After Breast Reconstruction

After a breast reconstruction surgery it is important to follow your breast reconstruction doctor's instructions as well as all guidelines provided by the medical staff. Following these instructions after breast reconstruction surgery can help you assure a smooth and easy recovery.

Right after Breast Reconstruction Surgery:

When you wake up after breast reconstruction surgery you will most likely feel a little dizzy from the anesthesia and will not be able to fully coordinate your movements. The medical staff will give you instructions such as either move, or drink something. It is necessary that you follow these instructions - even though you may not feel well enough.

Please allow yourself some time to be fully awake before leaving the medical premises. It is important that you inform the medical staff if you do not feel well.

After breast reconstruction surgery you will be instructed on what medications to take, when to bathe, special care after surgery and when to see your breast reconstruction surgeon again.

Tips to follow after Breast Reconstruction surgery:

You will need someone to drive you from the medical facility to your home.
It is also critical that you have someone aid you especially on the first night after surgery. It is recommended that you have someone help you the first 3 days after breast reconstruction surgery, especially if you have children.
Have your surgeon's phone number at hand in case you need to ask your surgeon a question.
Have a timer or written schedule of when you have to take your medications.
Make sure that you have everything that you may need for post-surgery care such as clean towels, ice packets, comfortable clothes, bandages or special garments.
Ask your surgeon if you will need a special diet after breast reconstruction surgery and if there are any foods that are recommended during the first days after surgery.
Please ask your breast reconstruction doctor how long it will take after breast reconstruction surgery for you to drive.
During the first days after breast reconstruction surgery, it is also recommended that beforehand you plan on activities that will entertain you such as reading a book, watching movies that you like or making puzzles. These activities can help you keep your mind occupied and help distract you from pain or discomfort, as well as making your recovery more enjoyable.
Avoid any extreme heat or cold after breast reconstruction surgery.
Avoid any type of strenuous physical activity and exercising until advised by your surgeon to do so.

Traveling after Breast Reconstruction

Traveling can put a lot of stress on the body especially after breast reconstruction surgery. Please do not schedule any travel right after breast reconstruction surgery. Your surgeon may restrict you from airplane traveling for at least 10 days.

Airplane travel may increase the risk of blood clots after breast reconstruction surgery.

Additionally your body may require additional time to fully recover and if you have not healed enough; you may experience pain and discomfort during your trip.

Please keep in mind that it will take at least 1-2 months for any swelling and scarring to be completely healed. Additionally, in some cases your surgeon may recommend that you stay out of the sun for some time after breast reconstruction surgery.

Following all these instructions will reduce the chances of risks after breast reconstruction surgery and will increase your chances of having a successful recovery; as well as help you achieve the desired outcome from your breast reconstruction.

Additional Therapies after Breast Reconstruction Surgery

In many cases your surgeon may recommend additional treatments or therapies after breast reconstruction. The goal of these additional treatments can include: help you recover faster, complement your surgery, and diminish scarring, swelling or pain.

Ask your surgeon if he or she recommends any additional treatments or therapies after breast reconstruction for your particular case.

Emergency after Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Although today's medical procedures have a very high success rate it is important to know that there are always risks after surgery. If you experience any type of situation that does not seem normal after your surgery; contact your doctor immediately. It you present a true medical emergency please call 911 immediately.

Questions about what to expect after breast reconstruction surgery:

How long will I have to stay in recovery after my breast reconstruction surgery?
How will I feel after breast reconstruction surgery?
How much pain is there after breast reconstruction surgery?
How long can I expect to fully recover from my breast reconstruction surgery?

Questions to ask about your return home after breast reconstruction surgery:

Am I required to have someone drive me home after breast reconstruction surgery?
What kind of care will I need at home?
Should I have someone help me after my breast reconstruction surgery? And if so, for how long?
Are there any activity limitations after my breast reconstruction surgery and for how long?
What kind of diet should I keep after my breast reconstruction surgery?
What symptoms should I watch out for and report after my breast reconstruction surgery?
When should I contact my gastric bypass surgeon?
What medications do I need to take after my breast reconstruction surgery?
Is there anything that I should refrain from after my breast reconstruction surgery (for example, heat or sun)?
Do I need bed rest after my breast reconstruction surgery and for how long?
How long before I can go back to work after my breast reconstruction surgery?
Do I need to wear bandages or special garments? And if so, for how long after my breast reconstruction surgery?
How soon can I resume my normal activities after my breast reconstruction surgery?