There is no doubt that breast reconstruction is considered to be a major plastic surgery procedure. Even though the risk of adverse effects post surgery is highly reduced if the procedure is performed by top-notch surgeons like Dr. Hisham Seify – who works in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, recovery is still a long and complicated process requiring a lot of patience.
Breast reconstruction is never just one procedure and is a succession of cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery procedures and each of these procedures comes with its own risks. Also, breast reconstruction procedures are not confined only to the breasts. Breast reconstruction procedures are used to basically reconstruct breast tissue where nothing exists and skin and muscle tissues have to be taken from other parts of the body to reconstruct the breasts. This is why breast reconstruction procedures also involve taking skin and muscle grafts form the calves, buttocks, thighs and abdominal areas.
Often times, prosthetics are used like prosthetic nipples, tissue expanders and so on. and even tattooing procedures have to be used. These add to the chances of infection and post-op complications. This is why you should choose an excellent plastic surgeon like Dr. Hisham Seify from Newport Beach, Orange County, CA if you are thinking of undergoing breast reconstruction.
Recovery for flap based breast reconstructions take longer than for implant based reconstructions, but you should expect recovery to take at least 3 to 4 weeks and at a maximum of 6 weeks. In both types of reconstructive surgery, follow up procedures are required as nipples and areolas need to be created.
Women who want reconstructive surgery should be prepared to face the risks and complications after surgery like infections, bleeding, complications due to anaesthesia and scarring. Scarring is inevitable and sometimes with implant based procedures there is a risk of rupture and deflation. Breast sensation also changes quite significantly and women should understand that after reconstructive procedures their breasts will not feel the same. Sometimes scarring can be so severe that the implant can get compressed and the whole breast turns hard and lumpy.
By choosing a good cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Hisham Seify, you can reduce all these risks. Plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery is also very expensive, but for those who have suffered from cancer and have undergone mastectomies, this is a small price to pay. Patients are often advised to undergo hilotherapy post-surgery to manage the pain and the swelling.
Women are also advised to refrain from strenuous activities like sports and sexual intercourse. Sometimes, when skin and muscle grafts are taken from areas like the abdomen, patients are advised bed rest for weeks so that the breasts as well as the areas from where the grafts were taken heal properly and infections are kept at bay. Upper body exercises and activities should also be avoided to avoid additional injuries to the area, but exercises like walking are advised for weight control
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