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. 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. While you can resume your normal activities, you should refrain from strenuous activity until your stitches are removed. You can tell your caregiver what you do normally and make plans around it. After surgery, you can return to walking but housework and driving cannot be resumed until your drain is cleared. 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 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 wound drains that drain blood and fluid into a small bag or bottle. These drains can be removed but will require care. Following surgery, you will require some follow-up care for several days.
Signs
The hospital may require you to stay there for up to a week after your breast surgery. After the procedure, you will be given specific instructions. During this time, you will be much more tired than usual, so be sure to get plenty of rest. During this time, you may experience fever, increased redness, and drainage from the incision site. To minimize the possibility of infection, you might need to take antibiotics.
Another problem that can occur after breast reconstruction is swelling. Some swelling may occur in your breast, chest wall or upper arm, which is called oedema. As your chest heals, swelling will decrease over time. There may be a pulling sensation in your arms. This discomfort may be managed by your surgeon who may prescribe anti-emetic medication. You will need to return to your normal activities for several weeks after surgery.
Procedures
There are many types of breast reconstruction procedures. Each type of breast reconstruction has its own recovery times and preparation requirements. The first phase will involve the surgeons stretching the skin to a donor location. 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 expansion may burst and cause infection. Once the implant has been placed it can be removed, reconstructed or rebuilt to restore the breast size and shape. Other types of procedures include TRAM flap procedures, which utilize tissue from the patient's abdomen to create a mound. These procedures can involve cutting of the abdominal muscles and fat, and may require additional sedation.
Although the actual procedure is very straightforward, the recovery period may take longer than expected. Some patients feel better within a few days. Others experience prolonged swelling and bruising that lasts for months. However, this may not be the case for everyone. Patients may find it helpful to consult a counselor or a physical therapist. These individuals can help the woman through her emotional and physical recovery. A healthcare professional will also offer instructions on caring for breasts at home.
Time to recover
Post-operative pain is normal after breast reconstruction surgery. The pain might be severe for the first 24hrs, but will gradually diminish over time. Some people may require pain medication or muscle relaxants. Sometimes, drainage tubes may be used to reduce swelling and prevent fluid accumulation. After the incisions have been removed, patients may be able to return to daily activities, such as swimming or other strenuous activities.
Everyone is different and will need to take different time to heal from breast surgery. Many women can return to some light activity within four to six week of surgery. Some may need more time. Depending on what procedure you have, heavy lifting should be avoided until your doctor approves. 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.