What is the Recovery Time for Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

The recovery time for breast reconstruction surgery depends on many factors. The procedure is usually performed after the removal of a breast because of cancer (mastectomy). The kind of mastectomy would vary with the stage of the disease, size of the breast, whether or not the lymph nodes are involved, and the size of the tumor. Reconstruction may also be done to improve the size or shape of the breasts following medical conditions that have caused the loss of breast tissue.

DIEP Flap Procedure for a Warm, Natural and Soft Breast

DIEP flap reconstruction is the most advanced development in breast reconstruction surgery. This procedure utilizes the fat and skin of the patient’s own abdomen to create a warm, soft and natural looking breast. The abdominal muscles are preserved. DIEP breast surgery is different from other reconstruction procedures because the tissue utilized to create the breast is fully removed from the original supply source of blood and is connected again to a fresh supply source that is located in a region of the breast. The procedure has several benefits including:

• Does not require any foreign materials to go through your body
• Abdominal strength is maintained for the long-term

Recovery is Patient-specific

As is the case with other kinds of cosmetic or plastic surgery, recovery from the DIEP breast reconstruction surgery would depend on the patient. Recovery usually takes about six weeks, when the patient is able to resume her regular routine. However, some women can get back to their jobs within three weeks following the surgery, while others may need up to three months to get back. Most patients are able to stand erect after 10 to 14 days - just like those who have undergone a tummy tuck. By the sixth week, patients can resume driving a vehicle.

DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap patients have a shorter recovery time than that of TRAM flap patients, though both procedures are basically the same. The TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous) flap procedure involves the creation of a breast from the fatty tissue that is connected to the abdominal muscle, and the lower abdominal skin. In the DIEP flap procedure, only skin fat and blood vessels are removed, not muscle. This ensures the patient an easier, quicker recovery, and less post-operative pain and complications than with the TRAM flap procedure. DIEP flap patients also experience less abdominal weakness compared to TRAM flap recipients.

It can thus be concluded that the recovery time from breast reconstruction surgery is about one and a half months. However, the recovery period can be less or more depending on the particular patient. Following your surgeon’s instructions will promote speedy healing.