What to Expect after Surgery
Following your breast reconstruction in Orange County, California, a tight dressing of foam tape will be put on to help minimize swelling and to provide support and protection to your reconstructed breast. A small, thin drainage tube will be placed under the skin in your chest area to drain fluid and/or blood from the site of the operation. This drain will stay in place for at least 7 days and possibly up until 2 weeks depending on the amount of drainage. You will be instructed not to shower and to continue on your post-operative antibiotics until the drain is removed.
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You will also be discharged from the hospital with a "pain pump." The pain pump is used to help ease post-operative discomfort and to reduce the need for narcotics. This pain pump will be removed during your first post-operative visit to our Irvine breast surgery office. You will be instructed on how to use your pain pump and it is important to remember that it does not take the place of narcotics. It is mainly to take the edge off of your discomfort.
You will return to our office within 2 to 3 days after your discharge. We will be removing all of your dressings, your pain pump and put you into a post-surgical bra. At that time we will review all of your post-operative instructions. Following Dr. Smith's instructions is key to your surgical success.
Getting Back on Track
Healing will continue for several weeks to a few months. During this time you may periodically experience burning sensations, numbness, aching, and sharp pains throughout your surgical area. Most of this is due to the normal healing process. However, if you develop any unusual redness, a temperature and flu-like symptoms, you will be instructed to call our office immediately. These can be a signs of an infection.
It is important that your surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive stretching or movement during healing. Specific instructions will be given as you are monitored during your post-operative visits. Typically, you may return to your normal, daily activities after 4 to 6 weeks. More information about what to expect after surgery can be found on our breast reconstruction FAQs page.
For women who are having reconstruction using the tissue expansion method, we will begin gradual expansion of your tissue expander within 2 to 3 weeks after surgery and can schedule regular weekly appointments if that works best for you. After expansion is completed, you will need to wait a minimum of 2 months before the next stage of your breast reconstruction in Orange County can be performed. If you are having chemotherapy, you can still have your expanders filled but you will have to wait a minimum of a month after chemotherapy ends before you are able to continue your next stage of reconstruction. Chemotherapy typically lasts 4 to 6 months.
Our Care for You
Your health will be monitored carefully throughout your recovery to assist you in planning for additional reconstructive procedures in a timely and safe manner. To learn more about your surgical options and what to expect after your procedure, request a consultation online or call our office at 949.653.7000 and a staff member will be happy to assist you.
