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 discuss your experience and receive updates, call the office as directed. You will not experience any complications after breast reconstruction. Recovery can take up two weeks.
Post-operative Care
You can do a wide range of activities post-operatively for breast reconstruction. You can resume your normal activities until your stitches are out. Your caregiver should know your normal activities and help you plan your activities. 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.
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 that drain blood and fluid into a small bag or bottle. These drains can be removed but will require care. After surgery, you will have a few days of follow-up care.
Symptoms
It is possible that you will need to spend up to a week in the hospital after breast reconstruction. 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. This period can cause fever, increased redness, swelling, and drainage at the incision site. To minimize the possibility of infection, you might need to take antibiotics.
Another common problem after breast reconstruction is swelling. Oedema is a condition that causes swelling in the breasts, chest wall and upper arm. As your chest heals, the swelling will lessen over time. Under your arms, you may feel a tugging sensation. To ease the discomfort, your surgeon may recommend anti-emetics. After surgery, you will need to spend several weeks getting back to normal activities.
Procedures
There are many options for breast reconstruction. Each procedure has a different recovery process and requires different preparation. The first phase involves the stretching of the skin over a donor area. 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. During this phase, the tissue expander may rupture, resulting in 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 can involve cutting of the abdominal muscles and fat, and may require additional sedation.
Although the procedure itself is easy, the recovery time can be longer than expected. 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. Patients may find it helpful to consult a counselor or a physical therapist. These people will aid the woman with her emotional and/or physical recovery. The healthcare professional will also help the woman care for her breasts at their home.
Recovery time
Patients recovering from breast-reconstruction surgery should expect some post-operative discomfort. The pain might be severe for the first 24hrs, but will gradually diminish over time. They might need to take pain medication and muscle relaxants. Sometimes, drainage tubes may be used to reduce swelling and prevent fluid accumulation. Patients can resume their normal activities such as swimming and other strenuous sports after the incisions have been closed.
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 requires two to six weeks of recovery, but some patients may only need as long as four. You will need to be in hospital for one to two nights during the initial two weeks following your surgery.