How to Improve Breast Reconstruction Recovery

 

Although most people have heard about breast augmentation—also commonly called a “boob job” to improve the size and shape of the breasts—not as many know about breast reconstruction. As the two procedures’ names are similar sounding and they’re both used to enhance the breasts, it might be easy to get them mixed up, but these two surgeries are completely different. Of course, a diagnosis of breast cancer can be a lot to cope with, often leading to a whirlwind of emotions such as depression, anxiety, uncertainty, and body image issues. Breast reconstruction, which the St. Louis-based West County Plastic Surgeons of Washington University provides, is a way of restoring the shape and appearance of the breasts in a natural-looking way. It is most frequently performed to rebuild the breasts after a patient has had surgery for breast cancer. Having this surgery after a mastectomy or lumpectomy can improve a patient’s psychological and emotional state as opposed to having breast cancer surgery on its own without reconstruction. However, patients often still feel complex emotions as they adjust to their new body shape after reconstruction.  

Patients should be aware of what recovery is like after surgery to rebuild the breasts, including the risks and side effects. After a breast reconstruction treatment, patients will typically have gauze or bandages covering their incisions. Much like breast augmentation or any other kind of major breast surgery, recovery usually lasts for several weeks, and it may take a few months before it’s safe for patients to resume all of their normal activities. In fact, it might take between one to two years for the tissues to completely heal and scars to fade. Here are some techniques the West County Plastic Surgeons team recommends for healing faster and reducing complications after having surgery to reconstruct the breasts. 

Wear Support Garments

The position and shape of the breasts will gradually improve as you heal. You need to wear the elastic bandages or special support bra provided by your surgeon to help your breasts conform to their new shape so that you optimize results and keep swelling down. 

Follow Pain Management Advice

It’s normal to experience some discomfort after major breast surgery, though your surgeons will do whatever they can to help you relieve it. Some patients try to avoid taking pain medications because they think the pain isn’t too bad or they’re worried about becoming addicted. However, it’s important that you adhere to your surgeon’s instructions for taking pain medications because they will improve how you feel and function physically, put you in a better emotional state, help to speed up your recovery, and help you avoid complications such as blood clots. Reducing your pain will help you to get daily tasks such as gentle walks done more easily. Your surgeon will prescribe certain pain medications, and following their advice will reduce the risk of dependency. 

Follow Instructions for Drain Care 

A thin tube called a surgical drain is often temporarily placed in the wound for a few days after surgery to facilitate the removal of extra fluid or blood from the incision site. Surgical drains are important for decreasing swelling and helping you to heal, but patients need to be vigilant about caring for wounds and drains. Your surgeon will teach you about caring for the surgical site and specific concerns to look out for. 

Avoid Intense Exercise 

Follow your surgeon’s instructions about exercise and protect your incision while you’re in recovery. As a general rule, patients should refrain from strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for around four to six weeks—or whenever their surgeon gives them approval to resume working out. Gentle stretching exercises may be permitted, but patients should avoid any excessive movement that could strain their incisions. 

For more advice on breast reconstruction, contact West County Plastic Surgeons of Washington University, providing different types of plastic surgery to enhance the breasts. Call them at (314) 996-8800 or submit a contact form to request an appointment if you would like to find out whether you’re eligible for this procedure.