Recovery after breast reconstruction - after risk-reducing mastectomy

 

The areas from where the flap has been taken (if you have had surgery that involves this) will also be covered with dressings. You may also have small drainage tubes leading out of the wounds and attached to small containers to collect any excess blood/fluid.

The drainage tubes will be removed once the drainage has slowed and the surgeon advises that this can be done (2–5 days). Removing the tubes can be a little uncomfortable, but you will feel a lot more comfortable once they are taken out.

An antibiotic is often prescribed to lower the chance of infection. You will be given surgical stockings (thick, white elastic stockings) to wear before and after the surgery, until you are able to move around normally again. This is to prevent blood clots forming in your legs. You may find it more comfortable to wear a nightdress, rather than pyjamas, with the stockings.

You will probably feel quite sore after breast reconstruction; this is mainly because muscles have been moved. You will be given painkillers, but it’s important to tell the staff if you’re still in pain, so that they can arrange for the painkillers to be changed. Pain| can usually be well controlled and it will decrease as time passes.

 

 

Your recovery time will depend on the type of surgery you have had and your general wellbeing, and so will your length of hospital stay, which could be as long as 7–10 days.

Once the dressings are removed, you can gently shower the wound with clean water. Pat the wound dry with a clean towel – don’t rub it. Once the wounds have healed you can have baths or showers as normal. Wash with lukewarm water and unperfumed soap, rinsing the wound well.

Massaging the skin over the reconstruction Back to top

Surgeons generally advise that once the wounds have fully healed, women should massage the skin and scars over the reconstructed breast daily with body oil or cream. This keeps the skin supple and in good condition.

Wearing a bra after reconstructive surgery Back to top

Some surgeons advise women to wear a support garment such as a firm, supportive bra, for several weeks after certain types of reconstructive surgery. They may recommend wearing this at night as well as during the day. In addition, some surgeons give women a Velcro band to be worn continually for several weeks. This sits on top of the implants and keeps them in place. The band helps to make sure that shaped implants do not twist and ensures the implant stays low.

Other surgeons suggest wearing a normal bra, or no bra at all. They believe that this encourages a more natural droop of the reconstructed breasts and that wearing a bra makes little difference to the cosmetic results of the surgery. It may help to discuss this with your surgeon.

Arm movement after breast reconstruction Back to top

Immediately after surgery, a physiotherapist will show you how to do suitable arm exercises. These exercises will be increased as you recover. You will probably be given different exercises to do before and after having the drainage tubes removed.

 

 

It’s very important to do these to get your arm moving as well as possible. Some surgeons recommend specific exercises after breast reconstruction. Check with your surgeon about what is right for you.

By about six weeks after breast reconstruction you should be able to fully move your arms without discomfort. Some activities, such as washing, especially your hair, won’t be very easy at first, so you may need help from a relative or friend.

Driving after breast reconstruction Back to top

It’s usually fine to start driving again when you feel that you could safely do an emergency stop or move the steering wheel around suddenly, if necessary. Some women find that this is possible within a few weeks of the surgery and others find that it takes longer.

Some insurance companies have specific guidelines about when you can drive again after an operation, so you should check this with your car insurance company.