While you can return to most of your normal activities after undergoing breast reconstruction, you will not be able to engage in strenuous activities for several weeks. You will be scheduled for follow-up visits with Dr. Parva. Additionally, you will be given instructions regarding postoperative care. To receive updates and to discuss your experience, you should contact the office according to instructions. Recovery from breast reconstruction can take as long as two weeks, but you will not experience any complications.
Post-operative care
There are many things you can do to help your breast reconstruction recovery go smoothly. You can return to your regular activities after your stitches are removed. However, it is best to avoid strenuous activity. 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.
A thick dressing will be applied over the wound to reduce swelling. The dressing can be removed within a few days, or it may stay in place for longer periods. Some surgeons use wound drainage to drain blood and fluid into small bags or bottles. These drains can usually be removed by your surgeon. However, they may require some extra care. Following surgery, you will require some follow-up care for several days.
The 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. 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. You might also need antibiotics to lower the chance of infection.
Another problem that can occur after breast reconstruction is swelling. Oedema refers to swelling that occurs in your breasts, chest wall, upper arm and elbows. As your chest heals, the swelling will lessen over time. A pulling sensation may be felt under your arms. Your surgeon may prescribe anti-emetics to help you deal with 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 procedure has a different recovery process and requires different preparation. The first phase of the procedure involves stretching the skin over the donor site. Once the area looks ready, a siliconegel or salinebased implant can be inserted. Once a week, the surgeon fills the tissue expander that remains attached to donor site. The tissue expansion may burst and cause infection. Once the implant is placed, it can be removed or reconstructed, which will restore the shape and size of the breast. Other types of procedures include TRAM flap procedures, which utilize tissue from the patient's abdomen to create 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. While a patient may feel better after a few days, some people experience prolonged swelling and bruising for months. This may not be true for everyone. The patient may benefit from a counselor, or a physical therapy professional. These professionals will assist the woman in her emotional and physical healing process. They will also give instructions on how to take care of their breasts at-home.
Time for recovery
Patients recovering from breast-reconstruction surgery should expect some post-operative discomfort. The initial 24 hours may be quite intense and the pain should eventually subside. They may need to take pain medication or muscle relaxants. To reduce swelling and prevent fluid buildup, drainage tubes might be placed. Patients may be able return to their daily activities after the incisions are removed.
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 can take between two to six weeks, although some patients may only require four. For the first 2 weeks after breast surgery, you should plan to remain in the hospital from one to two days.