Breast Reconstruction Post Breast Cancer
Breast Reconstruction After Breast Cancer
Women have several options after breast cancer. Breast reconstruction surgery can help restore the shape of the breast after cancer and it can be done at the same time as the mastectomy. This may be too much for some women to handle at the time. A cosmetic surgeon can perform a breast reconstruction at any time after the mastectomy as well. There is no time limit as it can be done a few weeks, months and even years later. It is never too late or too early to consider the options for having a breast reconstruction surgery.
Immediate Breast Reconstruction Surgery
A breast reconstruction can be done at the same time the breast is removed due to cancer. They will be scheduled for the same day and time that way a general surgeon can complete the mastectomy and the plastic surgeon will then begin the breast reconstruction procedure. The advantage to having an immediate reconstruction following the mastectomy is that the patient never has to be without the breast mound.
Delayed Breast Reconstruction Surgery
There are some advantages to delaying the breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy as well. When this type of plastic surgery is performed it can be scheduled for whenever the patient feels that they are ready for it. It also allows for more time for the patient to consider all of the reconstructive surgery options that are available to them and it allows time to expedite other treatments before the breast reconstruction is completed.
What to Expect After Reconstructive Surgery
It is very likely that there will be pain and fatigue for a week or two after having implant surgery; longer for flap procedures. The NJ plastic surgeon can prescribe some medications which will help control the pain during this time so that there is as much comfort as possible. The hospital stay varies depending on the precise type of breast reconstruction surgery so it is likely that there will be a hospital stay of between 1 to 6 days. Sometimes at the time of discharge there is a drain still in place. A drain is just a very little tube that will help allow excess fluids to drain from the site of the surgery while healing is in process. Most of the time, the drain will empty into a small ball that the hospital staff will teach the patient how to drain before they are discharged from the hospital. It is very important that the physician’s orders concerning wound and drain care be followed precisely. Be sure to ask the doctor any questions that may arise including if there are any types of garments that should or should not be worn.
Recovery Time
After having a mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery it is generally around 6 to 8 weeks before returning to a normal schedule. For some surgical procedures such as implants that do not use flaps, recovery time can possibly be shorter. It is important to remember that during a breast reconstruction surgery all of the normal sensations and feelings may not return to the breast area. Some of it might return over a few years. There may also be some swelling and bruising that could be apparent for as long as 8 weeks. It can also take one or two years for the tissues to completely heal and scars to be less visible. The physician will give each patient specific instructions on what types of exercises can be done and when to resume normal activities. Each breast reconstruction is different but as a general rule it is important to avoid strenuous sports, sexual activity, and overhead lifting for about 4 to 6 weeks following the reconstruction.
Immediate Breast Reconstruction Surgery
A breast reconstruction can be done at the same time the breast is removed due to cancer. They will be scheduled for the same day and time that way a general surgeon can complete the mastectomy and the plastic surgeon will then begin the breast reconstruction procedure. The advantage to having an immediate reconstruction following the mastectomy is that the patient never has to be without the breast mound.
Delayed Breast Reconstruction Surgery
There are some advantages to delaying the breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy as well. When this type of plastic surgery is performed it can be scheduled for whenever the patient feels that they are ready for it. It also allows for more time for the patient to consider all of the reconstructive surgery options that are available to them and it allows time to expedite other treatments before the breast reconstruction is completed.
What to Expect After Reconstructive Surgery
It is very likely that there will be pain and fatigue for a week or two after having implant surgery; longer for flap procedures. The NJ plastic surgeon can prescribe some medications which will help control the pain during this time so that there is as much comfort as possible. The hospital stay varies depending on the precise type of breast reconstruction surgery so it is likely that there will be a hospital stay of between 1 to 6 days. Sometimes at the time of discharge there is a drain still in place. A drain is just a very little tube that will help allow excess fluids to drain from the site of the surgery while healing is in process. Most of the time, the drain will empty into a small ball that the hospital staff will teach the patient how to drain before they are discharged from the hospital. It is very important that the physician’s orders concerning wound and drain care be followed precisely. Be sure to ask the doctor any questions that may arise including if there are any types of garments that should or should not be worn.
Recovery Time
After having a mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery it is generally around 6 to 8 weeks before returning to a normal schedule. For some surgical procedures such as implants that do not use flaps, recovery time can possibly be shorter. It is important to remember that during a breast reconstruction surgery all of the normal sensations and feelings may not return to the breast area. Some of it might return over a few years. There may also be some swelling and bruising that could be apparent for as long as 8 weeks. It can also take one or two years for the tissues to completely heal and scars to be less visible. The physician will give each patient specific instructions on what types of exercises can be done and when to resume normal activities. Each breast reconstruction is different but as a general rule it is important to avoid strenuous sports, sexual activity, and overhead lifting for about 4 to 6 weeks following the reconstruction.