Recovery After Breast Reconstruction Surgery

After Breast Reconstruction Surgery, as with any major surgery, you will have discomfort and pain following the operation. Tubes may also be placed in a couple of areas in the area to help drain excess fluid from the region. In one week or two weeks after surgery, the stitches and tubes are usually removed. If you had, a surgery breast reconstruction after mastectomy, the recovery time will be slightly longer. In order to help control your pain levels following surgery, the doctor will give you some pain medication. Scars will occur when healing is completed, but these scars will fade with time. There are commercial creams selling that claim to help scars fade faster and make them less noticeable.

A normal routine can be resumed in about six weeks. Your doctor will tell you of any limits he wants to place on your normal routine. You will need to avoid any overhead lifting, strenuous physical activity, or pushing and pulling of heavy objects. To return to your normal routine, it takes more than six weeks. Some women report it takes anywhere from one to two years to feel normal after breast surgery. A woman’s age and general health is also a factor in recovery times.

Nipple Reconstruction

A part of reconstruction will involve nipple reconstruction. A reconstructed breast will look more natural when a nipple is restored as well. Once you have had your reconstruction surgery and your new breast has settled into its new shape, your nipple will then be remade. By aligning it with the nipple on the other side, your surgeon will find the spot for your nipple. The surgeon will use tissue from the breast area to reconstruct the nipple and tattoo the area to allow it to look more natural. This tattooing will make your reconstructed nipple as close to the same color as your natural one. Some women may choose not to have nipple reconstruction. The patient can decide this personal choice.

Risk with Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Similar to any surgery, breast reconstruction carries some risk. The implants are not permanent and there is a chance you will need to replace the implants later. Other complications associated with breast reconstruction are limited movement in the implanted area, infection, and excessive scar tissue. There is also a possibility that tissue will not survive because enough blood does not reach the transplanted area.

You must have realistic expectations when you have breast reconstruction surgery. There are things that reconstruction can and cannot do for you. It will give you a more natural breast shape; it will look natural under clothing, and will mean you don’t have to wear prosthesis, which can be hot and uncomfortable.

You will not have the same sensations as your other breast and it will not be the same as the other side. It can improve your self-image, require additional surgery, and help to erase part of the physical signs of your disease. Your choices concerning breast reconstruction surgery is important to know. Talking to your doctor and a plastic surgeon specialist can help give you a clearer picture of what the results of your surgery will be.