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. Follow-up appointments will be set up with Dr. Parva, and you will receive specific postoperative care instructions. To receive updates and to discuss your experience, you should contact the office according to instructions. 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 usual activities but you should not engage in strenuous activity until the stitches are removed. Your caregiver should know your normal activities and help you plan your activities. 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.
You will receive a thick dressing to reduce swelling after surgery. The dressing can be removed within a few days, or it may stay in place for longer periods. Some surgeons use wound drains that drain blood and fluid into a small bag or bottle. 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.
The symptoms
A breast reconstruction can result in you spending up to seven days in the hospital. Instructions will be provided about what you should do for the following days and weeks. You will feel tired during this period, so make sure you get enough rest. This period can cause fever, increased redness, swelling, and drainage at the incision site. You may also have to take antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
Another common problem after breast reconstruction is swelling. There may be some swelling (called oedema) in your breast, chest wall, and upper arm. The swelling will subside as your chest heals. A pulling sensation may be felt under your arms. The surgeon may prescribe antiemetics to alleviate this discomfort. It may take several weeks to get back to your daily activities after the surgery.
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 has healed, a silicone gel or saline-based implants are inserted. The surgeon fills the area with a tissue expansion, which is kept attached to it for about a week. The tissue expander might burst or become infected during this stage. After the implant has been placed, it can either be removed or reconstructed to restore the breast's shape and size. TRAM flap procedures are another type of procedure that uses tissue from the abdomen to form a mound. These procedures may involve a cut to 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. But, not everyone will experience this. The patient may benefit from a counselor, or a physical therapy professional. These people can assist the woman in their emotional and/or bodily recovery. The healthcare professional will also help the woman care for her breasts at their home.
Time for recovery
Post-operative pain is normal after breast reconstruction surgery. The pain will initially be intense for the first 24 hours but should decrease over time. You may be required to take pain medication, or relax your muscles. 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.
Each person's recovery time from breast reconstructive surgery will vary. 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 should expect to stay in the hospital for one-two days during the first two weeks following surgery.