Although you can go back to your usual activities following breast reconstruction, it is not possible to do any strenuous activity for several weeks. Follow-up appointments will be set up with Dr. Parva, and you will receive specific postoperative care instructions. For updates and discussion, please call the office at the number provided. Breast reconstruction recovery can take up to two weeks. However, you won't experience any complications.
Post-operative care
Post-operative care for breast reconstruction includes a variety of activities to help you recover quickly. While you can resume your normal activities, you should refrain from strenuous activity until your stitches are removed. Your caregiver should know your normal activities and help you plan your activities. You can walk again after surgery. However, driving and housework must be stopped until the drain has been removed. Although you may be able to start exercising within six weeks, it is best to wait until your first appointment with your provider in order for them to assess your activity level.
You will receive a thick dressing to reduce swelling after surgery. It will usually be removed in one day, but may stay for a longer duration. Some surgeons use wound drains that drain blood and fluid into a small bag or bottle. These drains can usually be removed by your surgeon. However, they may require some extra care. You will receive a few additional days of care after the surgery.
Signs
The hospital may require you to stay there for up to a week after your breast surgery. The hospital will give you instructions on what to do during the weeks and days following your procedure. During this time, you will be much more tired than usual, so be sure to get plenty of rest. You might feel feverish or reddening at the incision sites. You might also need antibiotics to lower the chance of infection.
Another common problem is swelling after breast surgery. There may be some swelling (called oedema) in your breast, chest wall, and upper arm. Your chest will heal and the swelling will recede. A pulling sensation may be felt under your arms. The surgeon may prescribe antiemetics to alleviate this discomfort. After surgery, you will need to spend several weeks getting back to normal activities.
Procedures
There are many different types of surgical procedures for breast reconstruction. Each procedure has a different recovery process and requires different preparation. The surgical team will first stretch the skin on a donor site. Once the area is prepared, a silicone-gel- or saline based implant is placed. 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. After the implant has been placed, it can either be removed or reconstructed to restore the breast's shape and size. TRAM flap procedures can also be used to place tissue from the abdomen. This creates a mound. These procedures might require additional sedation, as they may involve cutting the abdominal muscles or fat.
While the surgery itself is simple, recovery can take longer than anticipated. Although some patients may feel better in a matter of days, others experience prolonged swelling and even bruising for several months. This may not be true for everyone. A counselor or physical therapist may be a good option for patients. 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.
Time for recovery
While recovering from breast reconstruction surgery, patients should expect some post-operative pain. The initial 24 hours may be quite intense and the pain should eventually subside. Some people may require pain medication or muscle relaxants. Sometimes, drainage tubes may be used to reduce swelling and prevent fluid accumulation. Patients may be able go back to their regular activities once the incisions are closed.
The amount of time it takes to recover from breast reconstruction surgery is different for everyone. Some women are able to return to normal activities within 4 to 6 weeks. Others may need to take longer. You should not lift anything heavy, no matter what type of surgery you had. 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.