It is very important that you follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully after breast reconstruction surgery to promote proper healing and to get the best possible results. Patients should rest for the first few days after surgery and then slowly increase light activity as tolerated. Take any prescribed medications as directed to help manage discomfort and reduce the risk of infection.
If you have surgical dressings, compression garments or drains, take care of them as directed by your surgeon. Do not lift heavy things, exercise strenuously, or do anything that puts pressure on your chest until you are cleared by your doctor. Sleeping on your back with your upper body slightly elevated is the best position to minimize swelling and increase comfort during the recovery period.
A healthy diet, proper hydration, avoiding smoking, following all instructions for recovery can make the healing process smoother. Every patient recovers differently, but patience and good post-operative care are essential to achieving the best long-lasting results for breast reconstruction.
Breast Reconstruction In Dubai
Breast Reconstruction in Dubai is a highly specialized surgical procedure to restore the shape, appearance and symmetry of the breast after mastectomy, lumpectomy, trauma or a congenital breast condition. For many women, breast reconstruction is an important part of the physical and emotional recovery process and helps them regain confidence and improve their overall quality of life. Depending on the needs of the patient and her medical history, reconstruction can be done with breast implants, tissue expanders or the patient’s own tissue using advanced flap reconstruction techniques. Post-operative instructions after breast reconstruction surgery are important to follow to ensure proper healing and best results. During the first stage of recovery, patients are usually advised to restrict their physical activity, avoid lifting heavy objects and to keep all scheduled follow-up appointments. Using prescribed support garments and monitoring surgical sites closely can aid in reducing swelling and promoting healing. It is important to take medication as directed and report any unusual symptoms such as excessive swelling, redness, fever or discomfort immediately. By carefully following post-operative instructions, patients can support long-term surgical success and enjoy natural-looking breast contours that contribute to renewed confidence and emotional well-being.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT TODAY
Post-Operative Instructions for Breast Reconstruction
Nutrition After Breast Reconstruction
- Diet: Light low-fat diet is best after surgery. If you are not nauseated or vomiting, you may start a regular diet the day after surgery. Begin with liquids for the first few hours after surgery, then slowly advance to more solid foods.
- Hydration: Drink 7 -9 glasses of water a day to remain hydrated. Do not drink alcohol for 2 days while taking pain medications.
Night Of Breast Reconstruction Surgery
- Movement is Important: Be sure to get up and move around right after surgery. “If you’re lying in bed or on the couch, you should be moving your legs and ankles. Take deep and frequent breaths to keep the lungs clear.
- Sleep: Sleep on your back with your head elevated 40-50 degrees (1-2 pillows). Don’t sleep on your side. The more erect you keep your body, the less swelling you’ll have. Further this for not less than two weeks.
Medications After Breast Reconstruction
- Pain: You will be given a prescription for a pain medication for post-operative pain control. If you are not in severe discomfort after the surgery you are welcome to take Tylenol instead of the prescribed medication. Many times the pain medication you are prescribed will have Tylenol in it. Do not take Tylenol with the pain medication. Do not take more than 5,000 mg of Tylenol in 1 day. Take medication with food to help reduce nausea.
- Nausea: Feeling sick to your stomach after general anesthesia is common and is a side effect of some of the stronger pain medications. If you are feeling nauseated we recommend that you take your nausea medication.
- Constipation: You will have constipation if you are taking narcotic pain relievers. Suggestions are MiraLAX or other over the counter laxatives. Don’t wait till you’re constipated.
- Medications to Avoid: Take only medications approved or prescribed by your surgeon.
Activity After Breast Reconstruction
- Sleep: Sleep on your back with your head raised 40-50 degrees (1-2 pillows). Sleep on your side. Keeping more upright will help reduce swelling. Do this for a week.
- Exercise: You can return to your normal daily activity a few days after surgery. 1-1.5 weeks after surgery, exercise can be resumed. Be sure to ease back into it and work your way back to your previous level of exercise. Just know that exercise can temporarily make swelling worse.
- Arm Movement: Limit use of your arm to activities of daily living such as brushing your teeth, eating and combing/shampooing your hair. Limit activity and do not lift more than 4 lbs. Let the pain be your limit. If it hurts, please don’t do it.
- Compression bra: You will be fitted with a special bra that you will need to wear the first week after surgery and as recommended by your surgeon. The bra should be snug, but not too tight. The surgical bra is to support you while you are healing from surgery.
