What Is the Recuperation Time After Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
Breast reconstruction is a common procedure done to rebuild the breasts after tissue has been removed. Recovery time is based on which type of reconstruction a patient has, but generally a patient should recover after several weeks.
Description
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure in which doctors use a breast implant, or a patient's natural skin, fat and muscle (known as autogenous reconstruction), to recreate a breast mound that resembles a natural breast.
Significance
Breast reconstruction is most commonly done on breast cancer patients. In those patients who have had a mastectomy to remove the breast tissue, breast reconstruction is done.
Time Frame
If an implant is used in the reconstruction, the patient will probably remain in the hospital for one or two days. A drain will be placed in the area of the mastectomy to remove excess fluids, which will be removed one or two weeks after surgery.
Considerations
Autogenous recovery time is usually slightly longer. The patient will stay in the hospital for several days. Drains will be placed in the area of the mastectomy as well as where the tissue was harvested. These will be removed one or two weeks after the surgery.
Recovery Time
It may take several weeks to recover from breast reconstruction. Generally, patients should avoid strenuous activity for three to six weeks. Scars from the surgery will fade over time, and some normal sensation in the area may return.
Tags: After Breast, After Breast Reconstruction, after surgery, area mastectomy, Breast reconstruction
