BREAST RECONSTRUCTION: Breast reconstruction surgery is most often performed to replace breast tissue that has been removed due to cancer or other disease. New medical techniques and devices have made it possible for surgeons to create a breast close in form and appearance to a natural breast. This includes flap reconstruction, in which a patient’s own muscle, fat and skin may be repositioned (from the abdomen or back) to create or cover the breast mound.
Frequently, reconstruction is possible immediately following breast removal (mastectomy), so that the patient wakes up with a new breast mound already in place, having been spared the experience of seeing herself with no breast at all.
The Surgical Procedure
Breast reconstruction typically involves more than one operation. The first stage, whether done at the same time as the mastectomy or later, is usually performed in a hospital.
Follow-up procedures may also be done in the hospital or, depending on the extent of surgery required, your surgeon may prefer an outpatient facility.
While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help take care of you for a few days, if needed.
What to Expect After breast reconstruction Surgery
You are likely to feel tired and sore for a week or two after reconstruction. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by medication prescribed by your doctor.
Depending on the extent of your surgery, you'll most likely be released from the hospital within two to five days. Many reconstruction operations require a surgical drain to remove excess fluids from surgical sites immediately following the operation, but these are removed within the first week or two after surgery. Most stitches are removed in a week to ten days.
Resuming Physical Activities
It may take up to six weeks to recover from a combined mastectomy and reconstruction or from a flap reconstruction alone. If implants are used without flaps and reconstruction is done apart from the mastectomy, recovery time will be less.
Post-op patients should refrain from any overhead lifting, strenuous sports, and sexual activity for three to six weeks following reconstruction.
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