Recovery

Q: How much pain will I be in after surgery?

A: Following breast reconstruction, patients vary a great deal in their perception of pain. Generally speaking, the more fearful or anxious a patient is, the more she will perceive pain in comparison to patients who are less anxious. Regardless of their pain threshold, patients typically require pain medication for two to three days after surgery. During that period of time, the amount of pain medication is varied depending upon the specific needs of the patient.

Q: Will the movement of my arm be restricted after surgery?

A: For one week after surgery, the patient is asked to keep her arm to her side to protect the incision on the reconstructed breast. Following the first week, the patient is instructed to slowly move her arm and shoulder in a progressive fashion. Patients should have a complete range of motion after their surgery.

Q: When can I resume exercise?

A: Patients can start exercising one month after surgery.

Q: How soon can I fly on a plane or travel or take a vacation?

A: Patients can typically fly on an airplane or travel one month after their surgery.

Q: Will I ever be able to play golf or tennis again?

A: Patients should not be restricted in their ability to play golf or tennis... any more than before their surgery.

Q: Can I drive myself home? If not, when can I drive?

A: As a rule, patients should not drive themselves home after any surgical procedure. Most patients will be able to drive a car two weeks after their surgery.

Q: How long will I need someone at home to help me?

A: It is our recommendation that patients be helped at home for a two-week period of time. For mothers with small children, a one-month period is recommended.

Q: Will I need physical therapy?

A: Most patients will not require physical therapy to improve the movement of their upper arm. Patients are instructed on self exercises during their recuperation period at home.

Q: Can I lift objects? If not, for how long?

A: Patients are restricted from lifting heavy objects for one month after surgery. After that period of time, there is no restriction.

Q: Will I wear a special bra?

A: Patients will be provided with a soft supportive bra after surgery that they will wear for one month. After the first month, patients can wear the bra of their own choosing. The bra can have an underwire support if they desire.

Q: When do the stitches come out or do they dissolve on their own?

A: Patients will have a few skin sutures removed one week after their surgery. The rest of the sutures are under the skin and will dissolve on their own.

Q: How long will I be swollen?

A: Most patients will be swollen for one month after surgery.

Q: Will I bruise a lot?

A: Every patient varies as to the amount of bruising they will have after surgery. Bruising can be reduced significantly by avoiding aspirin and ibuprofen because they act as blood thinners which will result in more bruising with surgery.

Q: When can I return to work?

A: Most patients will return to work within six weeks after surgery.

Q: How long will it take to heal?

A: There is an initial healing period of one month in which the incision and the tissues under the incision are healing. After this initial period, the tissues will soften and the amount of scarring will diminish. This softening or scar maturation period will take between six and twelve months before the permanent result has been reached.

Q: I take vitamins and herbs; can I continue taking them?

A: Patients who take moderate amounts of herbs and vitamins should not be adversely affected. Patients who take excessive amounts of vitamin C and vitamin E may bleed excessively as these vitamins thin the blood in higher concentrations.

Q: Should I apply any special cream (like vitamin E) for better healing?

A: It is doubtful that any crème will significantly alter the surgical scar. It should be mentioned that nearly all scars will improve with time, regardless of any crème that is applied.