Breast Reconstruction Recovery Guide

Breast Reconstruction Recovery Timeline

Recovery time after your breast reconstruction varies depending on the type of reconstruction performed and your individual needs (including health, additional treatments, and other factors). However, the recovery process can generally be divided as follows:

Week One

For most breast reconstruction patients, some or all of the first week after your surgery will be spent in the hospital. If you undergo breast reconstruction with implants, your hospital stay can last between one and three days. For DIEP flap reconstruction, your stay will likely be longer, averaging about five days.

The first week after your surgery is when you will experience the most pain and discomfort. You will have swelling in the chest area and may feel tightness as well. If you underwent flap reconstruction, you will also experience pain in the abdominal area where tissue was manipulated and removed. Pain medications, nerve blockers, and muscle relaxants will help manage any discomfort.

Your mobility during the first week after breast reconstruction surgery is very limited. You will need to rest with your upper body elevated to help minimize swelling and avoid lifting anything over five pounds or lifting your arms over your head. Short, slow walks around your house several times a day are recommended to help encourage blood circulation and discourage blood clots.

You will also have surgical drains placed in your chest to drain excess fluid. Drains typically remain in for up to two weeks.

Weeks Two Through Four

By week two of breast reconstruction recovery, pain and swelling will start to diminish, drains will be removed, and your incisions are well on their way to healing. You will likely still be required to wear a compression or surgical bra, but you’ll be used to that by now.

Many patients feel well enough to return to work within two to three weeks, depending on the intensity of their job; however, you should be cleared by your surgeon before doing so. You will be able to get back to your regular household routine with a few restrictions, including not lifting heavy objects and listening to your body to ensure you’re not overdoing it.

Engaging in light exercise (like walking) is encouraged, but you will still need to refrain from strenuous exercise and anything that involves the engagement of your chest muscles.

You will also continue attending regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon to ensure you are healing properly.

Weeks Five Through Eight

By this point in your recovery, the majority of your post-surgery swelling will have dissipated, and you’ll start to get a better idea of your final results. You may have some residual feelings of tightness in your chest, but you will also regain more and more range of motion.

If you haven’t yet returned to work, you will likely be able to at this point in your breast reconstruction recovery. You may also be able to slowly increase the amount and intensity of your exercise with your surgeon’s approval.

Month Three and Beyond

By the time you reach month three in your breast reconstruction recovery journey, you will be well on your way to getting back to all of your activities and routines. You will also be getting more and more comfortable with your new breasts each day as they settle into place.

You may experience a small amount of residual swelling here and there, but this is normal and can last up to a year. Your incisions will be fully healed, and you can treat the scars with silicone scar strips, gels, or creams to minimize their visibility.