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. To receive updates and to discuss your experience, you should contact the office according to instructions. The recovery process for breast reconstruction can take up to 2 weeks. There are no complications.
Post-operative Care
There are many activities that can be done to speed up recovery after breast reconstruction. While you can resume your normal activities, you should refrain from strenuous activity until your stitches are removed. Tell your caregiver about what you are used to doing and they can plan activities around that. 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.
A thick dressing will then be applied to the treated area to reduce swelling. It will usually be removed in one day, but may stay for a longer duration. Some surgeons use wound drainage to drain blood and fluid into small bags or bottles. These drains are easily removed by your surgeon but may require additional care. You will need to follow up for a few days after surgery.
Symptoms
You may need to stay in hospital for a few days after your breast reconstruction. After the procedure, you will be given specific instructions. 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. To minimize the possibility of infection, you might need to take antibiotics.
A common problem is swelling following breast reconstruction. You may experience some swelling, a condition called oedema, in your breast, chest wall, or upper arm. The swelling will subside as your chest heals. There may be a pulling sensation in your arms. The surgeon may prescribe antiemetics to alleviate 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 different types of surgical procedures for breast reconstruction. Each type of breast reconstruction has its own recovery times and preparation requirements. 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 fills the area with a tissue expansion, which is kept attached to it for about a week. The tissue expander could burst, which can cause pain and infection. After the implant has been placed, it can either be removed or reconstructed to restore the breast's shape and size. TRAM flaps, which use tissue taken from the patient's abdomen in order to form a mound, are another type. These procedures may require additional sedate and may result in a cut of abdominal muscles or fat.
The recovery process can be more complicated than you expected. Although some patients may feel better in a matter of days, others experience prolonged swelling and even bruising for several months. However, not everyone may experience the same symptoms. A counselor or physical therapist may be a good option for patients. 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.
Recovery time
Post-operative pain is normal after breast reconstruction surgery. During the first 24 hours, pain may be very intense, but this should gradually 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 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 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. You will need to be in hospital for one to two nights during the initial two weeks following your surgery.