Breast Reconstruction

Post-Operative Instructions

1. If you experience discomfort, cover your skin with a small wash cloth, then place a very light ice bag (a baggie half-filled with ice chips, for instance) on any sore area, ten minutes on and ten minutes off. THIS IS FOR IMPLANTS OR EXPANDERS ONLY not flap reconstruction!
    
2. If you are uncomfortable with a snug dressing, your assistant can loosen it by cutting it halfway down the back. If you are wearing a tight-fitting bra, it can be loosened or unbuttoned while you are lying down and rebuttoned when you get up.
    
3. Be sure that you have assistance getting out of bed the first day. Here is a simple method:
   Roll partially toward your side of the bed. Bring your legs up towards your waist and let them slide off the side of the bed. Have someone push you up at the center of your back or gently help yourself up with your hands and arms up to your elbows, but limit the tension and movement on your armpit and shoulders. With feet on the floor, sift weight to feet and balance body weight to stand erect.
    
4. It is not unusual for your breasts to look swollen and "high" for a few weeks until the swelling resolves.
    
5. In the case of lesser reconstruction where the nipple is left numbness or extreme sensitivity of the skin or nipple can occur. These will usually disappear anywhere from a few days to as long as a few months after surgery.
    
6. For five to seven days, your arms may be moved "in slow motion" to the point of discomfort - then stop. Do not rapidly reach or stretch.
    
7. The following conditions should be reported to our office immediately:
   1. Dressings that feel much too tight.
   2. One breast much more swollen or painful than the other.
       
8. A light bra should be worn during the day for comfort. If wearing a bra is uncomfortable, then delete it until you are able to comfortably wear one. Do not use bras with metal stays for six weeks.
    
9. If your breasts sit high you should go without a bra until they settle (2-4 weeks).
    
10. If implants were used in the reconstruction process they will require regular massaging. You will be given an instruction form.
     
11. You will experience some numbness after surgery. That is associated with all breast cancer surgery This is due to the removal of Breast tissue.
     

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