgeon to ease this discomfort. After surgery, you will need to spend several weeks getting back to normal activities.
Procedures
There are many kinds of breast reconstruction surgery. Each technique entails a different recovery time and requires different preparation. The first phase of the procedure involves stretching the skin over the donor site. Once the area has healed, a silicone gel or saline-based implants are inserted. Once a week, the surgeon fills the tissue expander that remains attached to donor site. The tissue expander could burst, which can cause pain and infection. The implant can be removed and reconstructed after it is placed. This will restore the breast shape and size. TRAM flap procedures are another type of procedure that uses tissue from the abdomen to form a mound. These procedures may require additional sedate and may result in a cut of abdominal muscles or fat.
Although the actual procedure is very straightforward, the recovery period may take longer than expected. 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. Patients may find it helpful to consult a counselor or a physical therapist. These people will aid the woman with her emotional and/or physical recovery. A healthcare professional will also offer instructions on caring for breasts at home.
Time for recovery
Patients should expect some discomfort after recovering from breast surgery. The pain can be intense during the first 24 hour, but it should slowly decrease. Some people may require pain medication or muscle relaxants. Drainage tubes can be used occasionally to reduce swelling, and prevent fluid buildup. Patients may be allowed to resume daily activities like swimming or other strenuous exercises after the incisions have been repositioned.
There are different recovery times for breast reconstruction. Most women can resume light exercise within four to six weeks of their breast reconstruction surgery. However, some women may require longer recovery times. Depending on the type of procedure you have, you should avoid heavy lifting until your doctor tells you it is okay. Breast reconstruction requires two to six weeks of recovery, but some patients may only need as long as four. For the first two week following breast reconstruction, it is recommended that you stay at the hospital for one or two days.