Breast Reconstruction is a surgical procedure that involves placing new muscle, skin and tissues or implants to make up for damaged skin and breast tissues that may have been destroyed by disease or an injury. The recovery period after a Breast Reconstruction may vary according to the complexity of the procedure.


Breast Reconstruction Aftercare

The Breast Reconstruction procedure may be performed in several surgeries or in a single one, depending on the degree of damage of the breast tissues. If the patient requires a reconstruction of the areola or the nipple, this alone has to be performed in a single surgery. The recovery time and aftercare is typically the same after each operation.

The patient will require 3 to 6 weeks to fully recover after each surgery. This time is required for the surgery wounds to heal. Swelling and bruising may be present after the Breast Reconstruction surgery, but should subside within 1 week. Pain should be managed with over the counter pain medication.

The patient may need at least 1 week off from work, but this may depend on the nature of the patient’s job. The patient may get a post operatory infection, which can be prevented with oral antibiotics. The symptoms of an infection will include fever, swelling and pus at the incision sites. The bandages should be periodically changed and the wounds should be monitored.

The stitches will also have to be removed. However, most plastic surgeons use dissolvable stitches, which will not have to be removed at a later date. During the recovery time, the patient is not allowed to perform sports and strenuous physical activities. Overhead lifting and intercourse should also be avoided.

After the recovery period, the patient will be allowed to exercise to maintain a normal weight. Cardiac exercise is allowed with no contraindications.


How to Facilitate Recovery

The recovery period after Breast Reconstruction can be quickened if the patient applies cold compresses on the surgery wounds and follows the guidelines of the plastic surgeon. The patient will have to rest for 48 hours and can stand up afterwards.

Patients that go through Breast Reconstruction can benefit of hilotherapy, which is a treatment that can relieve post surgery pain, swelling and hematomas. This type of therapy is similar to the methods involving cold compresses, but unlike these, they won’t have the risk of causing frostbite or dead skin tissues.


Possible Delays in Recovery

Patients that suffer of the following conditions may expect a delayed recovery:

  • Diabetics, as the skin cells will take longer to regenerate
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Obesity
  • Heart conditions

Smoking may also delay the recovery of the tissues. For this reason, the patient will be advised to refrain from smoking 2 weeks prior and during the recovery period, so that the recovery of the tissues can be sped up.