How long does pain last after breast reconstruction?

Right after the surgery, you will probably feel weak, and you may feel pain for 2 to 3 weeks. You may have a pulling or stretching feeling in your breast area. You can expect to feel better and stronger each day, although you may need pain medicine for a week or two.

Is it necessary to wear a bra after breast reconstruction?

Wearing a bra after you have recovered from reconstruction is largely a matter of personal preference. However, many patients choose to do so in order to support their new breasts and potentially reduce future sagging. It also tends to be more comfortable than going braless.

How long is recovery after mastectomy and reconstruction?

Average recovery time after mastectomy and reconstruction is about 3-4 weeks, but may be up to 6-8 weeks. During that time, there may be restrictions against driving and activities that involve lifting or raising the arms up over the head.

How long do you have to wear a compression bra after breast reconstruction?

After breast augmentation, the surgeon will supply or prescribe the right bra, complete with guidance for how long you have to wear it. Most patients wear their medical compression garments for one to two weeks, day and night, at which time they will switch to a comfortable sports bra.

How long does it take for nerves to heal after breast surgery?

Most loss of feeling will resolve in 2 to 3 months, however, some areas – such as the nipples and the area directly around the scar line – can take up to 2 years to resolve. The last place to regain the sensation will be directly adjacent to the incision, as the nerves make their way from the periphery to the scarline.

How long does nerve pain last after breast surgery?

Reports indicate that 40 to 60 percent of patients who undergo mastectomy suffer from chronic pain — pain lasting longer than three months.

What happens if you don’t wear a bra after breast augmentation?

Without a bra, you are at risk of your implants shifting down or sliding to the side – this is known as breast implant dislocation. You should wear a compression bra for at least the first month after your surgery but it can take up to eight weeks before your implants settle into their final size and shape.

What kind of bra should I wear after breast reconstruction?

Wearing a soft, front-closing sports bra is a better option after breast reconstruction. Do not use an underwire bra for many months after reconstruction, and remove the underwire from any bras you wear during this time.

How long does pain last after mastectomy and reconstruction?

Your 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.

How painful is a mastectomy and reconstruction?

Recovering from a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery at once may be more uncomfortable in the short-term. But in the long-term, it may be less stressful and painful than multiple surgeries.

How long after breast reduction surgery can I sleep without a bra?

It is critical that patients wear their supportive unwired medical bra at all times for the first 1 – 2 weeks after breast lift surgery. At this point, you may be able to sleep without a bra, though most patients find it more comfortable to continue wearing an unwired bra around the clock for several more weeks.

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.

When should you have breast reconstruction?

Some surgeons advise patients to wait until after radiation and chemotherapy are finished before having reconstruction. This means reconstruction might be done 6 to 12 months after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Reconstruction also can be done years later if desired.

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.