Breast Reconstruction After Surgery

What to expect

You are likely to feel tired and sore for a week or 2 after implants, and longer after flap procedures. Your doctor can give you medicines to control pain and other discomfort.

Depending on the type of surgery, you should go home from the hospital in 1 to 6 days. You may be discharged with a drain in place. The drain is an open tube that is left in place to remove extra fluid from the surgery site while it heals. Follow your doctor’s instructions on wound and drain care. Also be sure to ask what kind of support garments you should wear. If you have any concerns or questions, call your doctor.

Getting back to normal

You should be up and around in 6 to 8 weeks. If implants are used without flaps, your recovery time may be shorter. Some things to keep in mind:

• Reconstruction does not restore normal feeling to your breast, but some feeling may return.
• It may take up to about eight weeks for bruising and swelling to go away. Try to be patient as you wait to see the final result.
• It may take as long as one to two years for tissues to heal and scars to fade, but the scars never totally go away.
• Ask when you can go back to wearing regular bras. Underwires and lace may not be comfortable.
• Follow your surgeon's advice on when to begin stretching exercises and normal activities. As a rule, you'll want to avoid any overhead lifting, strenuous sports, and sex for four to six weeks after reconstruction.
• Women who have reconstruction months or years after a mastectomy may go through a period of emotional readjustment once they have their breast reconstructed. Just as it takes time to get used to the loss of a breast, you may feel anxious and confused as you begin to think of the reconstructed breast as your own. Talking with other women who have had breast reconstruction might be helpful. Talking with a mental health professional may also help you sort out these feelings.
• Silicone gel implants may open up or leak inside the body without causing symptoms. Some surgeons will recommend that regular MRIs of the implant be done to make sure it isn't leaking. You will likely have your first MRI about  one year after your implant surgery and every two years from then on. Your insurance may not cover this. Talk to your doctor about long-term follow-up.

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