While you can return to most of your normal activities after undergoing breast reconstruction, you will not be able to engage in strenuous activities for several weeks. You will be scheduled for follow-up visits with Dr. Parva. Additionally, you will be given instructions regarding postoperative care. Call the office to receive updates and discuss your experiences. You will not experience any complications after breast reconstruction. Recovery can take up two weeks.
Post-operative treatment
A variety of activities are available to assist you in your recovery from breast reconstruction. While you can resume your normal activities, you should refrain from strenuous activity until your stitches are removed. Talk to your caregiver about what you enjoy doing, and then plan activities around it. Walking can be resumed right after surgery, but driving and housework cannot be done until your drain is removed. It is possible to begin exercising after six weeks. However, it is best that you wait until your first meeting with your provider to discuss your current level of physical activity.
A thick dressing will then be applied to the treated area to reduce swelling. The dressing will be removed in about a week, although it might stay put for a longer time. Some surgeons use wound drains that drain blood and fluid into a small bag or bottle. These drains may be removed by your surgeon, but they will still require some care. You will need to follow up for a few days after surgery.
The 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 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. In order to prevent infection, you may be required to take antibiotics.
A common problem is swelling following breast reconstruction. Some swelling may occur in your breast, chest wall or upper arm, which is called oedema. The swelling will subside as your chest heals. A pulling sensation may be felt under your arms. Your surgeon may prescribe anti-emetics to help you deal with this discomfort. You may need to take several weeks off work after your surgery to be able to resume normal activities.
Procedures
There are many options for breast reconstruction. Each type of surgery has its own recovery time and requires different preparation. During the first phase, the surgical team will stretch the skin over a donor site. Once the area is ready, a silicone-gel or saline-based implant is inserted. The surgeon then fills a tissue expander, which remains attached to the donor site, once a week or so. The tissue expander could burst, which can cause pain and infection. It is possible to remove or reconstruct the implant once it has been placed. This will allow the breasts to regain their shape and size. TRAM flap procedures use tissue from the abdomen of the patient to make a mound. These procedures might require additional sedation, as they may involve cutting the abdominal muscles or fat.
Although the procedure itself is easy, the recovery time can be longer than expected. Some patients feel better within a few days. Others experience prolonged swelling and bruising that lasts for months. However, not everyone may experience the same symptoms. The patient may benefit from a counselor, or a physical therapy professional. These individuals can help the woman through her emotional and physical recovery. The healthcare professional will also help the woman care for her breasts at their home.
Recovery time
While recovering from breast reconstruction surgery, patients should expect some post-operative pain. The pain can be intense during the first 24 hour, but it should slowly decrease. They may need to take pain medication or muscle relaxants. Occasionally, drainage tubes will be placed to reduce swelling and prevent fluid build-up. Patients can resume their normal activities such as swimming and other strenuous sports after the incisions have been closed.
Everyone is different and will need to take different time to heal from breast surgery. The majority of women can resume light activity after breast reconstruction, but some women may require more time. Depending upon the type of procedure, you may need to refrain from lifting weights until your doctor gives you permission. 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.