Tag Archives: Breast Reconstruction Recovery

Breast Reconstruction Recovery Newport Beach | Orange CountyBreast reconstruction is a complex plastic surgery procedure that may involve breast implants as well as fat transfer to restore the breasts. As with other cosmetic surgery procedures, the recovery in case of breast reconstruction may vary from one patient to another, depending on several factors. An experienced cosmetic surgeon will discuss various aspects of the procedure, including the recovery process, at the time of initial consultation. Dr. Hisham Seify is a board certified plastic surgeon providing breast reconstruction to patients in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and nearby locations.

Recovery Process

Breast reconstruction may involve surgical insertion of breast implants along with a flap procedure. This will make the recovery relatively longer compared to a case where flaps are not used. The patient will experience soreness in the treated areas for about a week after the plastic surgery. This period may be longer in case of flap procedures. The surgeon will prescribe pain medications to keep the patient comfortable in the first few days. Breast reconstruction may be performed as an outpatient procedure, but this will depend on the type and extent of surgery performed. In some cases, the cosmetic surgeon may require the patient to stay overnight at the hospital facility. At the time of discharge, the surgeon may place one or more drains beneath the skin to remove excess blood and fluid from the treated areas while the healing process goes on. As an experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Seify makes sure that every patient receives clear instructions on wound and drain care. He will also advise regarding the specific support garments that should be worn during the recovery period. Patients in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and other areas have an opportunity to consult with Dr. Seify for breast reconstruction.

Things to Remember

The patient should keep in the mind the following key issues during the recovery period:
  • Breast reconstruction may not restore the normal or natural feeling and sensitivity of the breast. However, over a period of time, the sensation may improve.
  • Bruising and swelling will disappear in about two months.
  • Full healing of the tissue and the fading of scars may take several months.
  • The surgeon will advise the patient on what type of bra to wear after the procedure. In case of discomfort with the bra, the patient should consult the surgeon again.
  • The patient should follow the surgeon’s advice on when to resume regular activities and stretching exercises. The instructions may be different for different patients because of the varying types of reconstruction.
  • Vigorous sports activities, overhead lifting, and other activities that put strain on the treated areas should be avoided for about four to six weeks.
  • Emotional adjustment is an important part of recovery in case of breast reconstruction. The patient should enlist the emotional support of family and friends to go through the process.
The patient should get in touch with the surgeon immediately if she notices any abnormal signs such as excessive swelling, acute pain, lumps, or fluid discharge from the breast. See more procedures and treatments by plastic surgeon Dr. Hisham Seify in Newport Beach | Orange County Click here to schedule a consultation or call 949-251-1502
Breast Reconstruction RecoveryThere 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. Watch the Videos

Why breast reconstruction can be risky

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.

Breast reconstruction recovery

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 See more procedures and treatments by plastic surgeon Dr. Hisham Seify in Newport Beach | Orange County
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