Recovering from Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Breast reconstruction surgery can make a dramatic difference in the lives of women who have experienced mastectomies after breast cancer.  The procedure can help lessen the emotion and physical toll of a mastectomy, and help restore self-confidence.

Breast cancer surgery and breast reconstruction can be performed in a seamless transtion, one right after the other, totaling between 4 to 7 hours of surgical time.  Through this blog, Dr. Tzvi Small reviews the recovery from breast reconstruction surgery, and what you can expect during the process.

How Do I Recover from Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

One of the most common questions that we receive about breast reconstruction surgery are regarding the amount of recovery time and what to expect post-surgery.  During a consultation with Dr. Tzvi Small, your individual procedure will be discussed with you entirely, so that you have a clear understanding of what to expect from the surgery and personal recovery.

Some women remain in the hospital for 1 to 2 days post-surgery.  For others, who have experienced the FLAP procedures, 5 to 6 days hospital stay can be expected.  The surgery does not interfere with chemotherapy or radiation.

Following surgery, a patient may experience a normal level discomfort.  While in the hospital, this pain level will be monitored, and pain medication will be administered.  Soreness, bruising, and swelling are normal for two to three weeks post-surgery.  There may be numbness and tightness along the area where tissue was removed, but this will diminish over time.

“How long will it take for me to get back to my normal activities?” is a question that Dr. Small encounters regularly.  For most women, regular activity can resume after 6 weeks post-surgery.  Dr. Small will discuss strenuous activities with you, and monitor when it is safe to return to all activities.

Following breast reconstruction, regular checkups and mammograms are essential.  Your physicians and Dr. Small will check to see your progress, and discuss any issue that may have arisen.

Learn More about Breast Reconstruction Surgery

If you are interested in learning more about breast reconstruction surgery, then do not hesitate to contact Dr. Tzvi Small today.  Dr. Small can answer all of your questions about the procedure, the recovery time, and what you can expect for final results.

You can learn more about breast reconstruction surgery and your individual needs by contact Dr. Tzvi Small and his cosmetic surgery team.  Dr. Small can help restore breasts making them look beautiful and natural in the process.  Learn how you can regain confidence in your contours with breast reconstruction surgery today.

References:

• American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast Reconstruction.  http://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reconstruction.html?sub=Breast%20reconstruction%20recovery
• Dr. Paul Glat. Breast Reconstruction.  https://bergenplasticsurgery.com/breast-reconstruction
• WebMD. Breast Reconstruction Surgery Recovery.  http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/cosmetic-procedures-breast-reconstruction?page=2