- Driving: DO NOT drive or make important decisions until you are off pain medications for 1 day. Use your best judgment.
- Return to work: Most patients will be out of work for approximately 4-6 days depending on the responsibilities of their job. Getting back to work on a light schedule at first or even part time can be helpful too.
- Sexual Intercourse: You can resume sexual activity whenever you feel ready, without restrictions. Incisions should be well healed. Most patients will feel ready after a month.
- Showering: You may shower with assistance the day after surgery. Take off your clothes. The incisions are covered with a waterproof dressing and require no care. Change clothes after your shower.
How To Take Care Of Your Incisions After Breast Reconstruction
- Incisions: Your incisions are covered with a waterproof dressing. There are no dressing changes or incision care. Your first postop visit will be used to remove the dressing and apply tape. This special brown tape helps heal scars and improve the appearance. Keep the brown tape on the places where you had incisions for the time your surgeon tells you.
- Drains: Empty bulbs attached to the drain every 14 hours and record the fluid output separately from each drain. Take note of the output and carry this record to the office at each post-operative care visit.
- Stitches: All stitches are absorbable.
- Scar ointment: Scars are minimal and hidden in the breast fold. It can take them a year to heal completely. Once your incisions are completely healed and your doctor has given you the okay, you can start applying a silicon-based ointment to your scars to help them heal.
What To Expect After Breast Reconstruction
- Bruising: Bruising will happen. Most bruises will heal up in 2-2.5 weeks. When the bruise starts to resolve it will change from a purple color to a yellow/green color.
- Swelling: Swelling can last for weeks, and sometimes even months. Intermittent rest and compression garments may help with swelling. Exercise and physical activity may temporarily aggravate swelling, but are encouraged.
- Itching: A little itching at the incision sites for a few days is normal. You can take Benadryl to help with this.
- Changes in the color of your urine: If you had a sentinel lymph node biopsy at the same time as your mastectomy, your urine may be green-colored. This is normal and will resolve as the blue dye is gradually cleared from your body.
- Pain: It is normal to have tightness, pressure, soreness, itchiness and fatigue for days to weeks after surgery as your skin and muscles heal. You might find that a short nap helps with fatigue.
- Implant Position: If you had implants used in your reconstruction, they may appear higher in position, firm and uneven due to swelling during the healing process. With the implants you should see a more final result with the swelling greatly reduced after 4-5 months.
Do Not’s After Breast Reconstruction
- DO NOT use hydrogen peroxide on incision sites. Leave postop dressings on until follow-up.
- DO NOT soak in baths, jacuzzies or hot tubs until all incisions are fully healed.
- DO NOT take Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen or any other blood thinners until your surgeon says it is okay.
- DO NOT apply heating pads or ice packs to treatment areas unless directed by your surgeon.
Emergency Situations After Breast Reconstruction
When To Call The Office Or Go To The Hospital
- Signs of Infection: Spreading redness, swelling, increased drainage or drainage of pus, increased pain, warmth at incision site, temperature >102°F.
- Excessive Bleeding: If the dressings are soaked with bright red blood and you are having to change dressings very often.
- Clogged Drains: If you see a lot of leakage around the drains, this is not normal and the drains might be clogged. We have to check your drains.
- Other Emergency Situation: Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, chest pain, lightheadedness that does not go away quickly, severe vomiting, pain or asymmetric swelling in your legs
MEET THE EXPERT DOCTOR
Best Plastic Surgeon In Dubai For Breast Reconstruction
Best Plastic Surgeon in Dubai for breast reconstruction is a complex procedure that requires a high level of expertise in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Dr. Perfect Celebrity is a highly qualified surgeon who knows how to restore breast shape and symmetry, but also how to create results that complement the patient’s body, while prioritizing safety and long-term outcomes. Perfect Doctors Clinic also offers detailed post-operative instructions so patients can navigate their recovery successfully. These instructions may include recommendations for activity restrictions, wound care, sleeping positions, support garments, and follow-up visits. These guidelines must be strictly followed and are a large factor in minimizing complications and encouraging optimal healing. A good surgeon is known to communicate clearly, provide compassionate care, and develop individualized treatment plans at every step of the process. With advances in reconstructive techniques, surgeons can now achieve results that look more and more natural and improve patient comfort and confidence at the same time. A good plastic surgeon can help patients approach the journey of breast reconstruction with confidence that their care is focused on restoring not only physical appearance but emotional well-being as well.