Although you can go back to your usual activities following breast reconstruction, it is not possible to do any strenuous activity for several weeks. Dr. Parva will schedule follow-up visits and provide you with specific instructions for postoperative care. Call the office to receive updates and discuss your experiences. Recovery from breast reconstruction can take as long as two weeks, but you will not experience any complications.
Post-operative treatment
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. Talk to your caregiver about what you enjoy doing, and then plan activities around it. After surgery, you can return to walking but housework and driving cannot be resumed until your drain is cleared. After six weeks, you can start exercising again. However, your first visit to your provider is required to discuss your exercise levels.
To reduce swelling, a thick dressing will be applied to the affected area after surgery. The dressing will be removed in about a week, although it might stay put for a longer time. Some surgeons use wound drains to drain fluid and blood into small bags or bottles. These drains can usually be removed by your surgeon. However, they may require some extra 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. The hospital will give you instructions on what to do during the weeks and days following your procedure. This time will make you tireder than usual so get plenty of sleep. 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.
A common problem is swelling following breast reconstruction. Some swelling may occur in your breast, chest wall or upper arm, which is called oedema. As your chest heals, the swelling will lessen over time. There may be a pulling sensation in your arms. You may be prescribed anti-emetics by your surgeon to ease this discomfort. You will need to return to your normal activities for several weeks after surgery.
Procedures
There are many kinds of breast reconstruction surgery. Each technique entails a different recovery time and requires different preparation. The first phase will involve the surgeons stretching the skin to a donor location. Once the area has healed, a silicone gel or saline-based implants are inserted. The surgeon fills a tissue extender, which stays attached to the donor site for around a week. The tissue expander might burst or become infected during this stage. Once the implant is placed, it can be removed or reconstructed, which will restore the shape and size of the breast. TRAM flap procedures use tissue from the abdomen of the patient to make a mound. These procedures may require additional sedate and may result in a cut of abdominal muscles or fat.
While the surgery itself is simple, recovery can take longer than anticipated. Some patients feel better within a few days. Others experience prolonged swelling and bruising that lasts for months. This may not be true for everyone. The patient may benefit from a counselor, or a physical therapy professional. These individuals will help the woman with their emotional and physical recovery process. The healthcare professional can also provide guidance on how to care and maintain their breasts at the home.
Time for recovery
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 to take 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. Some women are able to return to normal activities within 4 to 6 weeks. Others may need to take longer. Depending upon the type of procedure, you may need to refrain from lifting weights until your doctor gives you permission. Breast reconstruction takes between two and six weeks to recover, while some patients may only need four weeks. You will need to be in hospital for one to two nights during the initial two weeks following your surgery.