How long does reconstructive breast surgery take?

How Long Does Breast Reconstruction Surgery Take? Preparation for the procedure, including anesthesia, may take 2 hours. The reconstruction will take 1 to 6 hours. After the surgery, you’ll spend about 2 to 3 hours in recovery before being transferred to a hospital room.

How many hours is mastectomy surgery?

A mastectomy without reconstruction usually takes one to three hours. The surgery is often done as an outpatient procedure, and most people go home on the same day of the operation.

How long do you stay in hospital after a mastectomy and reconstruction?

You’ll then be admitted to a hospital room. Hospital stays for mastectomy average 3 days or less. If you have a mastectomy and reconstruction at the same time, you may be in the hospital a little longer.

Can breast reconstruction be done years after mastectomy?

Breast reconstruction also can be done many months or even years after mastectomy or lumpectomy. During reconstruction, a plastic surgeon creates a breast shape using an artificial implant (implant reconstruction), a flap of tissue from another place on your body (autologous reconstruction), or both.

How painful is mastectomy recovery?

Right after the surgery, you will probably feel weak, and you may feel sore for 2 to 3 days. You may feel pulling or stretching near or under your arm. You may also have itching, tingling, and throbbing in the area. This will get better in a few days.

What is the fastest way to recover from a mastectomy?

Rest: Rest and relax as much as possible. A double mastectomy is a major surgical procedure, and adequate rest gives the body time to heal. Ask for help: Ask friends and family to help with housework, meal preparation, and childcare. Avoid doing strenuous work or taking on too much.

When can you raise your arms after mastectomy?

You can start arm rehabilitation exercises 3 or 4 days after surgery. Once the drains are removed, you can start stretching your chest, shoulders, and arms. It’s also a good idea to walk regularly as you recover.

Can you get fake breasts after a mastectomy?

Many women who have a mastectomy—surgery to remove an entire breast to treat or prevent breast cancer—have the option of having the shape of the removed breast rebuilt. Women who choose to have their breasts rebuilt have several options for how it can be done. Breasts can be rebuilt using implants (saline or silicone).

Is there any breast tissue left after a mastectomy?

Conclusions: After a mastectomy, there is a high probability of residual breast tissue. This tissue is predominantly located in the middle circle of the superficial dissection plane and in the lower outer quadrant.

How can I sleep comfortably after a mastectomy?

Our board-certified plastic surgeons advise breast reconstruction patients to sleep on their backs for the first two weeks after surgery. Many women choose to sleep in a recliner during this time. A recliner will support your upper body and help you maintain the ideal sleeping position.

How long does it take to heal after breast reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction surgery may take around 6 to 8 weeks of time for complete recovery and get back to normal life. Some may take a lesser amount of time.

What to expect after breast reconstruction?

If implants are used without flaps, your recovery time may be shorter. Some things to keep in mind: Reconstruction does not restore normal feeling to your breast, but some feeling may return over a period of years. It may take up to about 8 weeks for bruising and swelling to go away.

What are the stages of breast reconstruction?

Stages of reconstruction can include the initial mastectomy with lymph node dissection and radiation, followed later by breast mound reconstruction either by silicone implant, tissue expander, or flap reconstruction of autologous tissue followed by nipple and areolar reconstruction by skin grafts or flaps.

What happens after breast cancer surgery?

The area may be black and blue right after breast cancer surgery. This will go away in a few days. You might be numb, uncomfortable, or have tingling on the inner part of your upper arm or in your armpit. This is normal. A warm shower feels nice, but wait at least a week after surgery.