What should I expect after breast reconstruction surgery?

What should I expect after breast reconstruction surgery?

Steve Fallek (Plastic Surgeon & Medical Director, Face Focus Medical Spa, New York City) gives expert video advice on: How is a breast reconstruction procedure performed?; Is breast reconstruction painful?; Will I have to take time off from work after getting breast reconstruction surgery? and more...

What you should expect after breast reconstruction surgery depends on the type of procedure you're having done. If your doctor is doing an immediate reconstruction with a tissue expander, then the follow up and the initial treatment will be rather minimal. It will mostly be local wound care and wearing a bra. The doctor will need to expand the implant or expander within his office over the course of a few months. If you're having one of the other breast reconstruction procedures, such as a tram or a latissimus flap, where tissue is being brought from another part of your body, there will be more post-op care that will be involved and you'll need to discuss that with your plastic surgeon.